SOCIAL STUDIES 8

Students in Social Studies 8 will develop an understanding of diverse cultures and civilizations in Europe and North America from the 7th century to 1750.  Themes of society and culture, politics and economic systems, scientific and technological innovations, philosophical and cultural shifts, and others will provide the basis of analysis for this period of time. The curriculum emphasizes “the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be active, informed citizens who can think critically, understand and explain the perspectives of others, make judgments and communicate ideas effectively” (BC Ministry of Education, 2015).

SOCIAL STUDIES 9

Students in Social Studies 9 will develop an understanding of diverse cultures and civilizations in Europe and North America from 1750 – 1919, including an examination of revolutions in England, France, and/or America. The development of Canada as a Nation-state is also examined.  Themes of society and culture, politics and law, the economy and technology, and the environment will provide the basis of analysis for this period of time. The curriculum emphasizes “the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be active, informed citizens who can think critically, understand and explain the perspectives of others, make judgments and communicate ideas effectively” (BC Ministry of Education, 2015).

TRANSITIONAL SOCIAL STUDIES 8/9

Transitional Social Studies 8/9 is a program designed for English Language Learners whose skills are at levels 1 and 2. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring academic language and understanding of the core content of the Social Studies 8/9 curriculum.

SOCIAL STUDIES LANGUAGE ADAPTED 8/9 & 10

Social Studies Language Adapted courses are designed for English Language Learners whose skills are at levels 3 and 4. The goal of the courses is to develop the students’ English language skills, while concurrently developing the critical thinking skills they will need to progress in Social Studies courses.  The regular Social Studies curriculum is used to design units of study for these courses, while cooperative group work, research, writing skills, and public speaking are developed through the learning activities.

SOCIAL STUDIES 10

Students in Social Studies 10 focus on Canada in the 20th century, including economic and political ideologies and institutions that shaped the century.  Students will develop an understanding of Canadian identities, Canada’s steps towards autonomy, and the structure and function of Canadian government.  Students will examine, in depth, international and domestic conflict and cooperation in the 20th century.  Instances of oppression, historical wrongs, and injustices at home and abroad are also addressed.  The curriculum emphasizes “the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be active, informed citizens who can think critically, understand and explain the perspectives of others, make judgments and communicate ideas effectively” (BC Ministry of Education, 2015).

SOCIAL STUDIES 10 PRE-DIPLOMA

Social Studies 10 PDP is a course designed for pre-IB students. Students should have previously demonstrated in Social Studies 9 both excellent study skills and strong English skills and have a strong interest in following the IB Diploma programme in both grade 11 and 12. In Year Two of the Diploma programme, students will take either or both IB History 12 and/or IB Geography 12. Successful completion of these courses often leads to credit in first year university courses.

EXPLORATION IN SOCIAL STUDIES 11

Students in this course will practice the curricular competencies in social studies with content to be determined by the teacher.  This subject can include content from a variety of social studies disciplines and will be shaped by the teacher and students in the class.  This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

20TH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 12

20th Century World History will focus on a number of historical topics. These will include: the World of 1919, Promise and Collapse: 1919 to 1933, Turmoil and Tragedy: 1933 to 1945, Transformation and Tension: 1945 to 1963, Progress and Uncertainty: 1963 to 1991, and the lead up to current events. Activities will include unit tests, study questions, and one or more inquiry projects on specific historical subjects. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

BC FIRST PEOPLES 12

This course will examine the relationships between indigenous peoples and mainstream society. Students will have an opportunity to explore identities and worldviews of indigenous peoples, factors that sustain and challenge the identities and worldviews of indigenous peoples, responses to inequities in the relationships of indigenous peoples with governments in Canada and around the world, and restoring balance through truth, healing, and reconciliation. This course will take a close look at the history and culture of our local Coast Salish – Squamish Nation. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

ECONOMIC THEORY 12

Economic Theory 12 is focused on economic theories and the history of economic thought. In this course you will learn about the philosophical and historical development and application of economic theory. The goal of this course is to help enhance your understanding of our complex economic world, understand the history of economic theory and philosophical development, and develop your thoughts logically. This course meets the Socials Studies 11/12 graduation requirement. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

GENOCIDE STUDIES 12

Students in Genocide Studies will develop an understanding of the origin and development of the term “genocide” through an examination of the history, scope, and defining characteristics of genocide.  Students will explore the political, economic, and social conditions that have led to genocides around the world.  Students will engage with genocide recognition and examine the development and enforcement of international genocide law. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 12

Human Geography provides students with an opportunity to investigate the location of people and activities throughout the world and seek to understand the reasons for their distribution. In this course students will examine a number of subject areas, including globalization, culture and identity, political geography, urban geography, agricultural geography, industrial geography, development, inequality, and human impacts on the natural environment. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

LAW STUDIES 12

Law 12 is designed to make students aware of their legal rights and responsibilities in Canada. Through a combination of classroom discussion, case studies, mock trials, court visitations, guest speakers, and lectures, students will gain an appreciation for the significant role that law plays in our society. Topics will include the development of Canadian law, court structures and processes, civil rights, human rights, criminal law, police procedures, tort law, contract law, and family law. Other bodies of law may be studied as time allows. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

PHILOSOPHY 12

This course provides students with opportunities to inquire into Philosophy.  Topics may include: Who am I? Do we have free will? Does God exist? Is knowledge possible? What is justice? What is the nature of Good and Evil?  What is Beauty? What is Art? Activities will include close reading, written work, tests, and class discussion. This course introduces the central issues of philosophy, with the principal goal of fostering the capacity to think logically and critically. Students may grapple with the ideas of Plato, Descartes, Kant and Kierkegaard on issues pertaining to aesthetics, epistemology, ontology, ethics, morality and metaphysics. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 12

Physical Geography will provide students an opportunity for understanding the complex physical and biological environment in which humans live in. The distinct disciplines within the subject area of Physical Geography that will be covered in this course include: geology, geomorphology, climatology, and ecology. Students will develop an understanding of how local, regional and global environments affect them and how they can make informed decisions about the sustainability of the Earth’s resources. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

SOCIAL JUSTICE 12

Social Justice 12 is a course designed to raise students’ awareness of social injustice, enable students to analyze issues and situations from a social justice perspective and to provide students with the skills, knowledge and framework for advocating a socially just world. The curriculum is divided into three organizers: defining social justice, recognizing and analyzing social justice, and moving toward a socially just world. The course provides an opportunity in which students can critically look at the values and diversity of our community and nation. Students will also examine their own beliefs and values, as well as the origins of those beliefs. Issues and topics covered in this course, through a social justice perspective, will be age, sex, marital status, political belief, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion and faith, and mental and physical ability. The course will motivate students into thinking and acting ethically, while simultaneously empowering students to realize their capacity to effect positive change. Note: This course is open to students in both grades 11 and 12.

IB GEOGRAPHY 11 & 12 (two year course)

The geography course embodies global and international awareness. It examines key global issues, such as poverty, sustainability and climate change. It considers examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from local to regional, national and international.

The aims of the geography syllabus at SL and HL are to enable students to:

• develop an understanding of the interrelationships between people, places, spaces and the environment
• develop a concern for human welfare and the quality of the environment, and an understanding of the need for planning and sustainable management
• appreciate the relevance of geography in analyzing contemporary issues and challenges, and develop a global perspective of diversity and change.

Fee: see IB Fee schedule

This course may be taken as part of the IB Diploma or Certificate, or on its own.

IB HISTORY 11 & 12 (two year course)

This two year course covers topics related to European 20th century history such as World War One, the Russian Revolution and Stalinist era, Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, the United States as a great power, World War Two, and the Cold War. The course provides an in-depth examination of the above topics, and encourages students to develop a detailed understanding of the events, causes and effects, and relationships between these topics while developing their critical and analytical thinking abilities. Students are introduced to the study of the historical method and historiography so as to better understand history and how it is written and evaluated. Students will begin to develop a number of valuable critical thinking skills such as the evaluation and interpretation of various historical sources, the ability to conduct in-depth historical research and write argumentative essays, and the ability to understand and analyze different interpretations of the past. Graduates of IB History 12 (Higher Level) will receive credit for IB History 11 and IB History 12. Those students who are awarded a 5 or better by the International Baccalaureate Examinations Office may apply for advanced placement in History at many universities. Following successful completion of either IB History 11 or IB Geography 11 and the Internal Assessment component students will satisfy the Ministry requirement.

Fee: see IB Fee schedule

This course may be taken as part of the IB Diploma or Certificate, or on its own.

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 11 AND 12

Students should be Diploma candidates in Grade 11 or Grade 12. The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate.  It challenges students and their teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role which knowledge plays in a global society.  It encourages students to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge, and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.

Questions are the very essence of TOK, both ageless questions on which thinkers have been reflecting for centuries and new ones, often challenging to accepted belief, which are posed by contemporary life.  Teachers foster an appreciation of the quest for knowledge, in particular its importance, its complexities, and its human implications. Many universities grant a first year philosophy credit to students with a final examination mark of a B in IB Diploma.