Social Studies

Social Studies 10

Who were the people who came to Canada? Why would anyone come to a country that was virtually wilderness? Where would you choose to live in Canada? Why? Who made the decisions to split the country into regions? If you were able to travel back in time to Confederation, what advice might you give the ‘citizens’ of Canada? Is western Canada still only a resource-based economy? Canadian history and Canadian geography are the key units in this course. Eastern Canadian history from the War of 1812 to Confederation; Western Canadian history from the fur trade to immigrant settlement of the Plains, and British Columbia history from Contact to Confederation. The Geography units examine Canada’s economic regions and trade patterns.

20th Century
History 12

There has never been a more important time in History.  This course will allow you to study, analyse, and form opinions on current events and the last 100 years of world history.

Social Justice & Genocide Studies 12

This course takes a look at our world and history through the lens of human rights. Social justice issues are interconnected and complex.  Our own backgrounds, biases and beliefs about what is fair or equal for many issues are determined by a personal set of values, and ethics.  Social Justice and Inhumanity will examine privilege and power issues that set the stage for economic, political, social and cultural injustice and/or genocide. Past and present injustices in Canada and the world will be part of an inquiry for students. 

Comparative Cultures & Religions 12

Have you dreamed of visiting the great places in history, where generations of people shaped the great civilizations with religion, art, architecture, philosophy, technology, music and adventure over the past 2500 years? Are you interested in experiencing this study in new and sometimes hands-on way? Are you Interested in visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery, or sitting in on a symphony performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra? Are you interested in learning this in a demanding and intellectually challenging course, but one that leads us to a deeper, more sophisticated understanding, not only of our world but ultimately of ourselves? Come span 2500 years from the birth of the great civilizations of the past right to our world of today! Come to Comparative Cultures and Religions!

Human Geography 12

How do language, religion, and landscape affect the physical environment? How do geography, weather, and location affect customs and lifestyle? Students will explore the diverse ways in which people affect the world around them and how they are affected by their surroundings.  Students will discover how ideas spread and cultures form, while learning how beliefs and architecture are part of a larger cultural complex. In addition to introducing students to the fields of Human Geography, this course will teach students how to analyse humans and their environment.  At any time a student may choose an aspect from this course to satisfy the Capstone requirements. 

Law Studies 12

What are your rights as a Canadian citizen?  Why do some people seem to receive lighter/heavier sentences in our criminal justice system?   Learn the facts about the different aspects of law and analyze multi-faceted aspects of cases.  Also, students will get opportunities to debate issues and participate in mini and mock trials, using actual Canadian legal cases.  Society, cultures and community attitudes may influence and sometimes be in conflict with our laws.  The law is always a reflection of the values of our society.  Decriminalization of marijuana is a perfect example of laws changing to reflect the values and beliefs of the current society.  As a Canadian citizen, it is crucial that you understand the basics of the laws in our country.  Come join us.  

At Issue 10

Social Studies 10/ English 10/ Independent Directed Study 10 (2 blocks,12 credits)

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it."

With its focus on historical and contemporary social, cultural, political, legal, economic, and environmental issues, this literary study will prepare students for their future lives as Global citizens and members of the International community.   This course will combine Social Studies 10 and English 10, along with the opportunity to engage in an independent directed study based on the course curriculum all in the same semester.  The Social Studies 10 portion of the course will cover a vast amount of information, and the skills students will learn through English 10 will not only prepare them for the Provincial Assessment, but also how to analyze information, concisely convey ideas, and communicate effectively.  

At Issue 12

History 12/English 12/Independent Directed Study 12 (2 blocks,12 credits)

With its focus on historical and contemporary social, cultural, political, legal, economic, and environmental issues, this literary study will prepare students for their future lives as Global citizens and members of the International community.   This course will combine History 12 and English 12, along with the opportunity to engage in an independent directed study based off of the course curriculum all in the same semester.  The History 12 portion of the course will cover a vast amount of information, and the skills students will learn through English 12 will not only prepare them for the Provincial Assessment, but also how to analyze information, concisely convey ideas, and communicate effectively. 

Middle Earth 12

(only offered through Outdoor Adventures Program)

English 11 OR Literature 12 Credit.

Focus on broad Humanities outcomes with key literary examples drawn from Tolkien's Middle Earth, local writers and environments, and other Sci-Fi fiction. Our topics include: Folklore and Mythology, Medievalism, Technology,  Origin of Languages, Invented Architecture, Fantasy Maps, Mythical Beasts,  Fan Fiction, Cultural Anthropology, Cuisine, Writing for an Audience and Connections to Nature (e.g. Herbology), and the History Behind Famous Tales. Examples will be taken from diverse sources (e.g. Norse, Greek, First Nations, Chinese, etc.) and will include both the real world and imagined worlds (from literature, film, and games). Student choice for major assignments, no provincial or school exam, more project-based. Designed for students who read well, or can synthesize ideas across many subject areas.

Philosophy 12

Does God exist? How about free will or souls? What is consciousness? Is war ever justified? How about abortion, euthanasia, or torture? What is a just society? In any given situation, how do you determine: what is the right thing to do? How do you know what you know? In this course you will cultivate and refine your critical thinking skills by considering fundamental questions such as these. While the questions hopefully pique your intellectual curiosity, the emphasis is not necessarily on the answers, but on the process of rigorously addressing the possibilities. 

"If you would be a real seeker after truth, you must at least once in your life doubt, as far as possible, all things." ~Rene Descartes