The Social Studies Program has the following as its main objectives: to know and understand the backgrounds of Modern Civilization and the factors that have shaped and continue to shape Canada and Canadians; to know and understand the roles, rights and responsibilities of an individual as a member of society; to know and understand the diverse patterns of human activity in the world; and to develop a willingness and capacity to use this new found knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking processes as a member of society.
SOCIAL STUDIES 8
Students of Social Studies 8 will be introduced to World Civilizations that provided the foundations of modern thought, and their associated social, political, economic and environmental structures that developed between the years 600 and 1750. Topics will include Feudalism in Europe and Asia, World Religions, Medieval Studies, the Renaissance and Protestant Reformation in Europe, and the Age of Navigation. In addition, there will be an examination of both pre-European contact and early colonial periods in North America. This will involve a study of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and the early explorations, settlement and colonization of Canada by Western Europeans. Basic geography skills and Canadian regional geography will also be incorporated throughout.
SOCIAL STUDIES 9
Social Studies 9 can be broadly described as a history of Western Europe and North America from 1750 to 1919. Students will be provided with the opportunity to examine political, social, economic, and technological revolutions, both in Canada and abroad. In addition, there will be a focus on the impact of imperialism and colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Students will be exposed to global demographic shifts, including patterns of migration and population growth. Central themes include nationalism and the development of modern nation-states, including both the United States' and Canada's paths to nationhood, as well as discriminatory policies, attitudes, and historical wrongs. Throughout the semester, we will also discuss local, regional, and global contemporary issues.
SOCIAL STUDIES 10
Social Studies 10 can be broadly described as a history of Canada and the world, from 1914 to the present. The overarching goal of the course is to develop thoughtful, responsible, and active citizens, who are able to make a meaningful contribution to an inclusive, democratic society. Students will be encouraged to gather the information necessary to consider multiple perspectives; they will also be required to make reasoned ethical judgements about actions in the past and present, and to determine appropriate ways to remember and respond. Students will be provided with the opportunity to examine historical and contemporary social, cultural, political, legal, economic, technical, and environmental issues. There will be a focus on the development, structure, and function of Canadian and other political institutions, including First Peoples governance. Central themes include discriminatory policies and injustices in Canada and the world, as well as international conflicts such as WWI, WWII, and the Cold War. We will examine Canadian autonomy and changing perceptions of identity in Canada. Throughout the semester, we will also discuss local, regional, and global contemporary issues.
EXPLORATIONS IN SOCIAL STUDIES 11
Like Social Studies, but don't know which one to take?! Then Explorations in Socials Studies 11 is perfect for you. The class is taught in modules, with each topic being explored over one term. As a result, students will get to learn about multiple disciplines such as Politics, Human Geography, and World Religions! This class allows for students to take ownership of their studies, with project-based learning being the core element behind both the learning and assessment of this course. Throughout the year, students will have a few opportunities to design their own lessons in groups and teach their classmates. If you like group work, flexible learning, and class discussions, this course is for you.
COMPARATIVE CULTURES 12
Comparative Cultures 12 is designed as an introduction to a variety of disciplines which are taught in the Humanities and Social Sciences in university but which generally are not covered in secondary school. If you are at all curious about art history, music history, anthropology, archaeology, sociology, religious studies, or culture in general, then this is the course for you. A major component of the course is the mechanisms of cultural change – cultures are always changing, yet cultural institutions are generally resistant to change – so what is the effect of cultural change? This course is designed to be like a first year university course – there will not be a lot of daily homework to hand in, but there will be readings to do on a regular basis, and you will be expected to learn and contribute your understandings throughout the semester! Students will also complete an independent study project of their choice on an aspect of comparing cultures. This course is available to students in Grades 11 and 12 and meets the requirement for a Social Studies 11 or 12 course. Recommended: Social Studies 10 or Sciences Humaines 10.
20th CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 12
20th Century World History 12 is designed for students who are interested in international affairs, both past and present. Students will explore global conflicts and developments, including WW I, the Russian Revolution, the rise of Mussolini, the U.S. in the 1920s, Palestine & the Indian subcontinent, the Great Depression, Hitler's rise to power, WW II, and the Cold War. Students will develop an understanding of how these events led to profound changes in personal and national identities, as well as new economic and political systems that have shaped the world within which we live. This is a project-based course and students will be encouraged to pursue their own areas of interest (passion projects) in order to better understand how history has influenced and continues to impact our contemporary world. There will be a focus on critical thinking and class discussion. 20th Century World History 12 is a popular course that is ideal for students who have a passion for history and wish to learn about countries other than Canada. It is a course designed to prepare students for post-secondary education; thus, it involves project-based learning and there is no daily homework. This course is available to students in grades 11 and 12 and it meets the requirement for a Social Studies 11 course. Recommended: Social Studies 10 or Sciences Humaines 10.
SOCIAL JUSTICE 12
This course is aimed at exploring contemporary issues confronting society in Canada and the world. It will concentrate on global societal issues, current problems and conditions, and the responses and actions taken by communities, governments and organizations. Using critical and creative thinking skills this course will connect students with knowledge, skills, and an ethical framework to advocate for a socially just world. Different perspectives will be explored. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions as well as activities outside of the classroom. This course is available to students in grades 11 and 12 and meets the graduation requirement for a Social Studies 11 course.
B.C. FIRST PEOPLES 12
B.C. First Peoples 12 explores the historical and current context of British Columbia with an emphasis on First Peoples and their experiences. We will discuss the diversity these lands, Nations, and cultures in this province hold, and how this cultural richness has been renewed, sustained, and transformed throughout time. By exploring the impact of contact and colonialism on B.C.'s First Peoples' cultural, social, political, and economic lives, students will better understand and further appreciate the challenges, resistance, and resilience of these Nations through their ongoing cultural expression, self-governance, and self-determination. B.C. First Peoples 12 is intended to encourage participants to begin their journey towards truth and reconciliation; the course directly fulfills some of the educational Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This class involves experiential, decolonial education methods, thus, it will feel different than other classes. Students will be asked to engage meaningfully with regards to their own identity, their community, and their connection to place. Classes will include regular outdoor learning opportunities to allow students to connect with the land. The course will be taught through a mixed lens which includes anthropology, history, and social justice. There will be a focus on discussion through sharing circles, collaboration in small groups, and self-reflection. This course is available to students in grades 11 and 12 and it meets the requirement for a Social Studies 11 course. It also meets the new B.C. Ministry of Education Indigenous course graduation requirement. Recommended: Social Studies 10 or Sciences Humaines 10.
LAW STUDIES 12
As a Canadian teenager, you have rights. Do you know what they are? Law isn't just about criminals and lawyers (but we do cover some pretty interesting cases). It also covers current events, social trends and everyday interactions with the RCMP. Expect debates and discussions on controversial topics. Come in ready to listen with an open mind, but be forewarned: your views may be changed by those around you! Guest speakers and field trips are offered to expand your experience in preparation for the major course component- the mock trial. Do you see yourself as more of a Defence attorney or would you work for the Crown? Did you actually witness the crime or are you going to offer your expert testimony? A full day is spent at the North Vancouver Law Courts where we complete a criminal trial with every student having a position of his/her own choosing. Law is the building block of our society: find out what your role is (as well as answering the age-old question: how was OJ found not guilty?) Recommended: Social Studies 11 or Sciences Humaines 11 This course is available to students in grades 11 and 12 and meets the graduation requirement for a Social Studies 11 course.
PHILOSPHY 12
Philosophy 12 is a new Argyle course designed to be intellectually stimulating for students looking to challenge themselves in preparation for post-secondary education. The course aims to introduce many branches of Philosophy to students such as Ethics, Logic, Social and Political Philosophy, Epistemology, Aesthetics, and Identity. We will explore questions like “How can we prove the existence of something?" and “What is the good life?" Class time will be heavily discussion based and require students to be comfortable speaking in class frequently and keep up with course readings. Students will be assessed through discussions, debates, essays, presentations, and tests. This course does not follow a textbook, instead uses engaging videos to introduce topics, with readings alongside for further study. This course is available to students in grades 11 and 12 and meets the requirement for a social studies 11 or 12 course.
ECONOMIC THEORY 12
Economic Theory is a concept-driven social studies course that looks at a broad range of economic theories, ranging from pre-Adam Smith economics, to Marxist economics, and contemporary economic thought. Project-based learning is the basis for most assessment, such as the $100,000 stock-market simulator, the entrepreneurship pitch, the supply and demand case-study, the country analysis, and the free trade project. The beauty of this course is that much of our time focuses on concepts and practical applications of economics in your everyday lives, rather than learning about economics from purely a numbers perspective. What does that mean for you? If you have always been interested in economics and how the world works; but were intimidated by the math and formula-heavy nature of traditional economics, this course is for you!
PSYCHOLOGY 12
The major purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology with application to everyday life. This course will assist students to understand why people behave as they do, including some understanding of self-behaviour. Course content will include lectures, discussions, guest lectures and videos. Topics such as theories of personality, relationships, communication, perception and developmental and social psychology are studied. Recommended Social Studies 10 or Sciences Humaines 10. Please note that Psychology 12 DOES NOT satisfy the requirements for a Socials Studies 11 or 12 Graduation requirement.
