The graduation requirements for Social Studies are:
Grade 10
SOCIAL STUDIES 10 (MSS--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 with a specific focus on the Residential School System. 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).
SCIENCES HUMAINES 10 (FSCH-10)
Recommended prerequisite: successful completion of French 9
Sciences Humaines 10 provides students with the opportunity to increase their proficiency in French while examining Canadian politics and history from 1914 CE to the present using historical thinking skills. Topics include the World Wars as well as Canada’s role in international conflict, and cooperation, discriminatory government policies in Canada including the residential school system, the development of Canadian identities, and the Canadian political system. After Sciences Humaines 10, students enroll in one of the Grade 12 options to complete the Social Studies graduation requirements.
Note: Students who complete Sciences Humaines 10 may advance to French 11
Grade 12
20TH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 12 (MWH--12)
Recommended prerequisite: completion of English 11
Students will explore the transformations that created our modern world, beginning at the aftermath of WWI, through the historical thinking skills. Students will connect the human past to orient themselves to their present moment and prepare for the future. We will investigate questions such as: How were the horrors of the Second Word War possible and what conflicts did it resolve or leave unresolved? How did the intertwined trends of the Cold war and decolonization impact societies around the world? How do new global connections and innovations affect different parts of the world? The course places emphasis on reading and writing. There is a final exam in this course.
ASIAN STUDIES 12 (MASIA12)
This course examines Asian history from 1850 to the present, examining key topics such as conflict and cooperation in Asia, economic development, and movements for political change and human rights.
GENOCIDE STUDIES 12 (MGENO12)
At the end of World War II, the world was shocked with the reality of the horrors of the Holocaust. The world said, “Never Again.” However, genocide has happened again and again. Students will build understanding on the topic by examining the conditions that allow genocides to occur. While the disturbing nature of human capacity to commit genocide is explored, students will also have an opportunity to examine how people have worked to overcome and deal with genocide - from the actions of upstanders, the evolution of international law, to reconciliation efforts. The aim of this course is to have students understand that genocides are not inevitable or accidents and are therefore preventable. The choices made by individuals, organizations, and governments to not only legalize discrimination, but allow hatred and ultimately genocide to occur can be resisted. Although there are some unit tests in the course, students primarily demonstrate their learning through projects, including a final memorial project.
LAW STUDIES 12 (MLST-12)
Recommended prerequisite: completion of English 11
The aim of this course is to provide students with a better understanding of the Canadian legal system. Students will study our legal system’s evolution, its branches, and its procedures. The course will foster skills and attitudes that enhance students’ ability to address legal, social and ethical issues, and reflect critically on the role of law in society. Major topics include the Canadian constitution, aspects of criminal and civil law, and the correctional system in Canada. This course places an emphasis on academic writing to prepare students for university. This course consists of a mock trial that develops public speaking skills. There is also a final exam.
POLITICAL STUDIES 12 (MPLST12)
Students will participate in the Civic Mirror, which is a simulation-based program that turns classrooms into countries and students into citizens, providing students with opportunities to experientially learn about law, government, economics, and responsible citizenship. Success in this simulation and in the course will require students to actively participate in simulation activities, which includes speaking up in the class. Students will also complete course work in which they will learn about how political decisions are made. They will examine how both institutions and ideology shape political outcomes. Students will apply the political inquiry process to investigate issues, events, and developments of national and international political importance, and to develop and communicate informed opinions about them. There is a final exam at the end of this course.
For detailed information about the curriculum, visit: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/social-studies
- 4 credits of Social Studies 10
- 4 credits of Social Studies 11 or 12
Grade 10
SOCIAL STUDIES 10 (MSS--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 with a specific focus on the Residential School System. 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).
SCIENCES HUMAINES 10 (FSCH-10)
Recommended prerequisite: successful completion of French 9
Sciences Humaines 10 provides students with the opportunity to increase their proficiency in French while examining Canadian politics and history from 1914 CE to the present using historical thinking skills. Topics include the World Wars as well as Canada’s role in international conflict, and cooperation, discriminatory government policies in Canada including the residential school system, the development of Canadian identities, and the Canadian political system. After Sciences Humaines 10, students enroll in one of the Grade 12 options to complete the Social Studies graduation requirements.
Note: Students who complete Sciences Humaines 10 may advance to French 11
Grade 12
20TH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 12 (MWH--12)
Recommended prerequisite: completion of English 11
Students will explore the transformations that created our modern world, beginning at the aftermath of WWI, through the historical thinking skills. Students will connect the human past to orient themselves to their present moment and prepare for the future. We will investigate questions such as: How were the horrors of the Second Word War possible and what conflicts did it resolve or leave unresolved? How did the intertwined trends of the Cold war and decolonization impact societies around the world? How do new global connections and innovations affect different parts of the world? The course places emphasis on reading and writing. There is a final exam in this course.
ASIAN STUDIES 12 (MASIA12)
This course examines Asian history from 1850 to the present, examining key topics such as conflict and cooperation in Asia, economic development, and movements for political change and human rights.
GENOCIDE STUDIES 12 (MGENO12)
At the end of World War II, the world was shocked with the reality of the horrors of the Holocaust. The world said, “Never Again.” However, genocide has happened again and again. Students will build understanding on the topic by examining the conditions that allow genocides to occur. While the disturbing nature of human capacity to commit genocide is explored, students will also have an opportunity to examine how people have worked to overcome and deal with genocide - from the actions of upstanders, the evolution of international law, to reconciliation efforts. The aim of this course is to have students understand that genocides are not inevitable or accidents and are therefore preventable. The choices made by individuals, organizations, and governments to not only legalize discrimination, but allow hatred and ultimately genocide to occur can be resisted. Although there are some unit tests in the course, students primarily demonstrate their learning through projects, including a final memorial project.
LAW STUDIES 12 (MLST-12)
Recommended prerequisite: completion of English 11
The aim of this course is to provide students with a better understanding of the Canadian legal system. Students will study our legal system’s evolution, its branches, and its procedures. The course will foster skills and attitudes that enhance students’ ability to address legal, social and ethical issues, and reflect critically on the role of law in society. Major topics include the Canadian constitution, aspects of criminal and civil law, and the correctional system in Canada. This course places an emphasis on academic writing to prepare students for university. This course consists of a mock trial that develops public speaking skills. There is also a final exam.
POLITICAL STUDIES 12 (MPLST12)
Students will participate in the Civic Mirror, which is a simulation-based program that turns classrooms into countries and students into citizens, providing students with opportunities to experientially learn about law, government, economics, and responsible citizenship. Success in this simulation and in the course will require students to actively participate in simulation activities, which includes speaking up in the class. Students will also complete course work in which they will learn about how political decisions are made. They will examine how both institutions and ideology shape political outcomes. Students will apply the political inquiry process to investigate issues, events, and developments of national and international political importance, and to develop and communicate informed opinions about them. There is a final exam at the end of this course.
For detailed information about the curriculum, visit: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/social-studies
