Social Studies
Become an active and informed global citizen through Seycove's Social Studies program. Through studies of history, geography, law, economics and current events the student is empowered to identify, understand and act in the local, provincial, national and world community.
SOCIAL STUDIES 8
Social Studies 8 is a combination of Geography and History: -Geography: In this component, the student will become familiar with basic geography terms, mapping skills, and the tools of a geographer. -History: The history component encompasses the fall of Rome to the Renaissance. Students will examine feudalism in Europe, religions of the world, and the lives of Renaissance scientists, artists and explorers.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Social Studies 9 (MSS--09) By 1500 a new age was beginning in Europe: politics, society and the economy were changing. Social Studies 9 examine these changes in Europe with the English and French revolutions and the Industrial revolution. This course follows the impact of these changes to North America where students will learn about North America and how it was explored and settled. This study includes an examination of aboriginal people and the settlement of Canada by both the French and the English. Geography in Social Studies 9 is based upon the North American continent and its diverse geographical regions. SOCIAL STUDIES - Social Studies 9 DI (MSS--09-DI) Social Studies 9 DI follows the Social Studies 9 curriculum as above. Students will learn to evaluate and think critically in a twenty-first century classroom by sharing their opinions/ideas while incorporating technological tools.
SOCIAL STUDIES - Social Studies 10 (MSS--10) Social Studies 10 is an overview of the history of Canada from 1815 - 1914. This course provides students with an opportunity to critically reflect upon events and issues in order to examine the past. The contributions of Aboriginals, French, English and immigrants in the development of Canada are examined. Events in the development of Canada as an autonomous nation are also examined. Following the study on the western expansion of Canada, a geography unit looks at how Canada makes a living. The regional resources, their uses and the development of them are studied up to present day. SOCIAL STUDIES - Social Studies 10 DI (MSS--10-DI) Social Studies 10 DI follows the Social Studies 10 curriculum as above. Students will study literature and themes that correspond to historical time periods, in addition to making connections to today’s world. Students will learn to evaluate and think critically in a twenty-first century classroom by sharing their opinions/ideas while incorporating technological tools. SOCIAL STUDIES - Social Studies 11 (MSS--11) (Provincial Exam - Mandatory) Social Studies 11 is a provincially examinable course that examines areas that enhance students’ understanding of Canadian society and of their roles as Canadians and global citizens. There are four basic units of study in Social Studies 11: Politics and Government, Autonomy and International Development, Human Geography, and Canadian Society and Identity. The study of politics and government builds on students’ prior understanding of government structure and prepares them with the skills and knowledge to become informed and active citizens of Canada. This study will allow students to gain understanding of their Charter rights, political philosophies and parties, elections, and how to influence public policy. Students will develop an understanding of the global issues that arise from the disparity in standards of living, how these affect our environment, and Canada’s response to these issues. Historically, Canada has been shaped by significant events, both within the country and at a global level. By exploring Canada’s role in world events and examining Canada’s development as an autonomous nation, students will come to understand Canada’s position and responsibilities in the international community. In addition, the 20th Century has seen profound change in the social fabric of Canada, which has made the search for a Canadian identity a vital issue for Canadians. In examining these social issues, students will gain an understanding of the dynamic regional, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Canadian society. By exploring all of these issues, students will gain an understanding of the forces that both shape and reflect the Canadian identity of the 20th Century. Students in this course must write the provincial exam, worth 20% of their final grade (it is not optional). SOCIAL STUDIES - Global Trends 11 (YSSC-1B) [open to students in Grades 11 and 12] Global Trends is a course that will focus on the current world’s state of affairs in regard to politic, economics, the state of the environment, science and technology. It also offers a window, through which the student may investigate innovations and innovators in the field of energy, information technology, and manufacturing that are currently altering and shaping the future of these global trends. One of the most important foundations for this course will be its focus on harnessing and encouraging the positive outlook and optimism that frames the outlook of our youth today. Critical thinking and the understanding of the real problems that face our world today will, of course, be a driving force behind Global Trends. However, equally important is the belief that positive changes are occurring in the world and that innovation and ingenuity is still possible. To that end, this course will use a positive perspective and point of view, highlight new and exciting ideas and trends in our world today. SOCIAL STUDIES - Comparative Civilizations 12 (MCCN-12) [open to students in Grades 11 and 12] Comparative Civilizations 12 enables students to develop an awareness of and appreciation for the ancient civilizations that have influenced our contemporary society. We begin with a study of Early Man, and the cultures of those indigenous peoples who are endangered or lost. Tracing the early roots of man, and studying the complex systems they developed will provide a solid foundation for our study of the civilizations to come. The second part of the course will focus on Egypt, Greece and Rome, specifically on the culture, art, innovation, power structures, leadership and social organization of these ancient worlds. The final section of this course will be self-directed and will draw on the interest and research skills of the student. Each student will be responsible for developing and presenting a research project on a civilization of interest, one not yet covered in the course. There is no final exam in this course. This class is designed for students who see value in learning from the past, are motivated to pursue their interests, learn from each other and bring their energies and ideas to create some fun, lively debate and discussion. Comparative Civilizations 12 is considered an academic course by most post-secondary institutions (except UBC). Check individual institution websites. SOCIAL STUDIES - Geography 12 (MGEO-12) Geography is a discipline that integrates many subjects and addresses both the physical and human-created systems of the world in the study of people, places, and environments. The geographically literate student is able to interpret the landscape and understand the interconnections between his or her own actions and the earth’s physical systems. The course is designed to give Grade 12 students an understanding of the dynamic nature of the physical environment as a basis for developing the decision-making framework within which the use of the Earth’s resources may occur. Units of study include: geographic tools (maps, photos, etc), tectonics, gradational processes, atmosphere, biomes, weather, environment and resources. The course has traditionally included a field study trip to the Black Tusk area. Geography 12 is considered a “science” course by UVIC and SFU.
SOCIAL STUDIES - History 12 (MHI--12) History 12 is a survey course of the political, economic, social and technological forces and events that have shaped the 20th Century. Grade 12 students will study the effects of the world wars, including the decline of European powers, the polarization of the cold war, the end of colonial empires and the emergence of a new era, dominated the years 1919 to 1991. The rise of the Asian nations and a brief study of the history of the Middle East are also studied. SOCIAL STUDIES - Law 12 (MLAW-12) [open to students in Grades 11 and 12] Law 12 is a survey course of Canadian law. Grade 12 students will gain a basic understanding of the Canadian legal system and the nature and scope of both Criminal and Civil law. One of the goals of this course is to produce legally literate students who are better equipped to participate effectively in our democratic society. Areas of study include: a study of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the history of Canadian law, Criminal law and Civil law. Class discussions and presentations around current legal issues concerning Canadians are an integral part of this course. Law 12 is considered an academic course by most post-secondary institutions. Check individual institution websites. SOCIAL STUDIES – Social Justice 12 (MSJ--12) [open to students in Grades 11 and 12] The aim of Social Justice 12 is to raise students’ awareness of social injustice; to enable them to analyze situations of power from a social justice perspective; to provide them with knowledge, skills, and an ethical framework to advocate for a socially just world; and to provide opportunities for students to examine the origin of their beliefs, thoughts and values. Class discussions, debates, guest speakers, DVDs, presentations, journaling and reflective analysis will be used to focus on these Social Justice topics which are a large part of the course curriculum: Poverty LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered/Twin Spirited/Queer and Questioning) Homelessness Racism Gender Discrimination Child Soldiers Violence in Relationship Globalization Environment and Sustainability Aboriginal People in Canada Social Justice 12 provides the dogma of social justice as an important responsibility for all, and gives students the opportunity to become leaders and to effect change in pursuit of a socially just world. Students wishing to participate in a humanitarian trip in July 2014 should register in Social Justice 12 as the course lays the foundation for assisting people living in impoverished conditions. Social Justice 12 is considered an academic course by most post-secondary institutions (except UBC Vancouver). Check individual institution websites.