Grade 10

Canadian History in the 20th Century  –  CHC 2DI / 2DF / 2PI / 2PB

This course explores the local, national, and global forces that have shaped Canada’s national identity from World War I to the present. Students will investigate the challenges presented by economic, social, and technological changes and explore the contributions of individuals and groups to Canadian culture and society during this period. Students will use critical-thinking and communication skills to evaluate various interpretations of the issues and events of the period and to present their own points of view.

Civics  –  CHV 20H / 20F / 20B 

In civics, students explore what it means to be a “responsible citizen” in the local, national, and global arenas. They examine the structures and functions of the three levels of government, as well as the dimensions of democracy, notions of democratic citizenship, and the political decision-making processes. They are encouraged to identify and clarify their own beliefs and values and to develop an appreciation or understanding of others’ beliefs and values about questions of civic importance.

Grade 11

American History  –  CHA 3UI

This course covers the whole of American history, from the first colonization to today.  Learn about key figures and events that have helped to shape the United States.  Track the development of liberty from the American Revolution through to the Civil War and the modern Civil Rights movement.  Topics include the Salem Witch Trials, the Revolution, the Civil War, the dropping of the Atomic Bomb, JFK, the Civil Rights Movement, the Sixties, and the Cold War.

Ancient Civilizations  –  CHW 3MI / 3MF

(World History to the 16th Century)  Take a whirlwind trip through history!  Interested in the Pyramids, the Parthenon, or the plague?  Maybe Cleopatra, the colosseum, or catapults catch your fancy.  Students will analyse diverse societies from around the world with an emphasis on the political, cultural, and economic structures and historical forces that have shaped the modern world.

World Religions  –  HRT 3MI

(Beliefs, Issues, and Religious Traditions)  Get a better understanding of the rituals and beliefs of the world’s five major faiths:  Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.   Field trips and guest speakers enhance this fascinating course.

Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology  –  HSP 3UI / 3CI / 3EB

Learn the basics of the social sciences.  How are human beings different from animals?  Are teenagers so different from other life forms? Did your parents, friends, and media create your personality, or is there a real you?  What causes mental illness, and how can we treat it?  What would Freud, Piaget, or Pavlov say?

Philosophy:  The Big Questions  –  HZB 3MI

Explore some questions you’ve always wondered about:  Is there a God, and can we prove it?  What happens after death?  How do we decide what’s beautiful?  What’s the meaning of life?  Is there a right way to live?  Expand your mind to look at life in a new way by learning many different and sometimes strange ideas from one another as well as from Plato and the boys.

Current Aboriginal Issues in Canada  –  NDA 3MI

This course focuses on existing and emerging issues of importance to Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Students will investigate issues related to identity, relationships among Aboriginal peoples and between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians, sovereignty principles as presented by Aboriginal peoples, and the contemporary challenges posed by these issues. Students will also examine such topics as language preservation, the responsibilities of Aboriginal women and men, and the need for dialogue between Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal peoples.

Grade 12

Adventures in World History  –  CHM 4EB

This course explores a variety of human experiences in world history from earliest times to the present. Students will learn about a wide range of societies and cultures, examining such things as systems of government, technological developments,work, art, and religion. Students will apply methods of research and inquiry to examine human societies in many different times and places and to communicate points of view about their findings.

West and the World  –  CHY 4UI

Explore the history of the world since the 16th century including the interaction between different regions.   Why do revolutions occur?  Did God die with Martin Luther, John Calvin, the French Revolution, and Karl Marx?  Learn what is required to excel at history in university.  Focus will be on developing writing skills and a capacity to listen and debate within an academic setting.  Also offered as an Advanced Placement course.   Prerequisite: Any university preparation course in English, history, social sciences, or humanities.

Canadian and World Politics  –  CPW 4UI 

Study contrasting political theories including Marxism, Anarchism, Socialism, and Capitalism, and assess their validity in a world of political and social change. Research influential world and national figures such as Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, and Stephen Harper.  Examine significant current political issues to determine their significance for Canadian and World Politics.  Prerequisite: Any university preparation course in English, history, social sciences, or humanities.

Challenge and Change in Society  –  HSB 4UI

Can one person really make a difference?  Why are you the way you are, and how can you change?  Can we change?  Use social science theories to explore why we hate, why we buy too much, and why we just don’t care about the world around us.  Explore the challenges we face through studies of scandals in big business.  Lots of interactive exercises and fun personal challenges for marks!  Prerequisite: Any university preparation course in English, history, social sciences, or humanities.  HSP 3U/CI is not a necessary prerequisite.

Philosophy:  Questions and Theories  –  HZT 4UI

This course taps ancient and current ideas to explore mysteries about existence, human nature, life, love, sex, evil, friendship, politics, and morality.  We try to determine what’s the best way to live an ethical life, create a virtuous society, and just get along.  The class focuses on lively discussion, open debates, reading primary sources of philosophy, and developing strong writing skills for university.  Where else can you get marks for arguing with the teacher?!     Prerequisite: Any university preparation course in English, history, social sciences, or humanities.  ENG 3UI or a strong standing (80s or 90s) in ENG 2DI is highly recommended.   

Issues of Indigenous Peoples in a Global Context  –  NDW 4MI

This course provides students with an overview of the issues and challenges that confront indigenous peoples worldwide. Students will develop an understanding of the concerns and aspirations of the world’s indigenous population, plan and conduct research on global issues that have an impact on indigenous peoples, and use information technology to consult materials related to the views of indigenous peoples throughout the world.