Social Studies

Social Studies 9 integrates the skills, knowledge, and attributes that have been developed in earlier Social Studies courses and consolidates the competency of students in areas of critical thinking, research and referencing, the development of evidence-based arguments, and effective communication. Students will focus on events, developments, and changes in European governments through the development of early Canada concluding with the Riel Rebellions. These events, developments, and changes will occur in political, geographical, economic, and social areas. More specifically the students will examine the concepts of revolution and its effects on government, exploration, colonization, and settlement in Canada. The knowledge and skills that students develop will prepare them to undertake further studies in Social Studies 10.

Foundation: None

This course contributes to a greater understanding of Canada and its relationship to the rest of the world. Major topics include Canada’s political and historical development since 1911; the present structure of Canada’s government and legal system; and the world’s changing population and the impact of continuing growth. A cumulative final may be given at the commencement of the course.

Foundation: Social Studies 9

This course gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of themes and topics including sustainability and environmental issues, social justice issues and. Students will explore big ideas from 4 or more of the following courses: Contemporary Indigenous Studies, Comparative Cultures, Law, Physical Geography, Social Justice, Urban Studies, or World History. Students will recognize how these topics play a role in their day to day lives and in current events. This course provides graduation credits for Social Studies and provides skills and understandings for future Social Studies course work. 

Foundation:  Social Studies 10 

The 20th Century involves a wide variety of relevant and fascinating people and events that are relevant to and connected to the situation in the world today. From the role of individuals, mass movements, conflicts, cultural and technological changes, to various beliefs and philosophies, the student will be exposed to the forces that irrevocably changed the 20th-century world and created the issues with which the citizens of the modern world must contend. The course deals with issues beginning with the Paris Peace Conference at the end of WW I and examines the political, economic, social forces that led to and impacted events from that date forward. The
course will also look at the interwar period, WWII, and the Cold War era. Students will use the content from this period of history to expand on and develop their skills in the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and understanding of historical events.

Foundation: Social Studies 10.  This course is based on Grade 12 level curriculum: learning outcomes and expectations of students will be evaluated as such

Asia is Canada’s second-largest trading partner. China and India represent almost half the world’s GDP. How have political, economic, social, and cultural events shaped the nations of Asia to their current states? Asian Studies is a course that focuses on political, economic, social, and environmental issues in various parts of Asia from 1850 to the present. This course also explores how the diversity of Asia’s physical and human resources has contributed to the development of distinct regions. This course also studies how colonialism, imperialism, resources, and geography have contributed to conflicts and the movement of people in Asia. Other topics of interest include rapid industrialization, urbanization, economic growth, relations between Asian and Western nations, and human rights.

Foundation: Social Studies 10.  This course is based on Grade 12 level curriculum: learning outcomes and expectations of students will be evaluated as such

This course is similar to the previously offered course entitled BC First Nations 12.

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore the identities and worldviews of BC First Peopless traditional territories and their relationship to the land. The role of oral tradition and culture will be investigated and how the impact of colonialism such as the Fur Trade; affected the political, social, and economic lives of BC First Peoples. Policies and practices that have affected BC First Peoples will also be addressed, some topics will include the Indian Act, Residential Schools, and treaties. Topics of self-governance, leadership, and self-determination of BC First Peoples
will be covered. Finally, present-day challenges will also be explored and investigated, topics will include First People’s in the media and sports.

Foundation: Social Studies 10.  This course is based on Grade 12 level curriculum: learning outcomes and expectations of students will be evaluated as such

Comparative Cultures investigates the development, interactions, and exchange of culture from ancient times until present day. We will investigate topics such as artistic expressions, language, agriculture, trade, conflict/wars, and power structures within different societies. Students will also explore how geographic and environmental factors have influenced culture and continue to do so today. This is a project-based course designed to spark a student’s curiosity for various cultures and the contributions of these to the present human experience. Cultures investigated may include: China, Indigenous peoples in Canada, Egypt, Greece, Inca, Indus Valley, Japan, Maya, Mesopotamia, or the Roman Empire. Classroom workshops and guest speakers are valuable parts of this course.  

Foundation:  Social Studies 10.  This course is based on Grade 12 curricular competencies and students will be assessed on their proficiency at the Grade 12 level. 

This course examines genocide in modern history, including political, legal, social, economic, and cultural ramifications. Examples include Armenia, the Holocaust, Cambodia, the Former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, the Congo, and Darfur. In addition, we will look at international law and reconciliation as it pertains to genocide. The course is designed to provide a challenge for students who wish to pursue further studies in international law, history, political science including diplomacy, mediation, and reconciliation.

Foundation: Social Studies 10.  This course is based on Grade 12 level curriculum: learning outcomes and expectations of students will be evaluated as such

This course clarifies the legal rights and responsibilities that affect everyone in Canada and explores the role and evolution of law in today’s society. Law 12 will examine criminal and civil law (primary focus on criminal law). The course involves regular class discussion and critical thinking, primarily through studying real cases and current legal issues. Students are expected to consider various viewpoints and make reasoned judgements in order to develop their own positions. Field trips and guest speakers are considered valuable parts of the course and generally include: • Surrey Provincial Court (possibly including the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre), • BC Supreme Court (Downtown Vancouver), • VPD (Vancouver Police Department) or Surrey RCMP detachment • Guest speakers include RCMP, Corrections Officers, forensics, and a reformed offender. This course is designed to provide a challenge for students who wish to enroll in a post-secondary institution to obtain a degree in law or criminology, or a diploma in related fields in the legal system. This course meets the requirements for the Grade 11 Social Studies Credit as well as a Grade 12 course towards graduation.

Foundation: Studies 10 (recommended a B or higher in Social Studies 10. This course is based on Grade 12 level curriculum; learning outcomes and expectations of students will be evaluated as such).

 While travelling, have you ever experienced a different climate, a unique landscape or strange weather pattern and wondered why it happened?  This course builds skills students can use to examine physical features and the environment of our planet in a meaningful way. Physical Geography addresses both the physical and human created systems of the world through the study of people, places and environments. As an ever-increasing world population puts more and more demands on the planet’s resources, there is a need for a society that can make informed decisions about the sustainability of the Earth’s resources, the landscape and the future of the human species on our planet. Field trips are a valuable part of this course. This may include walking field trips, outdoor exploration, a visit along the Sea to Sky Corridor or local inlets, or to the Museum of the Earth.  

Foundation:  Social Studies 10. This course is based on Grade 12 curricular competencies and students will be assessed on their proficiency at the Grade 12 level. 

This course explores how power, privilege and oppression influence systems, culture, and personal behaviors.  Students will investigate the complex causes of social injustice within our society and how issues faced by marginalized groups are interconnected. Students will investigate issues regarding colonialism, racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, and classism. To understand how our worldviews shape our understanding of social justice issues, students will engage in discussions, ask questions, and gather evidence from a variety of sources and perspectives. This course will provide opportunities for students to explore their own identities and how these have been shaped by the society they live in. It will build students’ capacities to address social injustice and advocate for systems, programs and norms that align with their own values. Field trips and guest speakers are a valuable part of this course. This may include guided tours in Vancouver, visits to or from local non-profit organizations, and guest speakers on important course topics.  

Foundation:  Social Studies 10. This course is based on Grade 12 curricular competencies and students will be assessed on their proficiency at the Grade 12 level. 

Are you interested in the brain and behaviour? Through the study of psychology, students will acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for human behaviour, behavioural interaction, and the development of the individual. The course is designed to provide students who have an interest in psychology and wish to pursue it further at post-secondary.  Topics of study include, social psychology, psychological disorders, research methods, neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning, and human development.  

*Please note this course does not meet the requirements for the Social Studies 11 Credit nor is it a University accepted course but is a 4-credit grade 12 course for graduation.  

Foundation:  Social Studies 10 

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of economic theory. Students will investigate such topics as economic systems, the structure of business, employment and inflation, money, stabilizing the economy, and international trade. Economics 12 involves observing, interpreting, and judging past economic conditions from different perspectives and exploring how worldviews have given rise to competing approaches today. It is of special interest to those who may do further study in law, business management, political science, economics or commerce, or those entering directly into the business world. Students may take this course in their grade 11 year. 

Foundation: Social Studies 10 

AP Psychology is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the topics of neuroscience, behaviour, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, cognition, emotion, development, personality, disorders, and treatment. This course is a university-level Psychology preparation-based course. In May, the students have the option of writing the College Board Advanced Placement Psychology exam which could give them 6 university credits for the course.

Note: A fee is required for those writing the official College Board AP exam in May.

Foundation: Social Studies 10 (it is strongly recommended that students complete their Social Studies 11/12 credit course prior to taking AP Psychology 12. A B letter grade or higher in previous Social Studies and English courses is recommended as this is a university-level Psychology preparation-based course).