Bishop Whelan Social Studies Course Outlines
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Bishop Whelan Social Studies Course Outlines

Course Outlines


Course Outlines

Geography of Quebec & Canada

I.S.A. differs only in the Major Projects (refer to Geohazard Web Page)

Mr. Melnyk

The following pages outline the basic course requirements. Each topic should be self explanatory. Specific details are explained in class.



Course Rationale

This course attempts to give students the opportunity to learn about and study the world around them. Geography studies the people, places, cultures, economy, history and environment of different areas of the world. Students must understand the importance of the environmental component as people are the principal agents of change. The Geography of Quebec and Canada focuses on the study of space, resources and economic activity.

The Ministry of Education focuses on six guiding principles. The program:


Aims

The program emphasizes learning content and the development of skills likely to help students find their place in an environment that they must discover and learn to appreciate and protect. To this end the students:

  • learn about the physical and human environments of Quebec and Canada;
  • discover the relationships that exist among the physical and human factors that shape territories;
  • contribute to the development of their milieu, while protecting the environment.

Objectives

On completion of the Geography of Quebec and Canada course, Secondary III students should:

  1. have acquired the concepts and skills necessary to understand the geographic entities of Quebec and Canada;
  2. have developed skills associated with the geographic method;
  3. be aware of the interdependence of the human and physical environments;
  4. be aware of the importance of resources in Quebec and Canada;
  5. be aware of the contributions of our pluralistic society;
  6. be aware of the main geographic problems faced by Quebec and Canada;
  7. be aware of their role as citizens responsible for the quality of the environment.

Course Content and Design

The Geography of Quebec and Canada is divided into six interrelated modules. A portion of Module 4 - Energy, will be run as an Independent Study Unit in preparation for a research paper, a group presentation, followed by a debate on different forms of energy. The requirements for Unit 4 are outlined under the appropriate heading.

Module Title & General Objectives

1. Quebec and Canada in the World To understand the main characteristics of the geographic and geopolitical position of Quebec and Canada in the world. Content -Administrative, geographic and geopolitical divisions of Quebec.-To locate Canada, Canadian provinces and territories.

2. Mineral and Water Resources To understand the importance of the mineral and water resources of Quebec and Canada. Content-Physiographic regions, mines in Quebec, water as a resource.

3. Forest Resources and Agriculture To understand the importance of forest resources and agriculture in Quebec and Canada. Content-vegetation, pulp and paper, agriculture, dairy, grain, and agri-food industry.

4. Energy To understand the importance of energy in Quebec and Canada. Content-importance of hydroelectricity, fossil fuels in Quebec.-to study different and alternate types of energy sources.

5. Population To understand the main characteristics of the population of Quebec and Canada. Content-analyze changes and composition in population.-distribution, urban/rural, linguistic groups.-Native peoples of Quebec.

6. The Regions of Canada To understand the importance of the resources and economic activity of each region of Canada. Content -profile each region of Canada. Space, Natural resources, population and economic activity.


Evaluation

Ministry of Education guidelines: "A number of assessment procedures should be used to evaluate student achievement in senior grades. Although teachers are encouraged to experiment with a variety of procedures, the following shall be included among them: daily classroom work, unit tests,and at least one formal examination, one research paper, one seminar presentation, and one independent study unit."

Accordingly, the following methods of evaluation are used in this course.Weightings are approximate. Details will be explained in class.

TESTS & QUIZZES = 45% - at announced intervals, to assess course content & understanding

EXAMINATION = 25% - at the end of the course to assess overall course competency.

RESEARCH PAPER = 5% - on a selected topic (see following instructions)

SEMINAR PRESENTATION/DEBATE = 10% - see following instructions

INDEPENDENT STUDY UNIT = 5% - see following instructions

DAILY CLASSROOM WORK = 10% - commitment mark based on: attendance, punctuality, notebook, oral participation, overall effort.

COMPUTER ELEMENT = depending on the availability of computers, many projects will be published on student web pages. (Details will be described in Class Web Pages that will be constantly under construction).


Learning Experiences

A wide variety of learning/teaching methods are used in this course ranging from student-centred to teacher-centred. Methods include: socratic(question-answer); lectures; group work; seminars; independent study; audio-visuals; guest speakers; and enhancing computer skills through Internet Projects.

Seminars

Seminars constitute the major group assignment for the course. Group size will depend on the class size, but each group will consist of 2-3 students. Each topic will be one period in length.

Regular consultations with the teacher are expected prior to presentation. The following sequence should be followed.

  1. selection of topic and group members
  2. clarification of topic with teacher to determine nature and scope of the topic
  3. period of research - to compile working bibliography, possible thesis, arguments, research notes
  4. discussion with the teacher of format for seminar presentation; rough outline to be submitted at this stage
  5. in the class prior to the presentation, hand out to the class a typed outline of the seminar with the following information:

(a) seminar topic and group members at top

(b) readings from class texts + any handouts

(c) headings & outline of seminar

(d) questions for class to answer

(e) quotations for class discussion

6. Presentation should not be in the form of a lecture or notes that are read verbatim; seminar leaders should be chairing a class discussion; class to be active participants, not merely spectators; presentation should be more than mere factual data, and should argue a point of view on the topic.

7. Seminar Follow-up - Each student is to submit his/her personal research notes prepared for the seminar presentation. These notes do not need to be essay form, but should give a clear indication of the scope of the research conducted.

NOTE: The seminars will be followed by a class debate.


Independent Study Unit

Module 4 will be studied independently. An overview of the unit will be given, as well as some suggestions for study. At the end of the unit study (about two weeks), each student is to submit his/her study notes for the unit, long with a research paper on their chosen energy source. There will be seminars and a debate to follow the Independent Study Unit. There will also be a unit test at the conclusion of the independent study period.

INDEPENDENT STUDY UNIT - MODULE 4

FORMAT FOR STUDY

This independent study unit should be one of the most challenging, stimulating sections of the course. The following format spells out our discussions on how the unit should be approached.

HOW EVALUATED?

1 - whole Module to be worth approx. 10% of the course

2 - 5% - for unit test AND research paper-

3 - 5% - for personal notes made during the study period (to be submitted when unit test is written) +/- subjective mark on overall commitment to the process of studying this unit

4 - This unit will also lead to the major presentation and debate session. (worth 10% of the final mark for the course).

EXPECTATIONS?

Daily attendance; diligence; high motivation and self-motivation; sensitivity and respect for the learning of fellow students

SUGGESTIONS?

1 - study completely independently

2 - set up study groups (2-4 members) to share information; jigsaw method

3 - work with one other student

TEACHER'S ROLE?

1 - present occasional lecture and/or audio-visual materials as overviews for unit topics

2 - act as tutor/mentor whenever requested

3 - individual consultations with each class member to discuss student progress in course so far

4 - prepare a study outline for the Module

UNIT 4: INDEPENDENT STUDY OUTLINE

Readings: To be Announced

EXPECTATIONS

    Daily attendance and punctuality Quiet study, either individual or in small groups Notes - based on readings, using review sheets as a guideline Evaluation - see preceding page Individual consultations with the teacher:
  • to discuss course content
  • to discuss essay topic
  • to discuss seminar topic
  • to assist with understanding of Module 4 material
GOOD LUCK WITH THIS UNIT!


History of Quebec and Canada

Secondary IV

Mr. Melnyk

The following pages outline the basic course requirements. Each topic should be self explanatory. Specific details are explained in class.


  • Course Rationale
  • Aims
  • Objectives
  • Course Content and Design
  • Evaluation
  • Learning Experiences
  • Independent Study Unit
  • Ministry Leaving Exam
  • Extra-help, tutoring and supplementary sessions

Course Rationale

This course is intended to familiarize students with the progress of the society within which they live. Quebec holds an interesting place within Canadian society and its historical development. The social, regional, linguistic, ethnic, and religious groups which coexist in Quebec society attest strongly to its diversity, the richness which creates the need for informed citizens who are capable of objectivity and are capable of mutual respect. Yet, openness to the many different values found in the community should not make a person indifferent to them or indecisive about them. On the contrary, it should indicate the need for making clear and concrete choices. Quebec continues to change with many needs, therefore, the community must develop its ability to be critical yet open minded toward new realities in order to adapt to changes, and develop informed opinions.


Aims

On completion of the History of Quebec and Canada course, pupils should:

    Understand the main political, social, economic, cultural, and religious factors which have shaped Quebec within the Canadian context; Have developed intellectual skills that are useful in the historical approach; Be aware of the need for, the principles behind, and the limitations of an historical analysis of social phenomena; Be aware of the diversity of social groups and of the existence of interdependence and conflict; Have developed the ability to analyze their personal values and those of their social milieu; Have developed an open and respectful attitude toward values which are different from their own; Be aware of their role as citizens responsible for the future of the community.

Objectives & Course Content and Design

Module, General Objectives & Terminal Objectives

1. The French Empire in America To understand the foundations of the French Empire in America. 1. To describe the conditions which affected French exploration in America.2. To explain the role of the fur trade in the French Empire and its influence on cultural relations between the Amerindians and the French.

2 Canadian Society during the French Regime To understand the development of the St. Lawrence colony. 1. To describe and explain the settlement and economic activities of the Canadian colony.2. To describe the strucure of Canadian society at the time.

3 The Conquest and the start of British Rule To understand the effects of the Conquest and of the American Revolution on the St. Lawrence colony. 1. To explain the causes and immediate effects of the Conquest.2. To describe the main consequences of the American Revolution for the Province of Quebec.

4. The early stages of parliamentary government To understand the socio-economic changes and clashes which marked the early stages of government. 1. To explain how society in Lower Canada evolved between 1791 and 1840.2. To describe events of 1837-1838 and the beginning of the union of the two Canadas.

5 Quebec and Confederation To understand the new developments in Quebec and Canada in the second half of the 19th Century. 1. To explain the origins of the Canadian federation and the main terms of the BNA Act.2. To describe and explain the evolution of Quebec within the new Canadian context.

6. Industrial development To understand the main economic, political, and social factors which marked the second phase of industrialization in Quebec. 1. To describe the principal effects on Quebec and Canada of North American expansion between 1896 and 1929.2. To evaluate the effects of the Depression on Canada and Quebec.

7. Contemporary Quebec To understand the principal changes which have taken place in Quebec society since 1939. 1. To analyze some of the reprecussions of WW II on Quebec.2. To analyze the conflict between traditionalism and the changes which took place in Quebec society during the Duplessis era.3. To describe and explain the "Quiet Revolution" and subsequent years.


Evaluation Handout to follow.
***Extra-help, tutoring and supplementary sessions

This course is followed by a Ministry Leaving Examination. Students must pass this province-wide exam to gain credit in the course, and eventually graduate. Historically, some students experience difficulty with the Ministry exam. For this reason, beginning in mid-September, supplementary sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday morning for students who wish to ask questions, receive extra help, and practice for the exam. Times will be announced in class, but will probably run from 8:15-8:45am.



20th Century World History

Secondary IV- Part One 1900-1945

Secondary V - Part Two 1945-Present

Mr. Melnyk

The following pages outline the basic course requirements. Each topic should be self explanatory. Specific details are explained in class.

  • Course Rationale
  • Aims
  • Objectives
  • Course Content and Design
  • Evaluation
  • Learning Experiences
  • Research Paper
  • Seminars
  • Independent Study Unit
  • Selected Bibliography: General Sources

Course Rationale

This course seeks to give students a comprehensive grasp of our intellectual heritage through an examination of the main developments in knowledge,philosophy, politics, society, the arts, economics, and technology over the last century. The main goals of this course are to help students develop: critical thinking skills; reading, writing and oral skills; empathy for various cultures and civilizations; understanding of the nature of causation in history; various research skills; good citizenship in the class, school, community, and world. The "ideas" approach, which presupposes a fundamental grasp of students of the impact of events and the role of individuals, has given the study of history a special fascination. An understanding of the ways in which ideas affect history and a grasp of key political, social, economic,and aesthetic concepts will prepare students for full citizenship in an exciting and changing world. The use of skills to process, communicate,and apply this knowledge will enhance students' active and thoughtful participation in society as we enter the new millenium.


Aims

This course shall assist and encourage students to:

  1. develop knowledge of the main social and political institutions and intellectual currents in the twentieth century within both a chronological and a thematic framework;
  2. understand the contributions of significant individuals towards the shaping of the "modern" consciousness;
  3. become aware of some major changes in different societies and its institutions over the last century;
  4. develop self-confidence and self-esteem;
  5. increase their abilities to use cognitive skills - particularly in the analysis of primary sources, critical reading, and the writing of research papers - to become independent learners, thinkers, and evaluators.

Objectives

(A) SKILLS - Students should develop the ability to:

    utilize the wide array of resources available in libraries; create and follow a comprehensive research or problem-solving plan designed to investigate a historical event or issue; analyze and use primary and secondary source materials in writing a major research paper; write a short document analysis and/or book review; extend the skills acquired in earlier Senior Division courses as outlined by the Ministry.
(B) ATTITUDES - Students should develop:
    awareness of the need to analyze a past society in terms of its own time and place; acceptance of the need to undertake the tasks of a disciplined and rigorous approach to historical study; awareness that the arts can reflect a civilization and can be a significant source of historical information; the ability to enjoy abstract thinking, assessing divergent ideas and interpretations, and solving personal and academic problems.
(C) KNOWLEDGE - Students should develop an understanding of:
    the meaning of the following terms: human rights, revolutionary process, democracy, technological revolution, environmentalism, community; the impact of major individuals and ideas on the development of values; various expressions of nationalism and their impact on civilization; the nature and impact of industrialism and technological advancement; the social, economic, and political principles or assumptions upon which Marxism, socialism, and social Darwinism are based; the effects of conflicting ideologies on events in different areas of civilization; ways in which values, ideals, art, and music combine with the environment to influence people.

Course Content and Design

This course examines a number of the major themes and concepts that are relevant to the study of the 20th Century. Although we will proceed in a relatively chronological manner, it is necessary for students to concentrate and focus on the currents and themes that endure throughout history to attain some perspective of the events that shape our world today.

THEMES

  • The Individual and the Community
  • Humanity and Nature and Environmentalism
  • Economy and Technology Values (ethics: personal, social, political)
  • Arts and Society (including art, architecture, literature and music, economy)
  • Nationalism, Imperialism, Colonialism
  • Women's Rights
  • War
  • Leadership

UNITS

The course will tie the themes listed above with some of the major events of the 20th Century. To avoid a "Eurocentric" or event focused approach, students will be encouraged to focus themselves to different areas of the World in their seminars, readings and research papers. Unit 4 will be studied independently, taking approximately two weeks. Students will focus on the development of Arts, Culture & Society: Art, Music, Architecture, Culture & Traditions, Literature and Economy in the early 20th Century.

Secondary IV World History: Turn of the Century, 1900-1945

Unit 1 Introduction: The Nature of History, What is History? Why study History? Philosophy of History, Media Literacy & Current Events: Interpreting the news, who writes the news

Unit 2 Turn of the Century: Philosophies of the 1800s that influenced the 20th Century, the nature of society in different areas of the world.

Unit 3 World War One, 1914-1918: Colonialism, Imperialism, Militarism, Alliances, Russian Revolution, the "Great War", Canada's Role

Unit 4 Independent Study Unit Arts, Culture & Society: Art, Music, Architecture, Culture & Traditions, Literature, and Economy in the early 20th Century. Focus should be on the 1920s-1930s.

Unit 5 World War Two, 1939-1945: Hitler's Germany, the Holocaust, the Road to War, Appeasement, Canada's Role, Stalin's Russia.

Unit 6 Research Project Preparation


Secondary V World History: Our Times, 1945-Present

Unit 1 Introduction: The Nature of History, What is History? Why study History? Philosophy of History, Media Literacy & Current Events: Interpreting the news, who writes the news

Unit 2 Peace: The United Nations, After the Holocaust, The World that emerges out of WWII

Unit 3 Cold War: Development of Soviet and Chinese Communism, NATO, Warsaw Pact, Development of Democracy, the Nuclear Age, the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missle Crisis, the Hungarian uprising, Czecholslovakia, the European Community

Unit 4 Independent Study Unit Arts, Culture & Society: Art, Music, Architecture, Culture & Traditions, Literature in the 20th Century.

Unit 5 Human Rights: Gandhi, India, Civil Rights in America, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X

Unit 6 Wars and Conflict: The Arab-Israeli Conflict, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Bosnia, Somalia

Unit 7 Science & Technology: The space race, computerization, DNA & genetic engineering

Unit 8 The Future

Evaluation

Ministry of Education guidelines: "A number of assessment procedures should be used to evaluate student achievement in senior grades. Although teachers are encouraged to experiment with a variety of procedures, the following shall be included among them: daily classroom work, unit tests,and at least one formal examination, one research paper, one seminar presentation,and one independent study unit."

Accordingly, the following methods of evaluation are used in this course.Weightings are approximate. Details will be explained in class.

TESTS & QUIZZES = 30% - at announced intervals, to assess course content & understanding.

EXAMINATION = 20% - at the end of the course to assess overall course competency.

RESEARCH PAPER = 20% - on a selected topic (see following instructions)

SEMINAR PRESENTATION = 15% - see following instructions

INDEPENDENT STUDY UNIT = 10% - see following instructions

DAILY CLASSROOM WORK = 5% - commitment mark based on: attendance, punctuality,notebook, oral participation, overall effort.


Learning Experiences

A wide variety of learning/teaching methods are used in this course ranging from student-centred to teacher-centred. Methods include: socratic(question-answer); lectures; group work; seminars; independent study; audio-visuals; guest speakers.


Major Course Assignment- Research Paper Refer to ISA Personal Project Outline

Seminars

Seminars constitute the major group assignment for the course. Group size will depend on the class size, but each group will consist of 2-3 students. Each topic will be one period in length. Regular consultations with the teacher are expected prior to presentation. The following sequence should be followed.

1. selection of topic and group members

2. clarification of topic with teacher to determine nature and scope of the topic

3. period of research - to compile working bibliography, possible thesis, arguments, research notes

4. discussion with the teacher of format for seminar presentation; rough outline to be submitted at this stage

5. in the class prior to the presentation, hand out to the class a typed outline of the seminar with the following information:

  • seminar topic and group members at top
  • readings from class texts + any handouts
  • headings & outline of seminar
  • questions for class to answer
  • quotations for class discussion

6. Presentation should not be in the form of a lecture or notes that are read verbatim; seminar leaders should be chairing a class discussion; class to be active participants, not merely spectators; presentation should be more than mere factual data, and should argue a point of view on the topic.

7. Seminar Follow up - Each student is to submit his/her personal research notes prepared for the seminar presentation. These notes do not need to be essay form, but should give a clear indication of the scope of the research conducted.

SEMINAR TOPICS Each seminar group will select ONE of the course's themes and then apply it to ONE of the course's study units.


Independent Study Unit

Unit 4 will be studied independently. An overview of the unit will be given, as well as some suggestions for study. At the end of the unit study (about two weeks), each student is to submit his/her study notes for the unit, along with a daily study journal for the unit. There will be a unit test at the conclusion of the independent study period.

INDEPENDENT STUDY UNIT - UNIT 4

FORMAT FOR STUDY

The Ministry of Education requires that all senior courses contain an independent study component. In this course, this requirement is met through the research stages of the essay, as well as the study unit which is outlined below.

This independent study unit should be one of the most challenging, stimulating sections of the course. The following format spells out our discussions on how the unit should be approached.

HOW EVALUATED?

1 - whole unit to be worth approx. 10% of the course

2 - 5% - for unit test -

3 - 5% - for personal notes made during the study period (to be submitted when unit test is written) +/- subjective mark on overall commitment to the process of studying this unit

EXPECTATIONS?

Daily attendance; diligence; high motivation and self-motivation; sensitivity and respect for the learning of fellow students

SUGGESTIONS?

1 - study completely independently

2 - set up study groups (2-4 members) to share information; jigsaw method

3 - work with one other student

TEACHER'S ROLE?

1 - present occasional lecture and/or audio-visual materials as overviews for unit topics

2 - act as tutor/mentor whenever requested

3 - individual consultations with each class member to discuss student progress in course so far

4 - prepare a study outline for the unit

UNIT 4: INDEPENDENT STUDY OUTLINE

Arts, Culture & Society: Art, Music, Architecture, Culture & Traditions, Literature in the 20th Century.

Readings: To be Announced



Email: b_whelan@hotmail.com