Social Studies 8/Sciences Humaines 8
The Social Studies 8/ Sciences Humaines 8 curriculum examines world History from the 7th century CE to approximately 1750 CE, with a focus on learning how a variety of world cultures developed independently and concurrently during this time period. The big ideas of the course include: contacts and conflicts between peoples which stimulated change; human and environmental factors that shape changes in society; how exploration, expansion, and colonization varied depending on who was involved; and the ways in which changing ideas about the world led to tension between those wanting to adopt new ideas and those following old traditions. Some topics of study will include religions, technologies, scientific discoveries, trade, arts, culture, and geography.
Social Studies 9/Sciences Humaines 9
The Social Studies 9 / Sciences Humaines 9 curriculum examines the history and the geopolitical landscape of the world, and the development of Canada from 1750 CE to 1919 CE. The big ideas covered in this course include: how the physical environment influences political, social and economic change; the influence of emerging ideologies on societies and events; how power can alter the balance in relationships of individuals and societies; and collective identities are constructed and can change over time. Some topics of this course include world revolutions, the expansion of imperialism and the effects of colonialism.
Social Studies 10/Sciences Humaines 10
The British Columbia Curriculum for Social Studies 10 / Sciences Humaines 10 examines the history of Canada, and the world, from 1914 to the present. The big ideas for the course include the fact that global and regional conflicts have shaped our contemporary world, and identities. This course also discusses the development of political institutions and world views, highlighting the historical and contemporary injustices that challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive and diverse society. While traditional history remains a focus, we extend our focus to understand the factors that have led Canada to its current state.
Explorations in Social Studies 11
Explorations in Social Studies 11 is a course that will allow students to survey the senior courses available in the Social Studies discipline. The course will deepen the understanding students have of Canada and its relationship with the rest of the world. The course will focus on developing the historical thinking concepts and teaching students to be active, critical learners. Some topics of study are Canada’s international identity and the Cold War, Human Geography, Canadian Government structure, Canadian Law, Comparative Cultures, Social Justice and Genocide Study. This course is recommended for any student wishing to take senior level Social Studies courses.
Sciences Humaines 11
In Sciences Humaines 11, the students take part in a survey course that allows them to find subjects they may wish to pursue further in grade 12. It also covers some aspects of courses which are not offered at SDSS in grade 12. The Curriculum for the course follows aspects from 4 of the big concepts from the various grade 12 curriculums including Political studies and the need for involved and informed citizens; Economic Studies relating to various principles of economics and how they affect lives today; Genocide Studies around how genocides have occurred around the world and the fact they are not a foregone conclusion; and finally Social Justice initiatives of the past and present to look at how individuals and groups can affect positive change within a society. Sciences Humaines 11 satisfies one of the French language requirements other than Français Langue to obtain a double dogwood diploma.
BC First Peoples 12
(meets the Indigenous-focused Coursework graduation requirement)
This course focuses on the richness, diversity, and resiliency of B.C. First Peoples. It explores how the identities, worldviews, and languages of B.C. First Peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land. Emphasizing the languages, cultures, and history of Indigenous peoples, this course is centered around Indigenous voices and ways of knowing and learning. Students will explore the impact of contact and how colonialism continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of B.C. First Peoples, and how B.C. First Peoples challenge and resist Canada’s ongoing colonialism through self-governance, leadership, and self-determination. BC First Peoples 12 fulfills the Ministry Indigenous-focused coursework requirement for graduation.
Comparative Cultures 12
The Comparative Cultures course is a journey through vast expanses of time and human history. We will explore the origins of world cultures, and examine the foundations of the modern world by an in-depth study of the ancient world. Students will apply historical thinking concepts to examine history through the lenses of historical significance, evidence, cause and consequence, continuity and change, historical perspective, and moral/ethical dimensions. The aim of the course is to foster students’ awareness of various civilizations throughout the world and their contributions to the sum of human experience. The cultures explored in this course include Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient India, Ancient Japan, Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, and others. Students will be expected to apply research and presentation skills, describe concepts that define the foundations of civilizations, and analyze and evaluate the components of culture and art. Students will communicate their knowledge and understanding about civilizations by using effective written, oral, and graphic communication skills.
Economic Theory 12
Economic Theory 12 is a course designed to prepare you for any first-year university or college Economics course and will touch on theories and principles at that level. If you plan to study business at post-secondary this course will make your life easier in first year. It will focus on the basic concepts of scarcity, supply and demand, production costs as well as the theories of prominent economists such as Adam Smith, and John Maynard Keynes to name a few. This content is usually academic in nature but the global pandemic of 2020 has made it the ultimate in experiential learning.
Human Geography 12
In this course, students will learn about and demonstrate knowledge of the global connectivity of the world through analysis of different sources of data. They will see how humans and human population density and distribution are affected by physical and cultural landscapes. A deep understanding of how humans have modified the environment both positively and negatively will be studied. Students will be able to assess and draw conclusions from geographic evidence. Finally, students will demonstrate how a single geographic region can contain a variety of physical features and human interactions. Students will be required to complete several self-directed research activities.
Law Studies 12
The goal of this course is to give students an introduction to Canadian criminal and civil law. This will be accomplished through studying documents such as the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms, the Criminal Code of Canada and others. We will also examine the different court systems in Canada as well as Canada’s correctional system. Law is a course that is constantly changing due to the evolving nature of law in Canada. Understanding how/why our laws change over time and how the laws and legal framework of Canada affect our daily lives are some of the big ideas that will be studied in this course. Students will communicate their knowledge understanding of the law using effective written and oral communications skills.
Political Studies 12
This is a course that is designed for students who are looking to have a deeper understanding of political institutions and processes in Canada. Politics ultimately boils down to individuals or political parties trying to convince people to vote for them. How they use the media, their own content and advertising or other political groups to accomplish this will be examined. Course content will also include the major political ideologies and platforms of Canadian provincial and federal parties. How we elect our public officials including the process of our elections as well as the different electoral systems in Canada and around the world will also be studied. Perhaps now more than ever, having and understanding of how our political systems work in Canada & other countries and the ability to be able to examine political messaging with a critical eye is a necessary skill for Canadian citizens.
20th Century World History 12
This course covers World history from the final chapters of the Great War until the end of the 20th Century. Students will be challenged to expand their historical thinking as they critically analyze the cause and effect relationships between key events, historical figures, and movements of the 20th century. Major themes of this course include Nationalism, the decline of Imperialism, & rapid technological advancement; all of which played a significant role in the social, economic, and political developments of the last century. Some specific areas of study will include the Russian Revolution, WWII, the Cold War, social & political developments in Asia and the Middle East, Technology & Warfare, the U.S. Civil Rights movement, Apartheid, History & Memory, and many other important historical topics. This course is designed to expand critical thinking, and to encourage engagement in the moral & ethical dimensions of the past, as well as those today.
Social Justice 12
Social Justice is the assurance that the basic human rights of all people, everywhere, are upheld. Through reading, film, projects, and inquiry, you will come to understand the causes and consequences of oppression and injustice based on many factors (ability, age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, poverty, globalization, and more), both historically and today. Examine social justice issues as you become aware of personal and social responsibility, considering ways to make change. Challenge yourself to be an educated, ethical, open-minded global citizen by choosing this senior elective course, which is now recognized by many major universities.
Psychology 11
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. This course is a curated introduction to the field of Psychology, and is a focused examination of select high-interest topics. Areas of focus include: the historical antecedents of Psychology; experimental design, including conducting Psychological experiments; Social Psychology; Biological Psychology (the brain); Abnormal Psychology; States of Consciousness; and Sensation and Perception. Some of these topics may rotate from year to year depending on students’ interests. The course is designed to engage students and spark an interest in the field of Psychology. Students are frequently asked to reflect on and assess their own attitudes and behaviours, and will express their proficiency of the material by being actively involved in class through their oral and written communication skills.
Please note this course does not satisfy the Social Studies 11/12 grad requirement.
Psychology 12
This course continues where Psychology 11 leaves off. Students investigate the workings of mind and behaviour. Areas of focus include neuroscience, motivation, emotion, stress, testing, and social psychology. Psych 11 is not required as a pre-requisite but is recommended.
Please note this course does not satisfy the Social Studies 11/12 grad requirement.
AP Psychology 12
This first year university course gives students the opportunity to receive both secondary and university credits. Students are introduced to the science of psychology via investigation of behavioural and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Some areas of psychology examined in this course include the biological bases of behaviour, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, health psychology, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, personality, abnormal and social psychology, and the treatment of psychological disorders. This course prepares students to write the optional AP exam in May at the cost of approximately $150. Psychology 11 is recommended but not required.