Social Studies

Social Studies

Junior High 

Social studies is the study of people in relation to each other and to their world. It is an issues focused and inquiry-based interdisciplinary subject that draws upon history, geography, ecology, economics, law, philosophy, political science and other social science disciplines. Social studies fosters students’ understanding of and involvement in practical and ethical issues that face their communities and humankind. Social studies is integral to the process of enabling students to develop an understanding of who they are, what they want to become and the society in which they want to live.

Social studies develops the key values and attitudes, knowledge and understanding, and skills and processes necessary for students to become active and responsible citizens, engaged in the democratic process and aware of their capacity to effect change in their communities, society and world.

High School

The high school Social Studies program is designed to engage you in active and responsible citizenship while you learn about the world around you. Upon completion of the program, you will be expected to understand consequences and interactions in an increasingly globalized world within a Canadian context.  The goal of the Social Studies program is to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance as you engage in active and responsible citizenship. The program has a strong focus on Canadian and Alberta history, and you will become involved in your own learning by asking questions, sharing ideas and understandings and working with others.

Social Studies is learning about the world around you, and what could be more relevant than that? Social Studies is an essential course in Grade 10, 11 and 12, and every student must complete Social 30-1 or 30-2 to qualify for a high school diploma.

There are two main course sequences in Social Studies:

• Social Studies 10-1, 20-1 and 30-1 allow you to examine the relationships among globalization, citizenship and identity to enhance skills for citizenship in a globalizing world.
  
  Social Studies 10-2, 20-2 and 30-2 is a course sequence that explores historical aspects and the relationships among globalization, citizenship and identity. Both courses meet graduation requirements and require that you write a diploma examination upon completion of the 30 level course. However, the expectations for Social Studies 10-1, 20-1 and 30-1 are more challenging – particularly in areas of concept development, critical thinking and skill development.