Social Studies

Social Studies 10 (SS 10) 4 credits

Social Studies 10 studies Canadian History and the development of the Canadian West from 1800 to 1900. Additional themes will include; Canada and the Pacific Rim, Canadian geography, industry, lifestyles and an in depth study of British Columbia from exploration to modern times with emphasis on our economy and resources.

Social Studies 11 (SS 11) 4 credits 

In grade 11, students continue their study of contemporary Canada by examining government and politics and by examining Canadian society and our relations with the rest of the world. A global perspective is gained by investigating such major concerns as population growth, the distribution of resources, and the impact of technology on contemporary society. A major component is Canadian History from the turn of the century to present day.

There is a required Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 20% of the final mark.

Geography 12 (GEO 12) 4 credits

Prerequisite: SS 11 or Esc 11, minimum C+ is recommended

Geography 12 is a study of how the physical environmental systems and relationships are organized on the earth's surface and how people are organized and distributed over the earth in space and time. It is divided into two sections: Physical Geography and Human Geography.

Physical Geography includes:

  • Map reading skills and an elementary knowledge of aerial photography.
  • Forces that have shaped landscapes, e.g. Rivers, volcanism and glaciations.
  • Climatology and its effect upon the environment; and,
  • Vegetation cover and the relationship between the various elements that control the physical environment.

Human Geography includes:

  • The human impact on the environment.
  • A study of world natural resources and management.

There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.

History 12 (HI 12) 4 credits

Prerequisite: Social Studies 1

History 12 covers World History in the 20th Century, including the major social, political and economic forces that have shaped the world in which we live. The major topics covered will be:

  • the skills of the historian
  • the Second World War
  • the Superpowers and the Cold War
  • the USA in the 20’s and 30’s
  • the world of 1919
  • the rise of the dictators
  • the world today
  • the Middle East, India, and China

Students must be able to write essays and have excellent reading skills. It is strongly recommended that students wishing to enroll in HI 12 obtain at least a C+ in SS 11 and EN 11.

There is an optional Provincial Exam at the end of this course worth 40% of the final mark.

Comparative Civilizations 12 (CCN 12) 4 credits

Prerequisite: Social Studies 11 

Comparative Civilizations 12 is a course that surveys major civilizing episodes in the sources of world civilizations. Students study 3-4 representative world civilizations from a number of selected time periods and locations.

Comparative Civilizations 12 compares architecture, philosophy, etc. in these cultures.
There is also an independent study component to the course. Each student chooses a civilization that is of particular interest and then completes various assignments based on that civilization.

Note: There is no provincial exam for this course. It is accepted for University credit at all B.C. institutions except for U.B.C.

Law 12 (LAW 12) 4 credits 

Prerequisite: Social Studies 11

This course is designed to allow students to become familiar with both criminal and civil law in Canada. It is an introductory course and is taught by the "casebook" method in which students read details of an actual legal case and attempt to answer questions following that case, based on research and textbook information. Students will also visit the Provincial Court and gain firsthand experience into the workings of the Canadian legal system. Law 12 is not designed to train lawyers but will give students a broad general concept of the realities of the Canadian legal system as well as an understanding of the terms and rules that govern it.

  • The Court System
  • Labour Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Consumer Law
  • Tort Law
  • Family Law

NOTE: This course is an academic elective and requires above average reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students enrolling would be well advised to have a C+ average in Social Studies 11 and English 11.