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2525 Como Lake Avenue, Coquitlam, BC, V3J 3R8| Phone: 604-461-5581| Contact Us
École Dr. Charles Best Secondary School
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)
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Social Studies
Social Studies 9

Social Studies 9 focuses on the development of the modern nation, studying Canada from pre-European contact to 1815, as well as the forces of nationalism, imperialism and the development of legal systems in Europe and their impact on Canada. Students will also study North American physical geography and its role on settlement. Historical literacy and research skills are emphasized, including completion of research term papers. Social Studies 9 has a cross-grade final examination at the end of the course.

Social Studies 10

Social Studies 10 focuses on four broad areas of study: society and culture, politics and law, economy and technology, and environment. topics of study include: the attainment of responsible government, industrialization and building of the CPR, and changing cultural relationships resulting from immigration and expansion. Geographical regions of Canada and international economic forces shaping Western Canada are explored. Research skills are further developed, including completion of an in-depth research term paper.

Social Studies 11

Social Studies 11 continues to build on skills developed in earlier grades in three main topic areas. In Geography students focus on economic and environmental issues, including demography, population, standards of living and resource use. The History component focuses on political, cultural

Comparative Civilization 12

Comparative Civilization 12 is an academically based survey course designed to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of features and accomplishments of past civilizations. Studies in disciplines such as art, architecture, philosophy, religion, technology and governance are included while exploring possible areas of investigation such as: Egypt of the Pharaohs, Classical Greece, Imperial Rome, Dark/ Ages/Age of Chivalry, the Renaissance, The Age of Exploration, the Enlightenment, the Emperors of China, Ancient India, Feudal Japan, Early Islamic Civilization, Ancient Persia, The Byzantine Empire, The Ottoman Empire, The Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. Comparative Civilizations 12 does not have a provincial exam; it does, however, have a comprehensive final examination prepared by the instructor at the end of the course.

Geography 12

Geography 12 examines both physical and human geography. Aspects of physical geography studies include such topics as plate tectonics (earthquakes), volcanism, geology, climatology, meteorology, glaciation and hydrology. Investigations of these topics lead to an understanding of resources and resource management and humanity’s interaction with an ever-changing environment. Topics in human geography include cartography, the use of natural resources, population and demographics and environmental issues. The course has a provincial exam worth 40%.

History 12

History 12 explores the forces, personalities and events of 20th century history that have helped shape the modern world. Historical topics include: Post WWI Europe, The Russian Revolution/ Development of the Communist state, the rise of Fascist totalitarian regimes, World War II, Cold War confrontations to the collapse of the Soviet Union, decolonization in Asia, India and Africa. History 12 has a provincial exam worth 40%.

Law 12

Law 12 is an academic course designed to provide students the opportunity to understand the concepts of law, justice and Canada’s legal system, as well as the study current legal issues. Reading, writing and research skills are a significant requirement of this course. In addition to researching legal cases, Law 12 students are required to write a significant research term paper and complete a comprehensive final examination. Note: Law 12 is accepted by some post-secondary institutions.

Psychology 12

AP Psychology 12 is a course on human behaviour and basic concepts in modern psychology. This course covers the five major psychological domains: Methods, Biopsychological, Cognitive, Developmental, and Sociocultural domains in depth. This course is recommended for those students who have an interest in a comprehensive study of the breadth and depth of Psychology and may wish to pursue it further at a post secondary institution. This course focuses on developing student skills that will help them succeed in a post secondary setting. This will include: critical thinking, essay writing, research and experimental methods, academic reading, and oral presentation skills. This is a fast paced course that requires students to take initiative and read outside of class time. Students with a grade of C+ or higher in the course at the mid-point will be encouraged to take the AP Psychology Exam in May. Students who take the exam and pass with a four or five will get six university credits accepted at all the major Canadian and American colleges and Universities.

Social Justice 12

This elective Social Justice 12 course will focus on social justice issues. The aim of the course is to increase the understanding of concepts, principles and/or theories regarding issues of marginalization and disenfranchisement which have an impact on understanding and communication between and among people from different racial, ethnic, ability, religious, cultural, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic class backgrounds.

Leadership 11

Open to Grades 10 – 12  This course focuses on a comparison of leadership styles. Emphasis will be on improving and developing decision-making skills, communication and organizational skills. The class will be responsible for the planning and implementation of school activities related to intramurals, school culture and spirit and community service.

Leadership 12

Prerequisite: Leadership 11 Students will have an opportunity to extend their leadership skills with an in-depth focus on a particular style. They are expected to be highly involved in the organization and implementation of a variety of school activities as well as mentoring the younger students. and economic issues in Canada from 1914-2000, including Canada’s role in international affairs. Finally, the Government section of the course develops students’ understanding of Canada’s three levels of government, the role of the citizen in the political and legal systems, the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Social Studies 11 has a mandatory provincial examination worth 20% of the student’s overall mark.

 

École Dr. Charles Best Secondary School

2525 Como Lake Avenue, Coquitlam BC
V3J 3R8
604-461-5581 604-937-8053 charlesbest@sd43.bc.ca
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
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