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Heritage Woods Secondary School
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam)
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Social Studies

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SOCIAL STUDIES 9

This course further develops the skills and understanding from grade eight. Both European and North American history from 1500 to 1815 is explored with particular focus on the development of democratic concepts from the English Civil War, French Revolution, and American Revolution. Further areas of study include the Industrial Revolution, early North American explorers and settlement and Aboriginal peoples.

SOCIAL STUDIES 10
Social Studies 10 examines Canada during the 20th Century, specifically from World War I to the present. The course examines the political, economic, and social development of Canada with an emphasis on the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for students to become more responsible citizens of Canada and the world. Canadian government and contemporary global issues such as population growth, and climate change are also studied. Note: Use of a laptop computer is required in this course. If students do not have access to one, the school may be able to assist.

COMPARATIVE CULTURES 12
Comparative Cultures 12 gives students an understanding of the values, beliefs, and accomplishments of past civilizations. We will examine how interactions between belief systems, social organization, and language influence artistic expressions of culture, how Geographic and environmental factors influenced the development of agriculture, trade, and increasingly complex cultures, and how value and belief systems shape the structures of power and authority within a culture. This is a liberal arts course designed to facilitate a student’s quest for knowledge, understanding and awareness of various civilizations throughout the world, as well as the contributions and influences these civilizations have made to the present human experience. Possible areas of investigation include: Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Indus River Valley, Chinese, Maya, Aztec, Incan, and Greek civilizations, the Roman Empire, Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.
Note: Access to a laptop computer is highly recommended.

BC FIRST PEOPLES 12
First Nations Studies focuses on the richness and diversity of First Nations cultures in BC. Students will have opportunities
to develop an understanding of and appreciation for First Nations traditions, values and beliefs within historical, contemporary, and future contexts. This course will be enhanced with presentations by guest speakers and through the use of videos and new resource materials.

20TH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 12 
20TH Century World History 12 is an in-depth study of significant 20th century world affairs that have shaped our modern world. Students will examine the events, trends, concepts and personalities from this turbulent century as they progress from World War I to the late 20th century. This is an interesting and important course with an emphasis on inquiry, debate and communication skills. Note: Use of a laptop computer is required in this course. If students do not have access to one, the school may be able to assist.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 12
Human Geography 12 explores demographic patterns and population distribution, which influence physical features and
natural resources on a global scale. Human activities alter landscapes in a variety of ways which directly affect standards of
living and quality of life. Geographic regions, encompassing a variety of physical features and human interactions, influence
societies and environments. We will also be exploring sustainability issues as they are the basis of the relationship between
natural resources and patterns of population settlement. This course will explore all of these topics through a variety of
assessment methods, such as projects, presentations, debates and field trips.

LAW STUDIES 12
This course provides a comprehensive look into Canadian law and the legal process. It builds upon the concept of “citizenship” begun in Socials 10. It is ideal for students interested in Canadian news, current affairs, politics, and social issues. In addition to discussing the basic components and foundations of our legal system, the course will explore some of the significant issues facing Canadians and how the law connects to these issues. Other broad topics include: the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Criminal Law, Civil Law and Family Law. 

PHILOSOPHY 12
Philosophy is a discipline that examines the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. This course will examine influential philosophical questions through the development of tools for investigating meaning, reasoning, and understanding of different ways of thinking. Students will explore ideas that ask questions such as: “what is real, how can anything be known, what is the nature of the universe, what is good and evil, and is there a meaning of life?”

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY 12
Physical Geography 12 can be simply described as the study of the earth. The theme of this course reflects the interactions
between the 4 spheres (lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere), how human actions impact the 4 spheres, and how the 4 spheres affect humans. Aspects of this course include topics such as plate tectonics (ex. volcanoes and earthquakes), geology, meteorology (ex. weather and climate), glaciation, and hydrology. How humans interact with the 4 spheres (ex. resource use and the impact on the environment/sustainability issues) will be an integral part of the course.

POLITICAL STUDIES 12
Political Studies 12 focuses on power in relationships between individuals, group and the government. This course will
improve your critical-thinking and communication skills and will enable you to develop and support informed opinions about current events and political issues. It focuses on political ideologies, government, media and ethics. It provides students with opportunities to voice their opinions, participate in simulations, and debate with others on current matters – local to global. Upon completion, students will be more informed and capable citizens better equipped to make a difference in our community, nation, and world. A unique feature of this course is the use of an award-winning simulation game called The Civic Mirror. Note: Use of a laptop computer is required in this course. If students do not have access to one, the school may be able to assist.

PSYCHOLOGY 12 (BAA)
Are you interested in the brain and behaviour? Through the study of psychology, students will acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for human behaviour, behavioural interaction, and the development of individuals. Topics of study include sensation and perception, learning, human development, personality and psychological disorders.
*This course does not meet the Social Studies 11/12 requirement for graduation.

AP PSYCHOLOGY 12
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of human behaviour and
mental processes. 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 include: critical thinking, essay writing, research and experimental methods, academic reading, and oral presentation skills. The AP exam will be written in May and successful completion will result in University credit at accredited AP institutions. This is an approved secondary course that may be used for admission GPA calculation.
*This course does not meet the Social Studies 11/12 requirement for graduation.

SOCIAL JUSTICE 12
This course comprises 3 main elements of investigation: defining social justice, recognizing and analyzing social injustice, and moving toward a socially just world. Students examine social perspective using approaches drawn from the social sciences and philosophy. Students will do an analysis of historical and contemporary situations that will give them a broad perspective of social injustice, in Canada and globally. A key component of this course is a student-created social justice action plan, encouraging students to design ways to effect social change effectively and responsibly. Engaging in responsible personal and social action encourages community membership and collective responsibility for the well-being of all members of that community.

Heritage Woods Secondary School

1300 David Avenue, Port Moody BC
V3H 5K6
604-461-8679 604-937-8055 heritagewoods@sd43.bc.ca
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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