Welcome to the Social Studies Department.
Social Studies is a field filled with exciting subjects that allow student to incorporate thought and discussion into courses. There are a variety of courses available to satisfy any interest. Student start by taking general courses and then as they progress through Pinetree, begin to take more specific courses based on their interests.
Courses & Course Information:
SOCIAL STUDIES 9
Students will study the development of Canada from pre-contact First Nations peoples, to the history of early contact between Europeans and natives. They will also study some European history, especially the concept of revolution as illustrated through the English Civil War and the French and Industrial Revolutions. Other topics include the geography of North America and some mapping.
HUMANITIES 9 HONOURS
Humanities is the integrated study of human creativity and culture, including the study of language, history, art, politics, religion and philosophy. Humanities 9 Honours covers the provincially mandated curriculum for both English 9 and Social Studies 9. The main features of both courses are taught, but assignments are often combined and organized around common themes contained in both courses. Humanities 9 Honours will offer enriched coverage of curriculum. A strong emphasis is placed on developing critical intelligence and cultural literacy in this course.
Through a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, Humanities 9 Honours raises critical questions regarding the complex body of ideas, values, attitudes and emotions which shape our society and culture. This course will focus on developing the student’s ability to read with comprehension, to write and speak effectively and to think critically.
SOCIAL STUDIES 10
Students study Canadian history in the 19th century, with a focus on nation building: immigration, rebellions, Confederation, the development of the West, the history of British Columbia economy. Throughout their studies, students will consider the various conflicts between Canada’s peoples (First Nations, first European immigrants) arising from this time period, and relate these to current issues facing these same groups of Canadians today. Students will also be introduced to the Canadian economy, and they will continue to learn about Canadian geography.
SOCIALS 10 & 11 HONOURS
Honours Socials 10 and 11 students require fluency in English, sophisticated and precise vocabulary, good control of organization and mastery of grammar and mechanics. The course will help develop higher level thinking and unusual insightfulness/creativity within the Social Studies curriculum. Acceptance to these Honours classes will be on the recommendation of their Social Studies 9 and Social Studies 10 teachers.
CIVICS 11
This course is about the rights and duties of citizenship. Students will have opportunities to deal with issues from local to global in order to become informed decision makers and be able to get involved in the community. Topics covered in the course include Canadian government and politics, law, human rights, political ideologies and political parties and Canada’s role in international issues. An important component of Civics 11 is for students to become active and therefore students will design and implement a plan for action on a selected issue within their community. If students take this course as an alternative to Social Studies 11 there is a mandatory graduation program exam.
SOCIAL STUDIES 11
This course focuses on the development of citizenship skills and the preparation of students to take part in Canadian democracy. In history, they will learn about 20th Century Canada in relation to world affairs, such as the World Wars, the depression, our place in the United Nations, etc. They will also study government, law, geography and the environment. The students will begin to develop an understanding about Canadian political and social issues. This course has a mandatory graduation program exam.
SOCIAL STUDIES 11 H
Honours Socials 10 and 11 students require fluency in English, sophisticated and precise vocabulary, good control of organization and mastery of grammar and mechanics. The course will help develop higher level thinking and unusual insightfulness/creativity within the Social Studies curriculum.
COMPARATIVE CIVILIZATIONS 12
Comparative Civilizations 12 is a survey course designed to give students an understanding and knowledge of the accomplishments of past civilizations. This course will examine key individuals and the beliefs and values of European, Asian, African and Meso-American civilizations that have greatly influenced the world. Topics will include achievements in such disciplines as art, architecture, philosophy, religion, technology and history. This course will examine both European and non-European civilizations. Possible areas of investigation include: The Stone Age The NeolithicMesopotamia Egypt of the Pharaohs Classical Greece Imperial Rome Dark Ages/Age of Chivalry
The Renaissance The Emperors of China Early Islamic Civilization Ancient Persia
The Byzantine Empire World Religions
The Meso-American cultures of the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas
It is expected that students in Comparative Civilizations 12 will study in detail at least four of the civilizations featured in the list above.
If students take this course as an alternative to Social Studies 11, there is a mandatory graduation program exam.
(Online Only - 2nd Semester)
FIRST NATIONS 12 (Social Studies 11 credit)
This course has a British Columbia focus. Students will have an opportunity to develop an understanding of and appreciation for First Nations values, beliefs, customs and traditions. The past, present and future of First Nations will be examined along with the changes that have impacted on traditional First Nations’ ways of life. A key purpose of the course is to increase students’ awareness of cultural differances. If studetns take this course as an alternative to Social Studies 11, there is a mandatory graduation program exam. (Online Only - 2nd Semester)
GEOGRAPHY 12
Geography can be simply defined as the study of our earth. This course examines both physical and human geography. Aspects of physical geography studied include such topics as: plate tectonics (earthquakes), volcanism (volcanoes), geology, climatology, meteorology (weather), glaciation (glaciers) and hydrology. Investigations of these topics lead to an understanding of resources and resource management and man’s interaction with an ever changing environment. Topics in human geography include: cartography (map skills), the human use of earth’s resources (types, exploration, development and conservation), population studies and environmental issues. This course has an optional graduation program exam.
HISTORY 12
History 12 is a survey course that covers important world events from the Treaty of Versailles through to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Close attention is given to examining in critical detail the significance of historical events, linkage between events, and a better understanding of the world today through examination of the past. This course contains an optional provincial exam and a mandatory in class final.
LAW 12
Law 12 is an introductory law course designed to provide students with an overview of the Canadian legal system. This course will survey criminal law, civil law (tort law), employment law, contract and consumer law, and family law.
Law 12 will also feature an in-depth study of human rights focusing on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Human Rights legislation. This course will include guest speakers, field trips, mock trials, illustrative cases and the interpretation of legal documents.
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