Social Studies draws upon history, geography, ecology, economics, law, philosophy, political science and other social science disciplines. The Social Studies curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that will enable them to become engaged, active, informed and responsible citizens. It focuses on the concepts of citizenship and identity in the Canadian context. The program reflects multiple perspectives, including Aboriginal and Francophone that contribute to Canada’s evolving realities. 

Webster's dictionary defines social studies as a "general term embracing the teaching of economics, sociology, anthropology and politics. The aims of social studies teaching is to encourage children's knowledge of current affairs and their understanding of social and political concepts."

Alberta Education requires all students to take social studies at each grade level, eventually culminating with either the Social Studies 30-1 or Social Studies 30-2 course. For students new to Churchill, A new Social Studies program began for high school students in the 2007-2008 school year. The emphasis of this new program is “Citizenship and Identity”. The Grade 10 program has already been implemented and over the next 2 years the new curriculum materials will be phased into the high school Social Studies program – the Grade 11 program in September 2008 and the Grade 12 program in September 2009. Our excellent teachers are working hard to effectively implement these changes.

More importantly, social studies teachers at Sir Winston Churchill work hard helping students learn to understand and interact with the world around them. Ultimately, we hope student will become responsible citizens in an increasingly global society.

We encourage you to explore our site for more information about our courses and department.

David MacGregor Learning Leader Social Studies
Department Office: 289-9241 (ext. 2108) Mr. MacGregor's Voicemail: (ext. 3108)

Courses

Social Studies courses explore relationships among individuals in various societies and between societies. You examine cultural, economic, ethical, legal, political and religious issues that communities face. These courses focus on understanding: who am I, what kind of society do I want, and how do I and others shape our world?

Social Studies 10-1 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Social Studies 9
This course will examine multiple perspectives on the origins of globalization, and the impacts of globalization on culture, economies, human rights and quality of life for the world community. Students will examine these relationships with the goal of enhancing their skills for effective participation as citizens in a globalizing world.

The use of multiple perspectives will encourage the examination of globalization on Canadians (including impacts on Aboriginal and Francophone communities), as well as the global population. Themes of study will include concepts such as: identity development and cultural diffusion, historical studies of globalization and imperialism and the effects on contemporary, economic development; the status of human rights, and citizen’s roles, and the global community for both indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

Social Studies 10-2 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Social Studies 9
This course will allow students to explore historical aspects of globalization as well as the effects of globalization on lands, cultures, human rights and quality of life. Students will explore the relationships among globalization, citizenship and identity. The infusion of multiple perspectives will allow students to examine the effects of globalization on people in Canada and other locations, including the impact on Aboriginal and Francophone communities. Students will develop skills to respond to issues emerging in an increasingly globalized world.

Social Studies 20-1 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Social Studies 10-1
Recommendation for success: 65% in Social Studies 10-1
In this course, students will explore the complexities of nationalism in Canadian and international contexts. They will study the origins of nationalism and the influence of nationalism on regional, national, international and global relations. The infusion of multiple perspectives will allow students to develop an understanding of nationalism and how nationalism contributes to the citizenship and identity of peoples in Canada. Themes of study will include concepts such as: the relationship between nation and nation-state, the various types of nationalism (ethnic, civic, religious, political, economic, cultural, linguistic, spiritual and psychological), the connection between nation and identity, and the development of nationalism.

Social Studies 20-2 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Social Studies 10-2
In this course, students will examine historical and contemporary understandings of nationalism in Canada and the world. They will explore the origins of nationalism as well as the impacts of nationalism on individuals and communities in Canada and other locations. Examples of nationalism, ultranationalism, supranationalism and internationalism will be examined from multiple perspectives. Students will develop personal and civic responses to emergent issues related to nationalism.

Social Studies 30-1 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Social Studies 20-1 OR Social Studies 30-2
Recommendation for Success: 60% in prerequisite courses
This course is intended for students who have an interest in ideas and issues drawn from history, geography, economics, social science, and the humanities. Students will explore the origins and complexities of ideologies and examine multiple perspectives regarding the principles of classic and modern liberalism. An analysis of various political and economic systems will allow students to determine the viability of the principles of liberalism. Developing understandings of the roles and responsibilities associated with citizenship will encourage students to respond to emergent global issues. This understanding will enable students to effectively investigate, analyze and evaluate government policies and actions and develop individual and collective responses to contemporary local, national, and global issues. A diploma exam is written upon completion of this course.

Social Studies 30-2 - 5 credits

Prerequisite: Social Studies 20-1 OR Social Studies 20-2
In this course, students will examine the origins, values and components of competing ideologies. They will explore multiple perspectives regarding relationships among individualism, common good and collectivism. An examination of various political and economic systems will allow students to assess the sustainability of the practices of political and economic systems and the viability of the values of liberalism. Developing understandings of the roles and responsibilities associated with citizenship will encourage students to respond to emergent global issues. An awareness of the evolution of ideologies is key to comprehending and responding to local, national and global issues. A diploma exam is written upon completion of this course.

Psychology 30 - 6 credits

Prerequisite for Psychology: Social Studies 20-1 OR Social Studies 20-2
Prerequisite for Applied Sociology: Social Studies 20-1 OR Social Studies 20-2
This course consists of two term courses for 3-credits each (Psychology and Applied Sociology). Students can either take the first term course of Psychology only, or choose to continue with the second term course Applied Sociology, for another 3 credits. Please note the prerequisites for each term course.

Psychology: This is a complementary academic course designed to introduce students to the social science of psychology. An intriguing science focusing on how the mind works, psychology is relevant and useful to each and every one of us. Students will explore a variety of topics and theories including cognitive processes (learning, thought, memory), personality theory, human development, stress, mental health and mental illness, therapy, altered states of consciousness, positive psychology, research methodology, and many more! Students will experience a variety of learning opportunities to develop their understanding of mental processes, and to build perspective of how and why human beings act and interact in this world.

Applied Sociology: Students will engage their critical thinking skills in this introduction to the study of human society. Exploring topics from socialization, culture, gender, conformity, and media, to social institutions, movements, and change, students are challenged to think like a sociologist and examine assumptions about society. Throughout the course students formulate sociological questions and participate in a variety of class activities and discussions, building connections between their personal experiences and the larger social forces around them.