Social Studies

Our Dedication

The Social Studies Department at Moscrop Secondary is a great place to learn. We are a collaborative group of professionals that take great pride in making the Social Studies curriculum exciting, challenging and interesting for all. We help students develop skills such as reading comprehension, writing, primary source analysis, interpersonal skills development through group work and the use of technology for research and assignments. We use criteria reference and formative assessments to assist our students in understanding how to achieve success

Staff

Dale Lintott (Department Head)	AP European History, Geography 12
Ms. Marie Josée Beaulieu	French Immersion
Ms. Christine Clowers	Socials, History
Mr. Herve Moreau	French Immersion
Mr. Daniel Tetrault	Socials
Mr. Russ Riach	Socials
Ms. Mona Smayra	French Immersion
Mr. Chris Stemo	Socials, Psychology AP
Ms. Jacqui Tapia	Socials, Psychology

Russ Riach	AP Human Geography, Psychology, Socials
Robert Kushkick	Socials

Course Outlines

Socials Studies 8

Students will spend their first year at Moscrop exploring the creation and fall of Civilizations throughout the World! Students will look at the development of Modern Day Europe from the Fall of Rome to the Renaissance. They will also compare the development of the Western World with the development of many other Civilizations including China, Japan and the Arab World. Students will learn organizational skills, writing skills, primary and secondary source analysis, social responsibility, note taking and interpersonal skills –developed through group projects and activities.

Socials Studies 9

Revolution. Grade 9 Social Studies is all about Revolution and how they are important to incite change in our world. Students will learn about how democracy came in to being. Some of the Revolutions covered are the French Revolution, American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. The second half of the school year focuses on the development of Canada in its early years; from the age of exploration to the fur trade. Geography is also a focus. This course will introduce the fundamentals and basics of essay writing.

Socials Studies 10

Understanding Canada and its creation is of vital importance to any Canadian. This course explores how this vibrant and ever-changing country came to be. Students will understand some of Canada’s heroes, their international accomplishments, and Canada’s role in the world up until 1914. Students will refine their skills at writing, note taking, assessing primary and secondary sources, as well as beginning to write a proper research paper.

Socials Studies 11

This is a course of utmost importance to a student’s education. Students will focus on government, law, history of the Twentieth Century and current human geography. Students will examine Canada’s role in WWI, the Depression, WWII, the Cold War, and many other events up until Desert Storm. The geography component examines the issues of poverty and resource management on our planet, tends in population, as well as environmental problems. This course includes an optional Provincial Exam worth 20% of their final mark –if the student so chooses to write it.

Psychology 11

Psychology 11 is an activity-based, introductory survey course. Psychology 11 has been developed to foster curiosity about the causes of human behavior. Its main focus will be based on student’s prior knowledge of Psychology and misconceptions in the mainstream media. Psychology 11 reflects two basic approaches: an emphasis on personal insight with a minor emphasis on the scientific basis. This course promotes critical thinking in group/individual activities, discussions, hands-on experiments, writing, reading and researching.

Psychology 12

Psychology 12 is a course on human behavior and basic concepts in modern psychology. This course covers the five major psychological domains: Methods, Biopsychological, Cognitive Dissonance, Developmental, and Socio-cultural 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 such as critical thinking, essay writing, research and experimental methods, academic reading, and oral presentation skills.

AP Psychology

This course will introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals. Students will be exposed to psychological facts, principals, and phenomenon associated with each of the sub fields in psychology. Students should be fully aware of the heavy content of this course and the academic challenge. Students should have a B in Social Studies 11 or teacher permission to take the course. This course offers students the choice in writing the optional AP Exam in May. Students who successfully receive a grade of four or five on the exam will receive six university or college credits.

AP European History

AP European History will introduce students to the Renaissance, Reformation, monarchs, wars, treaties, art and culture from 1500 to 2000. Without knowledge of European History, students would lack the ability to understand the development of modern institutions and of how European History affects present day politics and society. The principal themes include secularization, scientific and technological developments and attitudes towards religion. Students will develop advanced skills in intellectual discourse; writing, speaking, analysis and developing sophisticated arguments. This course is useful for students interested in careers in international and/or domestic law, business, education or government.

Comparative Civilizations 12

This course offers a curriculum that places emphasis on developing and understanding a variety of civilizations. Students will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the world’s cultural history and an appreciation of how differing civilizations have the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the world’s cultural history and an appreciation of how differing civilizations have contributed to the sum total of human experiences.

Law 12

This course will give you everything you need to know about the Canadian Legal system with a hint of comparison to the American system. This class focuses on statute and case law, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Criminal and Civil law. Students will need to be aware of current events and follow cases as they are happening. This is an academic elective with profound focus on debate, discussion, reading and writing. This course also includes a field trip to the Supreme Courts in Downtown, Vancouver.

History 12

This is a fascinating study of the last hundred years of history that will be interesting to every student. It is a study of the 20th century world history –from 1919 to 1991-with an examination of components that have profoundly affected our civilization and way of life. Topics include WWII, the Cold War, Revolution, Superpower economics, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Students are expected to have strong reading comprehension and writing skills. There is an optional Provincial Exam, which makes up 40% of the student’s final grade –if the student chooses to write it.

Geography 12

This social science course will teach you to understand the awe-inspiring diversity found on our planet. Students will look at how humans and our planet interact. This is a study that will allow students to answer questions like: why are the oceans salty? What does global warming really mean? Or what are the new forms of alternative fuel sources? Students will learn with hands-on field experiences for Geography is the foundation of all sciences and this course offers a good balance of practical skills and academic challenge.

AP Human Geography

This is an exciting course for students to study Human Geography at a post secondary level. This course is challenging, valuable and provides an opportunity to develop reading, writing, researching and discussion skills. The purpose of this course is to introduce the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped understanding, use and alteration of Earth's surface. Students employ concepts and analysis to examine social organization and its consequences. They also learn about methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Our study of geography will apply a holistic perspective in examining patterns, places and landscapes, while we find our place in the world around us.

Social Justice 12

This course will develop students' ethical and philosophical reasoning skills by exploring issues of injustice based on various social factors, while investigating cause(s) and consequence(s) of injustice. Students will work to invoke change to become ethical and socially responsible global citizens. Topics include: animal rights, media, consumerism, propaganda, child labour, homophobia, women's rights, racism, global issues, environmentalism and social justice "heroes".

BC First Nations Studies

This unique course focuses on the diversity, depth and intergrity of the cultures of BC's Aboriginal peoples. BC First Nations Studies documents the history and cultures of First Nations and Metis people in BC from before the arrival of the Europeans to the present. Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of First Nations' traditions, history, and present realities, as well as a chance to consider future challenges and opportunities.

Social Studies Honours

Honours courses provide students the opportunity to complete enriched Social Studies curricula at the Grade 8, 9, 10 and 11 levels. Honours courses prepare students for senior level electives in History and Geography, as well as AP European History, AP Human Geography and AP Psychology.

Social Studies Honours 8

Students will complete an enriched curriculum that will include the study of history from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance as well as geographical thinking skills. Skills such as researching from a variety of sources, essay writing, simulating historical events and critical thinking are emphasized. Social Studies 8 students must successfully complete a qualifying examination for acceptance.

Social Studies Honours 9

Students will experience an enriched curriculum that will include the study of geography and history from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution in Europe and early European settlement in North America. Research skills, essay writing, debating, historical simulations and critical thinking skills are emphasized. Students must achieve an overall average of 80% to apply for Social Studies Honours.

Social Studies Honours 10

Qualified students will experience an enriched curriculum that includes the development of Canada during the 19th century as it evolved from colonies to a single nation. Research skills, essay writing, debating skills, historical simulations and critical thinking skills are emphasized. Students must achieve an overall average of 80% to apply for Social Studies Honours.

Social Studies Honours 11

Qualified students will experience an enriched curriculum that includes the history of Canada and the world throughout the 20th century, the study of human geography, and Canadian government. Research skills, essay writing, debating skills, historical simulations and critical thinking skills are emphasized. Students must achieve an overall average of 80% to apply for Social Studies Honours.

Language Adapted Courses

Language Adapted Social Studies courses are for those students who graduated from ESL Level , but need extra language support. The emphasis in Language Adapted SS courses is on acquiring language skills and understanding the core content in Social Studies.

Social Studies Language Adapted 8

Students will cover the core curriculum of Social Studies 8 with adaptations to support and enhance their learning.

Social Studies Language Adapted 9

Students will cover the core curriculum of Social Studies 9 with adaptations to support and enhance their learning.

Social Studies Language Adapted 10

Language Adapted Socials Studies 10 will prepare ESL students to meet the Grade 10 graduation requirement for Social studies and they will develop the necessary academic language skills. The emphasis in this course is placed equally on acquiring academic language skills and developing an understanding of designated core content in Social Studies.