This course focuses on the use of social science theories, perspectives, and methodologies
to investigate and explain shifts in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour and
their impact on society. Students will critically analyse how and why cultural, social,
and behavioural patterns change over time. They will explore the ideas of social theorists
and use those ideas to analyse causes of and responses to challenges such as technological
change, deviance, and global inequalities. Students will explore ways in which social
science research methods can be used to study social change.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies
This course explores, within the context of families, some of the fundamental
challenges people face: how to meet basic needs, how to relate to others, how to
manage resources, and how to become responsible members of society. Students will
explore adolescent development and will have opportunities to develop interpersonal,
decision-making, and practical skills related to daily life. They will learn about the
diverse ways in which families function in Canada and will use research skills as
they explore topics related to individual and family needs and resources.
Prerequisite: None
This course enables students to draw on sociological, psychological, and anthropological
theories and research to analyse the development of individuals, intimate relationships,
and family and parent-child relationships. Students will focus on issues and challenges
facing individuals and families in Canada’s diverse society. They will develop analytical
tools that enable them to assess various factors affecting families and to consider policies
and practices intended to support families in Canada. They will develop the investigative
skills required to conduct and communicate the results of research on individuals,
intimate relationships, and parent-child relationships.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies
This course focuses on guidelines for making nutritious food choices. Students will
investigate factors that influence food choices, including beliefs, attitudes, current
trends, traditional eating patterns, food-marketing strategies, and individual needs.
Students will also explore the environmental impact of a variety of food choices at
the local and global level. The course provides students with opportunities to develop
food-preparation skills and introduces them to the use of social science research
methods in the area of food and nutrition.
Prerequisite: None
This course provides students with opportunities to think critically about theories,
questions, and issues related to anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students
will develop an understanding of the approaches and research methods used by
social scientists. They will be given opportunities to explore theories from a variety
of perspectives, to conduct social science research, and to become familiar with
current thinking on a range of issues within the three disciplines.
Prerequisite: Grade 10 academic course in English
or academic history course (Canadian
and world studies)
This course examines the relationships between food, energy balance, and nutritional
status; the nutritional needs of individuals at different stages of life; and the role of
nutrition in health and disease. Students will evaluate nutrition-related trends and
will determine how food choices can promote food security and environmental
responsibility. Students will learn about healthy eating, expand their repertoire
of food-preparation techniques, and develop their social science research skills by
investigating issues related to nutrition and health.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college
preparation course in social sciences
and humanities, English, or Canadian
and world studies
This course enables students to acquire an understanding of the nature of philosophy
and philosophical reasoning skills and to develop and apply their knowledge and
skills while exploring specialized branches of philosophy (the course will cover at
least three of the following branches: metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, philosophy
of science, social and political philosophy, aesthetics).∗ Students will develop critical
thinking and philosophical reasoning skills as they formulate and evaluate arguments
related to a variety of philosophical questions and theories. They will also develop
research and inquiry skills related to the study and practice of philosophy.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies
This course encourages exploration of philosophy’s big questions, such as:
What is a meaningful life? What separates right from wrong? What constitutes
knowledge? What makes something beautiful? What is a just society? Students will
develop critical thinking and philosophical reasoning skills as they identify and
analyse the responses of philosophers to the big questions and formulate their own
responses to them. Students will explore the relevance of philosophical questions to
society and to their everyday life. They will develop research and inquiry skills as
they investigate various topics in philosophy.
Prerequisite: None
