Social Studies courses assist students in acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be responsible citizens and contributing members of society. Students learn to use problem-solving, decision-making, and critical and creative-thinking strategies to address issues. The context of the courses draws upon history, geography, economics, other social sciences, the behavioral sciences, and the humanities.
5 credits
Prerequisite: 80%+ in Grade 9 Social Studies
The Social 10-1 SAL Pre-IB course is a modified Social 10-1 curriculum with greater curricular depth and an increased focus on processing skills, such as source evaluation and analytical writing.
5 credits
Prerequisite: 65% in Grade 9 Social Studies
Students study how globalization shapes our world today. They learn how the world is interconnected and interdependent via global trade transportation, communication technology and media.
5 credits
Prerequisite: Recommend 50%-64% in Grade 9 Social Studies
Students in 10-2 follow the same curriculum as 10-1 with less emphasis on major writing assignments.
5 credits
Prerequisite: 80% in Social Studies 10-1 SAL Pre-IB
History HL Year 1 is a modified Social 20-1 curriculum with a specific focus on the origins and growth of modern nationalism in European History, 1650 - 1933. This course is Part 1 of the IB History of Europe curriculum.
5 credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Social Studies 10-1
Students increase their essay writing and research skills. Current events is a daily component of the class. Nationalism and its development through history is studied through such world events as the French Revolution, Napoleon, World War I, World War II, the breakup of Yugoslavia, the Palestinian question, Aboriginal issues and Quebec separatism.
5 credits
Prerequisite:50%+ in Social Studies 10-2
Students in this class study the same concepts as in Social 20-1, but with less emphasis on the essay.
5 credits
Prerequisite: 80% in History HL Year 1
History HL Year 2 is a modified Social 30-1 curriculum with a specific focus on the origins and growth of Twentieth Century political and economic liberalism, 1940-2005. There is an additional mandatory 3-credit course (Western World History 30) that accompanies Social 30-1 IB to address requirements particular to IB History of Europe (Higher Level). These courses are Part II of the IB History of Europe curriculum.
5 credits
Prerequisite: 60% in Social Studies 20-1
Social 30-1 explores the origins and complexities of ideologies. The political and economic spectrum is the focus of the entire course. Case studies such as the rise of dictatorship and the Cold War illustrate the differences between political and economic systems. Current events are also an integral component of the course.
Social 30-1 focuses on two types of essays: the analysis paper, and the other a position paper.
5 credits
Prerequisite: 50% in Social Studies 20-2
Social 30-2 students explore the origins and complexities of ideologies. The political and economic spectrum is the focus of the entire course. Case studies such as the rise of dictatorships and the Cold War illustrate the differences of the political and economic systems. Using real world examples of current events enhances student understanding of the material covered in class. Social 30-2 students write a number of opinion essays.
3 credits
Co-requisite: Social Studies 30-1 IB
Western World History 30” with the following description This course addresses international relations from 1919 to 1945 with initial emphasis on the Paris Peace Settlement: its goals, impact and the problems relating to its enforcement. The section covers attempts to promote collective security and international cooperation through the League of Nations and multilateral agreements (outside the League mechanism), arms reduction and the pursuit of foreign policy goals without resort to violence. This section also addresses the individual foreign policies of Japan, Italy, Germany, France, Britain and Russia/Soviet Union, looking at the aims, issues and success of each one. It concludes with a study of the Second World War, looking particularly at the impact of the war and the reasons for German defeat and Allied victory.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in the IB Programme
The Theory of Knowledge component of this IB course is required for diploma students and recommended for certificate students. This course increases students’ understanding and reflection of what they have learned. Theory of Knowledge explores the origins and validity of various ways of knowing, considering the various systems of knowledge and the proofs they employ. Students reflect on what they know and how they know it. (Students are expected to undertake a considerable amount of independent thinking.