Course Description:
In Social Studies 30-1, students will explore the origins and complexities of ideologies and examine multiple perspectives regarding the principles of classical and modern liberalism. We will study and analyze a variety of political and economic systems and have the students assess the viability of the principles of liberalism. Liberalism is highlighted as it has played a significant role in the development of modern democratic societies. Ultimately, we want our students to answer the fundamental question, “To what extent should we embrace ideology?” To do so we have divided the course into four issue based units:
Related Issue #1: To what extent should ideology be the foundation of identity?
Related Issue #2.1: To what extent is resistance to liberalism justified?
Related Issue #2.1: To what extent is resistance to liberalism justified?
Related Issue #3: To what extent are the principles of liberalism viable?
Teacher Assigned Mark (50% of course mark)
Related Issue 1 and 4 20%
Related Issue 2.1 20%
Related Issue 2.2 20%
Related Issue 3 40%
Final Exam (50% of course mark)
Part A (source based) 20%
Part B (position paper) 30%
Part C (multiple choices) 50%
In Social Studies 30-1, students will explore the origins and complexities of ideologies and examine multiple perspectives regarding the principles of classical and modern liberalism. We will study and analyze a variety of political and economic systems and have the students assess the viability of the principles of liberalism. Liberalism is highlighted as it has played a significant role in the development of modern democratic societies. Ultimately, we want our students to answer the fundamental question, “To what extent should we embrace ideology?” To do so we have divided the course into four issue based units:
Related Issue #1: To what extent should ideology be the foundation of identity?
- Explore factors that may influence individual and collective beliefs and values (culture, language, etc)
- Examine historic and contemporary expressions of individualism and collectivism
- Examine the characteristics of an ideology
- Explore themes of ideologies (nations, class, environment, religion, etc)
- Analyze individualism and collectivism as a foundation of identity
- Analyze the dynamic of individualism and common good in contemporary societies
- Evaluate the extent to which personal identity should be shaped by ideologies
Related Issue #2.1: To what extent is resistance to liberalism justified?
- Explore Aboriginal contributions to the development of liberalism
- Examine the relationship between the principles of liberalism and the origins of classical liberal thought (Locke, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Smith, etc)
- Analyze ideologies that developed in response to classical liberalism (classic conservatism, Marxism, etc)
- Analyze the evolution of modern liberalism
Related Issue #2.1: To what extent is resistance to liberalism justified?
- Evaluate ideological systems that rejected liberalism (Communism, Fascism)
- Analyze how ideological conflict shaped international relations after WWII
- Analyze the extent to which modern liberalism is challenged by alternative thought
- Evaluate the extent to which resistance to liberalism is justified
Related Issue #3: To what extent are the principles of liberalism viable?
- Explore the extent to which governments should reflect the will of the people
- Explore the extent to which governments should encourage economic equality
- Analyze the extent to which the practices of political and economic systems reflect the principles of liberalism
- Analyze the extent to which liberal democracies reflect illiberal thought and practices
- Analyze why the practices of governments may not reflect the principles of liberalism
- Evaluate the extent to which governments should promote individual and collective rights
- Evaluate if the principles of liberalism are viable in modern society
- Explore the relationship between personal and collective worldviews and ideology
- Explore how ideologies shape individual and collective citizenship
- Analyze differing perspectives on the rights, roles and responsibilities of citizens
- Evaluate the extent to which ideology should shape responses to contemporary issues
- Develop strategies to address local, national and global issues
- Explore opportunities to demonstrate active and responsible citizenship
- Complete writing assignments (i.e. Position Paper)
- Complete performance tasks and daily assignments
- Write a Multiple Choice Exam
Teacher Assigned Mark (50% of course mark)
Related Issue 1 and 4 20%
Related Issue 2.1 20%
Related Issue 2.2 20%
Related Issue 3 40%
Final Exam (50% of course mark)
Part A (source based) 20%
Part B (position paper) 30%
Part C (multiple choices) 50%