Social Studies
General Information
The purpose of the Social Studies program is to help students develop the key values and attitudes, knowledge and understanding, and skills and processes necessary for students to become active and responsible citizens. The programs concentrate on enabling
students to develop an understanding of who they are, what they want to become, and the society they want to live in.
Social Studies 10-2 → 20-2 → 30-2 has been developed as an alternative course sequence to accommodate students whose learning needs are not met by the Social Studies 10-1 → 20-1 → 30-1 sequence. The 10-2 → 20-2 → 30-2 sequence maintains the same emphasis on effective citizenship, critical thinking and social responsibility. However, Social Studies 10-2 → 20-2 → 30-2 is differentiated on the basis of instructional methodology, evaluation techniques, learning resources and complexity of language used in course content. Both course sequences are based on an understanding of history, geography and other social sciences as they affect
the Canadian community.
Ainlay students participate in the Seminar on the United Nations and International Affairs and are extensively involved in Amnesty International.
Recommended Prerequisite Marks
Social Studies 10-1 pIB (Harry Ainlay Pre-IB Diploma)
This course explores multiple perspectives on the origins of globalization and its impacts on peoples. Attention is placed on both oral and written communication with a particular emphasis on historical inquiry. Students will examine the effects of globalization on the local community, the nation and the world, including the impact on Aboriginal and Francophone communities.
Social Studies 10-1
Perspectives on Globalization
Students will explore the origins and impacts of historical, cultural, economic and political globalization. The course examines the extent to which citizenship and individual and collective identity is influenced by the processes of globalization.
Social Studies 10-2
Living in a Globalizing World
Students will explore the origins and impacts of historical, cultural, economic and political globalization. Students will study how globalization affects their lives and how they will fit into an interdependent and interconnected world.
Social Studies 20-1 IB Higher Level History (Europe)
This course explores multiple perspectives on nationalism and its various manifestations in modern history. Studies range widely and include an examination of the French Revolution and Napoleonic era, the World Wars and the effects of nationalism on our contemporary world. Students will be introduced to the rudiments of the Historical Investigation, the principal research project undertaken in their senior year. TOK curriculum links will also be addressed
Social Studies 20-1
Perspectives on Nationalism
Students will explore issues relating to the complexities of nationalism and the influence of nationalism on regional, international and global relations will be examined through multiple perspectives.
Social Studies 20-2
Understanding Nationalism
Students will explore historical and contemporary understandings of nationalism in Canada and the world. Different forms of nationalism will be examined from different perspectives.
Social Studies 30-1 IB* Higher Level History (Europe)
In this course students will analyze the causes, practices and effects of war, particularly in the 20th century. As well, the origins, ideology, form of government, organization, nature and impact of authoritarian and single-party states will be studied. Moreover, attention will be given to developing a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of modern liberal thought and the tenets of competing ideologies. The Historical Investigation, a major research project, will be undertaken in the first semester of the senior year.
World History 30 IB* Higher Level
This course complements Social Studies 30-1 IB and endeavors to augment the student’s understanding of trends affecting the world in the past century. A particular emphasis is placed on the origin and development of the Cold War. Considerable attention is given to historical interpretation and the analysis of documents.
*Students are required to enroll in both Social Studies 30-1 IB and World History 30IB.
Theory of Knowledge 301B (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge is at the core of the IB Diploma Program. It is meant to allow students to practice the skills and attitudes they have been developing throughout the program, showing that they have become independent, reflective, open- minded, knowledgeable and principled thinkers. The course is designed to teach students to make connections and deepen their understanding of the ways humans gain knowledge, while critically assessing the subject specific knowledge they have obtained, and developing self-awareness. It consists of three major units: The Nature of Knowledge, The Ways of Knowing and the areas of Knowledge. Theory of Knowledge encourages lateral thinking and is the “art of wondering” about the human place in an interdependent universe. Students are challenged to develop their critical thinking skills and express them in both verbal and written form. Students will complete an oral presentation and an essay on a prescribed title.
In Grade 11, Theory of Knowledge will be presented through curricular links to subject areas. Additional speakers and seminars will be scheduled in Period 9.
In Grade 12, TOK 30 IB is a mandatory course for full IB Diploma candidates but may be chosen as an elective by IB Certificate candidates.
Social Studies 30-1
Perspectives on Ideology
Students will explore the origins and complexities of ideologies and examine multiple perspectives regarding the principles of classical and modern liberalism. An analysis of various political and economic systems will be undertaken. This course will encourage students to respond to emergent global issues.
Completion of Social Studies 30-1 requires the writing of a provincial diploma examination.
Social Studies 30-2
Understandings of Ideologies
Students will examine the origins, values and components of competing ideologies. They will explore multiple perspectives regarding relationships among individualism, liberalism, common good and collectivism. An examination of various political and economic systems will be undertaken..
Completion of Social Studies 30-2 requires the writing of a provincial diploma examination.