OVERVIEW

In Grade 9 social studies, you will encounter issues that have impacts on citizenship and identity. Issues present opportunities and challenges for building a society in which all Canadians belong, and in which everyone has a good quality of life. Opportunities and challenges arise because people in Canada respond to issues differently, based on their individual and collective identities.

This year, you will explore how responding to issues affects your quality of life. You will also explore how it involves perspectives, points of view and rights. The issues at the centre of your investigation will come from two key questions:

• How does governance in Canada affect you and all Canadians?
• How does economic decision making in Canada affect you and all Canadians?

Timeline

· How effectively does Canada 's federal political system govern Canada for all Canadians?

September

· To what extent is the justice system fair and equitable for youth?

October

· How effectively does Canada 's Charter of Rights and Freedoms protect your individual rights?

November

· To what extent has Canada affirmed collective rights?

December-January

· How well do Canada 's immigration laws and policies respond to immigration issues?

January-February

· To what extent do different economic systems affect quality of life?

February-March

· What role should consumerism play in our economy?

March-April

· To what extent should Canadians support social programs and taxation?

April-May

· How should governments in Canada respond to political and economic issues?

May-June

Resources Authorized textbooks and other resources (eg. Print material, videos, audios, human resources)

1. Issues for Canadians, Nelson
2. Issues for Canadians, Teachers Resource Manual, Nelson
3. Learn Alberta Critical Challenges

Course Expectations

Materials

Students are expected to be in class on time with the materials necessary for a successful and productive session. These include; pencil or pen, binder, textbook, agenda and any assigned homework.

Homework

Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. For the most part this will include individual assignments, reading, review and study. Students who are experiencing difficulty with their homework are urged to talk to me. It is expected that students will list and keep track of their homework and other important dates in their agendas.

Evaluation

Each Term will contain a variety of summative activities and the breakdown of marks will be:

Tests 50%
Projects 50%

The Three Reporting Period dates and the Final Exam are weighted equally:

1st Term – 25%
2nd Term – 25%
3rd Term – 25%
Final Exam – 25% Provincial Achievement Test