Social Studies 10-1 Course Outline

Course: Social Studies 10-1 (5 Credits) Teacher: Mr. Desrochers Email: desrs@holyspirit.ab.ca Twitter: @Mr_Desrochers
Class Blog: http://criticaldebate.weebly.com

Dates: November 9, 2012 January 18, 2013 Classes: ~40 Class times: Monday Thursday 8:03am - 10:47am
Fridays 8:03am 9:50am

Flex Time:
Teacher may request that students attend in order to receive one on one attention and / or catch up on outstanding assignments / quizzes and enrichment. Time may be required for students to type up and submit work completed during class time. Attendance will be taken.

Textbook and Materials:

Exploring Globalization. McGraw-Hill Ryerson 2007 Canada and the World (Atlas, Second Edition) One 3 Ring Binder with standard letter size lined paper One package of dividers Pen/Pencil and Highlighter

Rationale/Course Overview:
Social Studies provides opportunities for students to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that will enable them to become engaged, active, informed and active citizens. Social Studies is the study of people in relation to each other and to their world. Students will explore multiple perspectives on the origins of globalization and the local, national and international impacts of globalization on land, cultures, economies, human rights and quality of life. Using critical thinking skills, we will form our own opinions on the extent to which we, as individuals/communities/nations, should embrace globalization. The infusion of multiple perspectives will allow you, the student, to analyze and experience issues from different and possibly opposing points of view; with the goal of developing understanding and tolerance to identity and culture which is necessary in becoming a responsible citizen.

Course Issues/Topics:
To what extent should we embrace globalization? Related Issue #1: To what extent should globalization shape identity? Students will explore the impact of globalization on their lives. Related Issue #2: To what extend should contemporary society respond to the legacies of historical globalization? Students will assess impacts of historical globalization on Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Related Issue #3: To what extent does globalization contribute to sustainable prosperity for all people? Students will assess economic, environmental and other contemporary impacts of globalization. Related Issue #4: To what extent should I as a citizen respond to globalization? Students will assess their roles and responsibilities in a globalizing world.

Assignments (Assessments):
Related Issue 1 Total: Unit Exam (multiple choice + source analysis) Blog Responses Minor Assignment Major Assignment Total: Unit Exam (multiple choice + source analysis) Blog Responses Minor Assignment Major Assignment Total: Unit Exam (multiple choice + position paper) Blog Responses Minor Assignment Major Assignment Total: Unit Exam (multiple choice + position paper) Blog Responses Minor Assignment Major Assignment

Weight
(% of total grade)

17.5% 5.25% 3.5% 3.5% 5.25% 17.5% 5.25% 3.5% 3.5% 5.25% 17.5% 5.25% 3.5% 3.5% 5.25% 17.5% 5.25% 3.5% 3.5% 5.25% 30% 100%

Related Issue 2

Related Issue 3

Related Issue 4

Final Exam: Total:

There will be a non-cumulative exam after each related issue, and one cumulative final exam

Notes on Exams/Assignments:
A) Independent work will be assigned during each class. Please use class time and Flex time effectively. An extra 30 minute block should be planned for at home so that you, the student, can be adequately prepared for the class / exams. This may vary throughout the quarter. Many assignments will require that you submit your response online as a comment on our class blog. B) All exams are the property of the Catholic Central Social Studies Department for the purpose of evaluation and will be kept by the teacher. Students wishing to review an exam are permitted to do so after school hours within the classroom. C) Prior notice will be given for main topic exams. Any exam missed will be made up immediately upon return to class during a time specified by the teacher. You will then be required to complete the class work at home or during flex-time to be determined by the teacher. D) EXTENUATING circumstances for all of the above points, arrangements must be made BEFORE class. E) All outstanding assignments must be completed and handed in before you will be allowed to write the final exam.

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

We will discuss and develop a set of rules and expectations to be used as a class. This is an excellent way for you to contribute to your own learning, however this is both a privilege and a responsibility. If students demonstrate that they are not up to this task then I will set the rules and expectations.

Current Events and Source Analysis:

World politics and current events are an important part of Social Studies; at the beginning of each class we will examine news articles, editorials, political cartoons, and video clips, etc. This will help you develop an understanding of world affairs and will provide us opportunity to practice analysing and comparing various sources.

Class Blog:
I will be keeping a class blog at http://criticaldebate.weebly.com. Frequently I will require that you submit a reflection or a response to a post on this blog, based on our class work from the day. You will usually have time during class to work on this response, but you must type-up and submit these responses during flex time.

Debate and Critical Thinking:

Throughout this course we will be using debate to work through big questions. We will use various forms of debate frequently in class to help build critical arguments and examine multiple perspectives. Each of the two position papers you will complete will also accompany a whole class debate on the topic at hand. The purpose of these debates is to help you to develop critical thinking skills, to work through critical arguments, and improve your writing.

Assessment Policy:
Please see student handbook.

Plagiarism Policy:
Please see student handbook. This policy will be in strict enforcement.