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Overview
The Canadian and World Studies & Social Science program at Merivale High School encompasses a range of subjects: Geography, History, Civics, Law, Politics, Business Studies, Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology.
In studying these subjects, students learn how people interact with and within present-day social, political, economic and environmental contexts, and how human patterns and interactions have both changed and remained constant across time and space.
Success in these courses is not measured in terms of how well students memorize a series of facts. Rather, these courses teach students to research, analyse, and extrapolate from data and evidence.
Students learn how to develop, evaluate, challenge and defend well-informed arguments; the academic foundations of these disciplines make Canadian and World Studies one of the few places in which students are required to engage in divergent thinking.
Courses within Canadian and World Studies and Social Sciences are particularly effective at developing advanced skills in formal essay writing, oral communication, the use of information technology, and project-based collaboration -- practical skills upon which success is dependent in all post-secondary and employment environments.
CGC1D : Issues in Canadian Geography
Grade 9 (Academic)
This course examines interrelationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how these systems interconnect with those in other parts of the world. Students will explore environmental, economic, and social geographic issues relating to topics such as transportation options, energy choices, and urban development. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate various geographic issues and to develop possible approaches for making Canada a more sustainable place in which to live.
Prerequisite: None
Note: CGC1DF will offered as an elective for students within the French Immersion program.
BBI2O: Introduction to Business,
Grade 10 (Open)
(Note: this course is an accessible elective for Grade 9 Students)
This course introduces students to the world of business. Students will develop an understanding of the functions of business, including accounting, marketing, information and communication technology, human resources, and production, and of the importance of ethics and social responsibility.This course builds a foundation for further studies in business and helps students develop the business knowledge and skills they will need in their everyday lives.
Prerequisite: None
BBI2O: Introduction to Business,
Grade 10 (Open)
This course introduces students to the world of business. Students will develop an understanding of the functions of business, including accounting, marketing, information and communication technology, human resources, and production, and of the importance of ethics and social responsibility. This course builds a foundation for further studies in business and helps students develop the business knowledge and skills they will need in their everyday lives.
Prerequisite: None
CGD3M: Regional Geography,
Grade 11 (University/College Preparation )
(note: upon successful completion of the grade 9 prerequisite, students may enroll in this course in Grade 10)
This course explores interrelationships between the land and people in a selected region as well as interconnections between this region and the rest of the world. Students will explore the region’s environmental, socio-economic, and cultural characteristics and will investigate issues related to natural resources, economic development and sustainability, population change, globalization, and quality of life. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate a range of geographic issues in the region. Note: This course is developed and delivered with a focus, to be determined by the school, on the geography of a selected region of the world.
Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
Note: CGD3MF will offered as an elective for students within the French Immersion program.
CHC2D: Canadian History since World War I,
Grade 10 (Academic)
This course explores social, economic, and political developments and events and their impact on the lives of different individuals, groups, and communities, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities, in Canada since 1914. Students will examine the role of conflict and cooperation in Canadian society, Canada’s evolving role within the global community, and the impact of various individuals, organizations, and events on identities, citizenship, and heritage in Canada. Students will develop an understanding of some of the political developments and government policies that have had a lasting impact on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities. They will develop their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating key issues and events in Canadian history since 1914.
Prerequisite: None
Note: CHC2DF will offered as an elective for students within the French Immersion program.
CHV2O: Civics
Politics is about how societies are governed, how public policy is developed, and how power is distributed. Civics is a branch of politics that focuses on the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship, the role of governments, and how people can get involved in the political process and take action on issues of civic importance. The study of civics supports students in becoming informed, engaged, and active citizens in the various communities to which they belong, whether at the local, national, or global level.
Prerequisite: None
Note: CHV2OF will offered as an elective for students within the French Immersion program.
CHA3U: American History,
Grade 11 University Preparation
This course explores key aspects of the social, economic, and political development of the United States from precontact to the present. Students will examine the contributions of groups and individuals to the country's evolution and will explore the historical context of key issues, trends, and events that have had an impact on the United States, its identity and culture, and its role in the global community. Students will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating various forces that helped shape American history.
Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
CGD3M: Regional Geography,
Grade 11 (University/College Preparation )
This course explores interrelationships between the land and people in a selected region as well as interconnections between this region and the rest of the world. Students will explore the region’s environmental, socio-economic, and cultural characteristics and will investigate issues related to natural resources, economic development and sustainability, population change, globalization, and quality of life. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate a range of geographic issues in the region. Note: This course is developed and delivered with a focus, to be determined by the school, on the geography of a selected region of the world.
Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
Note: CGD3MF will offered as an elective for students within the French Immersion program.
CGR4M: Environment & Resource Management
Grade 12 (University/College Preparation ) (2024-2025)
This course investigates interactions between natural and human systems, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of human activity on ecosystems and natural processes. Students will use the geographic inquiry process, apply the concepts of geographic thinking, and employ a variety of spatial skills and technologies to analyse these impacts and propose ways of reducing them. In the course of their investigations, they will assess resource management and sustainability practices, as well as related government policies and international accords. They will also consider questions of individual responsibility and environmental stewardship as they explore ways of developing a more sustainable relationship with the environment.
Prerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
CLU3M: Understanding Canadian Law,
Grade 11 (University/College Preparation)
This course explores Canadian law, with a focus on legal issues that are relevant to the lives of people in Canada. Students will gain an understanding of laws relating to rights and freedoms in Canada; our legal system; and family, contract, employment, tort, and criminal law. Students will develop legal reasoning skills and will apply the concepts of legal thinking and the legal studies inquiry process when investigating a range of legal issues and formulating and communicating informed opinions about them.
Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
BMI3C: Marketing - Goods, Services, Events.
Grade 11
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of product marketing, which includes the marketing of goods, services, and events. Students will examine how trends, issues, global economic changes, and information technology influence consumer buying habits. Students will engage in marketing research, develop marketing strategies, and produce a marketing plan for a product of their choice.
Prerequisite: None
HSP3U: Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology,
Grade 11 (University Preparation)
This course provides students with opportunities to think critically about theories, questions, and issues related to anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students will develop an understanding of the approaches and research methods used by social scientists. They will be given opportunities to explore theories from a variety of perspectives, to conduct social science research, and to become familiar with current thinking on a range of issues within the three disciplines.
Prerequisite: The Grade 10 academic course in English, or the Grade 10 academic history course (Canadian and world studies)
HSP3C: Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology,
Grade 11 (College Preparation)
This course introduces students to theories, questions, and issues related to anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students learn about approaches and research methods used by social scientists. Students will be given opportunities to apply theories from a variety of perspectives, to conduct social science research, and to become familiar with current issues within the three disciplines.
Prerequisite: None
HSG3M:Gender Studies
Grade 11 (University/College)
This course enables students to explore the social construction of gender. Students will learn about the dynamic nature of gender roles and norms; sexism and power relations; and the impact of representations of women and men in the media, popular culture, and the arts. Students will analyse a range of gender equity issues, including gender-based violence and workplace equity, in both Canadian and global contexts. Students will develop and apply research skills and will design and implement a social action initiative relating to gender equity.
Prerequisite: None
CPW4U: Canadian and International Politics,
Grade 12 (University Preparation)
This course explores various perspectives on issues in Canadian and world politics. Students will explore political decision making and ways in which individuals, stakeholder groups, and various institutions, including governments, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations, respond to and work to address domestic and international issues. Students will apply the concepts of political thinking and the political inquiry process to investigate issues, events, and developments of national and international political importance, and to develop and communicate informed opinions about them.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
CHY4U: World History since the Fifteenth Century,
Grade 12 (University Preparation)
This course traces major developments and events in world history since approximately 1450. Students will explore social, economic, and political changes, the historical roots of contemporary issues, and the role of conflict and cooperation in global interrelationships. They will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, as they investigate key issues and ideas and assess societal progress or decline in world history.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
BOH4M: Business Leadership,
Grade 12, (University/College Preparation)
The Business Leadership course will allow students to explore how managers function in organizations and take on the challenge of generating solutions in order to solve problems. The course allows students to explore the roles, responsibilities, skills, and functions of management. Students will learn the factors that encourage effective leadership practices. Emphasis throughout the course will be placed on the importance of ethics and social responsibility in the corporate world. Students will learn how to communicate effectively for business purposes. The course will address the role of a leader in business, with a focus on decision making, management of group dynamics, workplace stress and conflict, motivation of employees, and planning. Effective business communication skills, ethics, and social responsibilities are also emphasized.
Prerequisite: None
BBB4M: International Business Fundamentals,
Grade 12, (University/College Preparation)
The world has become a global marketplace. Large volumes of goods, services, ideas, money, and technology are transported throughout the world, affecting the lives of millions of people in the process. Today, virtually every aspect of economic activity is influenced by international business. As students explore the world of business and the opportunities and challenges that it presents, it is vital that they do so with an appreciation of the impact of the global marketplace and international trade. Through the course, students will develop a fundamental understanding of the global economy. They will come to appreciate the impact that international business can have on their lives and communities today and on the careers and opportunities they are considering for the future. Through the course, students will develop a broader and deeper understanding of international issues and concerns and begin to develop an informed awareness of those issues directly affecting their future careers.
This course provides an overview of the importance of international business and trade in the global economy and explores the factors that influence success in international markets. Students will learn about the techniques and strategies associated with marketing, distribution, and managing international business effectively. This course prepares students for post-secondary programs in business, including international business, marketing, and management.
Prerequisite: None
CGR4M: Environment & Resource Management
Grade 12 (University/College Preparation ) (2024-2025)
This course investigates interactions between natural and human systems, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of human activity on ecosystems and natural processes. Students will use the geographic inquiry process, apply the concepts of geographic thinking, and employ a variety of spatial skills and technologies to analyse these impacts and propose ways of reducing them. In the course of their investigations, they will assess resource management and sustainability practices, as well as related government policies and international accords. They will also consider questions of individual responsibility and environmental stewardship as they explore ways of developing a more sustainable relationship with the environment.
Prerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
CGW4U : World Issues: A Geographic Analysis,
Grade 12 (University Preparation) (2023-2024)
In this course, students will address the challenge of creating a more sustainable and equitable world. They will explore issues involving a wide range of topics, including economic disparities, threats to the environment, globalization, human rights, and quality of life, and will analyze government policies, international agreements, and individual responsibilities relating to them. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including the use of spatial technologies, to investigate these complex issues and their impacts on natural and human communities around the world.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and World Studies, English, or Social Sciences and Humanities
HSE4M: Equity & Social Justice: From Theory to Practice,
Grade 12 (University/College Preparation)
This course enables students to develop an understanding of the theoretical, social, and historical underpinnings of various equity and social justice issues and to analyze strategies for bringing about positive social change. Students will learn about historical and contemporary equity and social justice issues in Canada and globally. They will explore power relations and the impact of a variety of factors on equity and social justice. Students will develop and apply research skills and will design and implement a social action initiative relating to an equity or social justice issue.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies
HIP4O: Personal Life Management
Grade 12 (Open)
This course focuses on preparing students for living independently and working successfully with others. Students will learn to manage their personal resources to meet their basic needs for food, clothing, and housing. They will also learn about their personal, legal, and financial responsibilities and develop and apply interpersonal skills in order to make wise and responsible personal and occupational choices. Students will apply research and inquiry skills while investigating topics related to personal life management. The course emphasizes the achievement of expectations through practical experiences.
Prerequisite: None
Students must complete the following courses as a part of the French Immersion Programme:
CGC1DF : Issues in Canadian Geography
Grade 9 (Academic)
This course examines interrelationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how these systems interconnect with those in other parts of the world. Students will explore environmental, economic, and social geographic issues relating to topics such as transportation options, energy choices, and urban development. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate various geographic issues and to develop possible approaches for making Canada a more sustainable place in which to live.
Prerequisite: None
CHC2DF: Canadian History since World War I,
Grade 10 (Academic)
This course explores social, economic, and political developments and events and their impact on the lives of different individuals, groups, and communities, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities, in Canada since 1914. Students will examine the role of conflict and cooperation in Canadian society, Canada’s evolving role within the global community, and the impact of various individuals, organizations, and events on identities, citizenship, and heritage in Canada. Students will develop an understanding of some of the political developments and government policies that have had a lasting impact on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities. They will develop their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating key issues and events in Canadian history since 1914.
Prerequisite: None
CHV2OF: Civics
Politics is about how societies are governed, how public policy is developed, and how power is distributed. Civics is a branch of politics that focuses on the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship, the role of governments, and how people can get involved in the political process and take action on issues of civic importance. The study of civics supports students in becoming informed, engaged, and active citizens in the various communities to which they belong, whether at the local, national, or global level.
Prerequisite: None
Students may select from the following Grade 11 Immersion Electives:
CGD3MF: Regional Geography,
Grade 11 (University/College Preparation )
This course explores interrelationships between the land and people in a selected region as well as interconnections between this region and the rest of the world. Students will explore the region’s environmental, socio-economic, and cultural characteristics and will investigate issues related to natural resources, economic development and sustainability, population change, globalization, and quality of life. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate a range of geographic issues in the region. Note: This course is developed and delivered with a focus, to be determined by the school, on the geography of a selected region of the world.
Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied