Havergal College Course Calendar, 2016-17 Academic Year

The Social Sciences Department at Havergal offers courses in modern and ancient history, physical and human geography, law, economics and philosophy. At all grade levels, the approach in our courses is to treat historical subjects and current events not as facts to be memorized but as issues to be examined and resolved. We view our subjects as a record of the human condition and its ability to adapt to changing environmental, political, economic and social forces. Our collective aim is to prepare students for continued success in post-secondary education and to remain informed and active citizens in their present and future communities. Sharing common goals, social science courses do the following: • examine political, social, environmental and economic systems; • evaluate opportunities and challenges experienced by girls and women in many contexts; • investigate causes, trends, personalities and developments throughout history; • apply an understanding of the diversity of the physical world and the human and natural forces acting upon it; • identify enduring themes and philosophical questions;

• analyse current societal structures and recognize social issues; • question the similarities and differences that exist across cultures; • integrate technology throughout the curriculum.

Course work throughout the department encourages students to read primary and interpretive sources effectively, write clearly, present articulate and informed oral presentations and use technology, maps, graphs and tables with confidence.

GRADE 7 Grade 7 Social Studies (History and Geography)

This course consists of two elements. The first, Canadian history, traces the early development of Canada from the age of discovery through the French regime. It continues with the British conquest through the arrival of the British Empire Loyalists and extends into the early 19 th Century with the War of 1812 and the Rebellions of 1837. Finally, it explores how the first responsible governments were formed. Through critical thinking activities, decision-making simulations, field trips to local sites and research, students examine the changes in government and lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on examining perspectives, significance and historical evidence. The second element introduces physical geography through an exploration of the five themes of geographic inquiry: location, environment, region, interaction and movement. Learning strategies include group presentations, role-playing, research studies and display exercises. Skills such as map- making, critical-thinking and problem-solving are developed throughout the course with particular emphasis on perspective, interaction and information gathering.

114  HAVERGAL COLLEGE | Course Calendar 2016–2017