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HAVERGAL COLLEGE
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Course Calendar 2016–2017
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:
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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;
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identify enduring themes and philosophical questions;
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analyse current societal structures and recognize social issues;
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question the similarities and differences that exist across cultures;
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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.