Havergal College Course Calendar, 2017-18 Academic Year

HAVERGAL COLLEGE

Course Calendar 2017–18

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

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.

GRADE 8

Grade 8 Social Studies (History and Geography)

This course is composed of two elements. The first,

Canadian history, is a continuation of the Grade 7 program

and traces the development of Canada from Confederation

to the early 20th Century. Students trace the expansion

of the Canadian landscape, examine multicultural issues

and identify the political, economic and social changes

in Canada through cooperative, critical-thinking activities

and decision-making. Emphasis is placed on historical

perspective, evidence analysis and detecting bias.

The second element introduces human geography. Students

will examine population characteristics and human

settlement patterns, land use, manufacturing and migration

trends. Learning strategies include group presentations,

role-playing and simulations, research studies and display

exercises. Skills such as map-making, note-taking, critical-

thinking and problem-solving are developed throughout the

course. Emphasis is on examining ways humans change the

earth and ways geographers represent these changes.