Course Outline
Social Studies 8
Overview
Grade 8 students will examine issues related to contact between societies with differing worldviews. They will explore elements of worldviews and how these views are expressed by people living in different times and in different places. Through this inquiry, students will reflect on their own worldviews and assess the influence that the past has had on the present. Examples will be drawn from Japan, Renaissance Europe and Spanish and Aztec societies.
Rationale
Grade 8 students will learn how intercultural contact between societies leads to significant change and alters each society’s worldview.
Outcomes
Part 1: Through an examination of Renaissance Europe, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how the exchange of ideas and knowledge contributed to shaping the worldview of the Western world.
Part 2: Through an examination of Japan, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the ways in which beliefs, values and knowledge shape worldviews and contribute to a society’s isolation or adaptation.
Part 3: Through an examination of Spanish and Aztec societies, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how intercultural contact affects the worldviews of societies.
Local and Current Affairs: As appropriate, various topics of current importance and interest will be studied.
Objectives
Our Worldviews – student text
Evaluation
Assignments and quizzes will be given on a regular basis.
Students will be required to work both individually and as part of small groups. When group projects occur, students will be graded individually, based on the work they have completed.
It is essential that assignments be handed in on time. Students are responsible for contacting the teacher if they miss an assignment, quiz, etc to make arrangements for the completion of missed work.
Students will engage in various Assessment for Learning activities and assignments. These assignments are designed to allow the student to practice new and/or challenging skills. Please note that the completion of these assignments is NOT optional. Students’ grades will be based on Assessment of Learning activities including performance assessments, essays, tests and other substantive inquiry projects.
Classroom Expectations
Social Studies classes involve a great deal of discussion of controversial issues. It is expected that all students will engage in these discussions in a respectful manner. Inappropriate or discriminatory language and disrespect for the teacher and/or classmates will not be tolerated.
Social Studies 8
Overview
Grade 8 students will examine issues related to contact between societies with differing worldviews. They will explore elements of worldviews and how these views are expressed by people living in different times and in different places. Through this inquiry, students will reflect on their own worldviews and assess the influence that the past has had on the present. Examples will be drawn from Japan, Renaissance Europe and Spanish and Aztec societies.
Rationale
Grade 8 students will learn how intercultural contact between societies leads to significant change and alters each society’s worldview.
Outcomes
Part 1: Through an examination of Renaissance Europe, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how the exchange of ideas and knowledge contributed to shaping the worldview of the Western world.
Part 2: Through an examination of Japan, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the ways in which beliefs, values and knowledge shape worldviews and contribute to a society’s isolation or adaptation.
Part 3: Through an examination of Spanish and Aztec societies, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how intercultural contact affects the worldviews of societies.
Local and Current Affairs: As appropriate, various topics of current importance and interest will be studied.
Objectives
- DIMENSIONS OF THINKING
- Develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking
- Develop skills of historical thinking
- Develop skills of geographic thinking
- Demonstrate skills of decision making and problem solving
- SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AS A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
- Demonstrate skills of cooperation, conflict resolution, and consensus building
- Develop age-appropriate behaviour for social involvement as responsible citizens
- RESEARCH FOR DELIBERATIVE INQUIRY
- Apply the research process
- COMMUNICATION
- Demonstrate skills of oral, written, and visual literacy
- Develop skills of media literacy
Our Worldviews – student text
Evaluation
Assignments and quizzes will be given on a regular basis.
Students will be required to work both individually and as part of small groups. When group projects occur, students will be graded individually, based on the work they have completed.
It is essential that assignments be handed in on time. Students are responsible for contacting the teacher if they miss an assignment, quiz, etc to make arrangements for the completion of missed work.
Students will engage in various Assessment for Learning activities and assignments. These assignments are designed to allow the student to practice new and/or challenging skills. Please note that the completion of these assignments is NOT optional. Students’ grades will be based on Assessment of Learning activities including performance assessments, essays, tests and other substantive inquiry projects.
Classroom Expectations
Social Studies classes involve a great deal of discussion of controversial issues. It is expected that all students will engage in these discussions in a respectful manner. Inappropriate or discriminatory language and disrespect for the teacher and/or classmates will not be tolerated.