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Social Studies 9 2013/2014 Course Outline Issues for Canadians

Wm. E. Hay Composite High School Ms. Scarff e-mail: sscarff@clearview.ab.ca Course Content: Grade 9 students will analyze the relationship between Canadas political and legislative processes and their impact on issues pertaining to governance, rights, citizenship and identity. Students will also explore issues of economics and their impact on quality of life, citizenship and identity in Canada and the United States. Materials: Issues for Canadians, Nelson text Coil notebook or duotang with loose-leaf 2 Binder with line and unlined paper Pens, pencils, eraser, whiteout, etc. USB key suggested

Time Line and Key Focus Material: UNIT 1 Canadas Federal Government Examine the structure of government Examine the role of media in political process Canadian Rights and the Justice System Analyze the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Assess the impact of collective rights Assess the emerging issue of immigration Understand the Youth Criminal Justice Act Economic Systems in Canada and the United States Appreciate the values underlying economic decision making Compare and contrast the Canada and United States economic model Recognize the power of consumerism

September - mid-October

UNIT 2

October - November

UNIT 3

December - January

Course Evaluation: In this course, evaluation will be Competency Based. This means that your mark will directly reflect your understanding, or compentency, of the key focus material. This will improve the quality of education you receive. Using this evaluation technique involves formative and summative forms of assessment, both of which will be used in this class. Formative assessment occurs while you are forming your knowledge. On formative assessments, you will be marked based on a rubric that shows you the level that you are achieving that outcome (E: Exemplary, C: Competent, P: Progressing, B: Beginning). It does not count to your final grade, but provides a clear view of your growth overtime. Formative assessment can be viewed as practice for your summative assessment. Examples of formative assessment that may be used in this course are journal assignments, debates, assignments, and quizzes. Summative assessment occurs when you have obtained the sum of your knowledge. It will show as a percentage mark on Maplewood and counts as your final mark. These assessments are more encompassing and will close a topic or unit. Summative assessment requires you to demonstrate how you have mastered the goals set out at the beginning of the course. Examples of summative assessment that may be used in this course are essays, presentations, projects and tests. Because this technique evaluates your personal understanding, zeros will not be allocated. Late, incomplete, or plagiarized assignments will be returned and expected to be completed as independent work, at which point they will be marked as usual. Zeros reflect behavior, not ability. Mark Breakdown: Each unit will contain two or three summative assessments, which will be factored into a unit, then final mark. Summative Assignments Projects/ Presentations Essays Current Events Assignments Unit Tests/ Mid-Term Exams 20% 80%
Final Exam 20%

Summative 80%

Final Examination In-class Written PAT Multiple Choice

Expectations: To ensure a safe, engaging learning environment all students will be expected to:

Arrive on time, prepared for class Complete assignments for due dates Listen respectfully to instructions and class discussions Contribute to class discussions Treat the classroom and materials with respect For any questions on Expectations or Assessment Practices, including Academic Dishonesty, see Student Handbook

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