Grade 9 Social Studies

Mrs. Hunter ehunter@retsd.mb.ca

Course Description:
This social studies course is a study of the social make-up of Canada. Essentially when we
talk about social studies we are talking about the study of people and how they interact
with each other and with their environment. Some examples of this would include the
diversity of people in Canada (gender, race, languages, religion), the government and law
systems in Canada that ensure peace and order in our country and also how Canada
interacts with the rest of the world.
These are some of the units we will study during the semester;

Section 1 Diversity and Pluralism

A) Profile of Canada A brief overview of Canadas very diverse physical and human
geography.
B) Human Rights and Citizenship in Canada An overview of what human rights are and how
they have been strengthened throughout Canadas history. This unit will also provide insight
into the criteria for Canadian citizenship.
C) Diversity and Pluralism An overview of the origins Canadas multicultural population and
some insights to historical times when non-white people were often denied equal rights. Very
insightful topic such as discrimination and assimilation (residential schools) will be looked at.
D) Canadian Identity What are the characteristics of a Canadian? How do we express
ourselves as Canadians? This unit will explore these questions through looking at Canadas
use of mass media (books, music, TV, internet) and pop culture (todays popular trends)

Section 2 Democracy and Governance in Canada

a) Law, Order and Good Government An overview of the different branches of government
and the different level (federalism). More importantly this unit will look at how the
government at various levels impacts your life.
b) Representing Canadians This unit will have us identify who some of our key leaders are
both locally and nationally and the role that we play as citizens to elect these people to their
positions.
c) Citizen Participation What are our rights and responsibilities as citizens living in a
democratic society? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to our democratic
society?
d) Building a Just Society The impact that our judicial system has on Canadians at the
youth and adult levels. Different perspectives on criminal sentencing will also be explored.
b) Consumer Society Canada is a large industrialized country that trades goods and
resources all over the globe. Relationships and consequences of being a consumer based
society will be explored.

Section 3- Canada and the Global

Context

Canadas Global Responsibilities An overview of Canadas commitment to being a good

global citizen. Examine the countrys participation in global organizations, relationships with
other countries and military engagements. In general, what stance does Canada take on
current global issues?

Section 4 Canada: Opportunities and Challenges

a) A final reflection on the course, which will allow us to look at challenges that face the
country in the future and how we can deal with them.

Term work (quizzes, projects, assignments, etc.) are worth 75%.

Final exam in this course worth 25% of your final grade.

Classroom Expectations:
Attendance: All students must attend class regularly and on time. Please enter
without disrupting the class and take your seat quickly. If you are away, you are
responsible for finding out and completing the assignments you have missed.
This includes the daily class work. You can ask a peer, or you can ask me after class
is finished (before is too rushed).
Be on time for class If you are late and the door is closed, wait outside the class
quietly, and do not knock. When I am done talking I will let you in and you will
quietly take your seat. It is very disrespectful to both the teacher and your
classmates to be continuously late for class.
Missed Tests and or due dates: Test dates are always provided well in advance
and the expectation is that ALL students will write on that date. If you know in
advance you will miss a test talk to the teacher to make arrangements.
Respect others: Each person is an important member of our classroom
community. Each student has the right to feel safe in order to be able to take risks
with their learning. Each person, be it the teacher, students or guests (i.e.
substitute teachers, speakers), has both the right to be heard and the
responsibility to listen to others without interruption.
Do your best! This involves handing in quality work that is neatly done, taking
thorough, dated notes, and preparing for quizzes and tests. This also involves
making sure that you clearly understand the course content. The last thing I want is
for you to feel lost - if you are ever feeling confused, make sure you seek
clarification and ask questions!
Cell Phones/Music Devices are to be turned off and put away during class while I
am teaching. You can use them for research.
Food and Drink: You may have a bottled drink in class and/or a small snack but
you must clean up your garbage. You will not be permitted to go to the
cafeteria or drink machine during class.
Finally, and most importantly.

All Social studies coursed involve creative and analytical thinking and in many cases
touch controversial topics. We hope that these classes will enable you to be inspired
to pursue whatever dreams you have in life. It is also our goal to equip you to
become active citizens who desire to use skills such as critical and open minded
thinking, compassion, and the ability to listen to others to make this classroom, and
in turn society, a more equal and enjoyable place to exist.
Have a great semester!