Social Studies 11
Mr. Lee and Mr. Cutler
jonny.lee@aberdeenhall.com and nathan.cutler@aberdeenhall.com
250-491-1270
Course Description:

Social Studies 11 examines the development of modern Canada and its role in the World
Wars. We will study Canada from the early 20th century to today, examine its political
systems, and its human geography. Provincial Exam preparation will be emphasized
throughout the course.
The Social Studies 11 (SS11) course is divided into five key elements:
 Skills and Processes
 Politics and Government
 Autonomy and International Involvement
 Human Geography
 Society and Identity
Units of Study:
1. Canada in Transition, World War I and World War II
2. Refining an Identity: Canada in the Post-War Years
3. Canadian Government and Environment
Textbook: Counterpoints: Exploring Canadian Issues (2nd Edition)
Materials Required: binder, loose-leaf paper, pencil, pen.
Assessment:
10% for Academic Strategies – this includes coming to class with all of
your materials and your homework completed, as well as participating in
class and group discussion.
45% for Concepts and Content – this can include text questions,
worksheets, written responses, day to day activities, projects, and tests.
This category will encompass your understanding of key concepts,
definitions, or events.
45% for Inquiry, Inferences, and Implications – this can include text
questions, worksheets, written responses, day to day activities, projects,
and tests. This category will encompass your ability to seek out
information, connect and evaluate ideas or concepts, and analyze and
explain the significance of events.
There is a February midterm exam and June Provincial Exam for this course. Your midterm
exam will be worth 25% of your Term 2 grade and your June final exam will be worth 25% of
your overall grade.
Expectations
1. Each participant in this course has the right to be heard and respected by all other
participants.
 While a discussion, lecture, presentation, or video are in progress no ipods, cell
phones, text messaging are allowed to be used in class.
 Students may use ipods when doing individual seat work.
 The views and opinions expressed in this course should be relevant to the
historical context and should be considerate of different cultures, races and
gender. The very nature of this course involves controversial issues and students
are encouraged to approach sensitive topics with maturity.
2. Students have the right to learn in an environment where distraction and
interruption are avoided as much as possible.
 LATES: enter quietly and walk “around” to your seat. The expectation is that all
students are in their seats at the beginning of class.
 Cell Phones/Text Messaging: Students are asked to have all communication
devices turned off during class time. The teacher reserves the right to confiscate
any such devices if they are being used during class time.
3. Students have the right to fair and just grading practices.
 Late Work: Late homework/assignments will be deducted a certain percentage
unless a previous arrangement has been agreed upon by the student and teacher.
Students who have missing homework/assignments (especially if the condition is
chronic) can expect to stay in at lunch or after school to complete missing work.

Missed Tests/Quizzes: It is crucial that students attend all scheduled tests and
quizzes. An unfair environment is created when some students choose to miss a
test and gain extra preparation time. If a student misses a test or quiz, the absence
will only be considered “excused” if a parent/guardian contacts Mr. Lee.
Voicemail messages and emails are acceptable.
4. Each student has the right to a comfortable classroom environment and the
responsibility of keeping it that way.
 Healthy food and drink: are permitted in class as long as the litter and recycling
are put into the proper receptacles. Do not leave your garbage behind for
someone else to clean up.
 Language: in order to promote an academic environment students are
encouraged to use respectable and respectful language when communicating in
class.
 Environment: treat the classroom and equipment in a respectful manner.
Evaluating Work Habits
Effort is the measure of how hard we try to do our best work. Students reveal their effort
in the care they give their work, the time they devote to their work in class, the kind of
contribution they make in class, etc.
Excellent/Very Good:
-
Good/Satisfactory:
-
Unsatisfactory:
-
Consistent quality work (neat, complete, on time).
Positive participation and contribution to the class; cooperates
with students and teacher.
Consistently arrives to class on time and with text, notebook,
materials, and homework completed.
Quickly gets to work in class and stays focused on the day’s
work.
Attempts quality work, following directions, usually on time.
Participates willingly in class activities; cooperates with
students and teacher
Usually arrives on time with text, notebook, materials and
homework done.
Gets to work and stays on task.
Little attempt at quality work (untidy, incomplete, late).
Too often exhibits distracting or disruptive behaviours.
Too often arrives to class late, without text, notebook, materials
or homework done.
Attend every day, put an effort into your work, ask questions, bring a positive attitude and sense
of humour to class and you will be successful in this course!
I sincerely hope you enjoy this class,
Mr. Lee and Mr. Cutler
Student’s Signature: ___________________________
Date: ________________________
Guardian’s Signature: _________________________
Date: ________________________