St Augustine S.S Social Science Department
ISSUES IN Canadian Geography
Course Code: CGC 1P1
Teacher: A. McDowell
Room 222
Contact Number: (905) 450-9993 Ext 71376
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on current geographic issues that affect
Canadians. Students will draw on their personal and
everyday experiences as they explore issues relating to food
and water supplies, competing land uses, interactions with
the natural environment, and other topics relevant to
sustainable living in Canada. They will also develop an
awareness that issues that affect their lives in Canada are
interconnected with issues in other parts of the world.
Throughout the course, students will use the concepts of
geographic thinking, the geographic inquiry process, and
spatial technologies to guide and support their
investigations.
The Ontario Catholic graduate will be able to
achieve many of the expectations in their study of
geography. Through their examination, evaluation and
application of knowledge of interdependent systems
(especially physical, ecological and socio-economic),
students will discover what is necessary for the
development of a just and compassionate society. This
course will help in the development of a responsible
Catholic citizen who respects and affirms the diversity and
interdependence of the world’s different peoples, respects
the environments, and promotes the wise use of resources.
Furthermore, it is expected that Catholic students of
geography will promote the dignity of humankind and
realize the nature of stewardship bestowed upon them as
children of God.
Unit Titles
Unit 1
Introduction
Unit 2
Interactions in the Physical
Environment
Unit 3
Managing Canada’s Resources and
Industries
Unit 4
Changing Populations
Unit 5
Liveable Communities
Resources
This course will use a variety of resources including
textbook, video, internet applications and a variety of
print sources.
Textbook: Making Connections: Canadian
Geography
This textbook is the responsibility of the student and
will be handed out the first week of class. If lost or
damaged, the replacement fee for this text is $90.00
Course Webpage: A webpage for this course can
be found on our school website, under the heading
“Departments.” On the page, you will find:
 Course Outline
 Growing Success Achievement Chart
 Unit Work
 “How to…” Sections
 Extra handouts and practice sheets
Please be aware that the webpage is consistently
being updated and re-structured. Students will be
told when material is available through the webpage
Evaluation Structure
Course Content will equal 70% of your final mark and be broken down into:
Knowledge & Understanding 25%
Thinking & Inquiry
25%
Communication
25%
Application
25%
The above is reflected both in the term work (worth 70% of the final mark) and the summative work (worth
30% of the final mark). Summative work consists of a Final Exam (15%) and a Culminating Project (15%)
Evaluation Policy:
Student marks will be determined by evaluating process and product according to four categories and four
levels. Please see chart below for specific skill and key words used to determine student competency in the
different categories.
Category
Knowledge/Understanding


Knowledge of facts & terms
Understanding of concepts &
relationships
Thinking/Inquiry



Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Inquiry skills
Communication



Communication of ideas and
information
Use of symbols & visuals
Oral & written communication
Application




Application in familiar contexts
Transfer of concepts to new
contexts
Making logical conclusions &
predictions
Making connections
Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
50-59 %
60-69 %
70-79 %
80-100 %
Some success
in displaying
knowledge,
skills and
application of
concepts
Considerable
display of
knowledge skills
and ability to
apply concepts
Limited
display of
knowledge,
skills and
ability to
apply
concepts
Thorough
understanding of
concepts and
ability to
communicate,
think creatively
and apply
concepts
Classroom Expectations CGC 1P1
RESPECT: The most important rule for learning and living. You must show respect for your
classmates, your teacher and others in our community.
BE PREPARED: You need to be prepares both mentally and physically for class. This also includes
being in complete and proper uniform (see student agenda). For this course, you will be required to have the
following supplies, in order to complete the course work over the semester: Pencil Crayons, Ruler, Calculator, Compass,
Protractor, and possibly various art supplies (major project).
ACCOUNTABILITY: Be responsible and accountable for your actions. Please avoid the position of
making excuses for poor behaviour or choices. There is a significant difference between reasons and
excuses, please be conscious of this.
RESPONSIBILITY: You are responsible for your education. Therefore, you are responsible for all
work missed, either by absences or lateness. You are responsible for finding out what you missed and
what you need to do to catch up. Any extra handouts from daily lessons can be found in the folder at the
back of the classroom. It is recommended that you pair up with someone in the course to collect
information and handouts for if you are away or late.
PUNCTUALITY: If the door is closed, wait for an appropriate time to enter the classroom, patience is a
virtue. The late policy of the school will be enforced. Consequences for lateness will include lunchtime or
afterschool detentions held by the teacher. You will be required to account for the reasons behind your
late(s) and these will be recorded. Consistent lateness will be referred to the administration and parental
contact.
ATTENDANCE: It is important that you attend class on a regular basis. IF you know that you are
going to be absent, ensure that one of your peers collects any handouts/work for you. Please advise me if
any appointments that are already scheduled, if they conflict with tests, quizzes, presentations etc...
Please review the absent policy of the school in your student agenda. This policy will be reviewed in the
class on the first day. Remember to follow the policy and procedures properly and carefully so that you
are not considered to be truant. This includes the signing in and out of school at various parts of the day.
ASSIGNMENTS: Due dates will be provided at the time the assignment is given. All assignments to
be collected will be placed in a designated folder. If it is not in the folder, it will not be marked. See Late
Assignment Policy. Assignments will no longer be accepted after it has been returned by the teacher.
10% will be deducted for late assignments.
Plargarism: Any item that is copied, including from one another will be given a mark of zero, for all
parties involved. Proper referencing is expected in ALL assignments, if it is not present, then you will
receive deductions and/or a mark of zero. Within this course, we will be using APA format. Please check
website and other resources, including the student agenda, for proper formatting.
QUIZZES OR TESTS: If you are absent the whole day of a test/quiz, you will write it the
day you return. Please see me if you will only be absent for part of the day so that you will not
be considered truant and are therefore still able to write the test.
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS: Please review all of the general expectations and policies within
your student agenda that is published by the school and school board. These will also apply within
this classroom.
The course and what you get out of it will depend not just on the teacher’s involvement but your own
initiative and completion of the necessary components. This is a joint partnership for the
semester.
I, __________________________________ agree with the above expectations and realize that by breaking
trust in regards to them will result in a teacher-student conference and possible parent phone call. In
order to create a good working environment, I agree to put my best effort into all the tasks that are
assigned and to show respect for all those in our community.
______________________________
Student Signature
______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature