Cardinal Leger Secondary School
Department of Social Sciences
Course Name:
Course Code:
Level:
Teacher:
Textbook:
Canadian and World Politics
CPW 4U1
University
Ministry Guidelines: Canadian and
World Studies, 2005
Course Overview:
Politics is about systems of power, public decision making, and ways in which citizens can take
public action.To become informed citizens in a democratic society, capable of participating
fully in decision making, exercising their democratic rights, and assuming the responsibilities
of citizenship, students need to understand how political decisions are made.
Curriculum Strands and Overall Expectations:
Participation in the International Community. Citizens, groups, and states all participate in the
international community, have rights and responsibilities associated with this participation, and
both cooperate and dispute with one another. Among the organizations that interact internationally
are transnational corporations, non-governmental organizations such as Amnesty
International, and international cooperation organizations such as the World Health Organization.
Canada’s international involvement, both historically and today, includes a number of commitments,
agreements, and conflicts. Students should understand the impact of such commitments
and agreements, as well as ways in which international conflicts are resolved. Finally, students
should be familiar with the international human rights protection system, including the agencies
that enforce human rights and their founding documents.
Power, Influence, and the Resolution of Differences. An understanding of the diverse nature and
exercise of power and influence is central to the study of politics. Power and influence are
forms of authority and are essential to the everyday workings of, and the resolution of differences
in, the political life of groups, cities, provinces, countries, and nations. They are characterized
by a variety of styles and methods, ranging from open democratic debate to closed
authoritarian repression, and may be gained through a variety of ways – from free elections, to
consensual traditions and agreements, to forced assumption. The exercise of power and influence
can range from reaching peaceful agreements to waging war. To understand the intricacies
of power and influence, and their relationship to resolving differences, students need to
examine Canadian and international politics.
Values, Beliefs, and Ideologies. Values, beliefs, and ideologies are the key elements in individual
and group identities. They are significant motivators for political behaviour and important byproducts
of political, economic, and social change. Students should recognize how the political
decisions and choices they make are shaped by their values, beliefs, and ideas.
Methods of Political Inquiry and Communication. To understand political issues and to act as
responsible citizens of their local, national, and world communities, students must first be able
to use the skills and methods of political scientists. They need to learn how to pose cogent
questions; to locate, record, and organize information; and to evaluate the veracity of the opinions
and analyses of their sources. Students also need to communicate their findings and analyses
using various oral, written, and visual forms. Ultimately, students should demonstrate their
understanding of politics and political methodology by knowledgeably and actively participating
in the political life of their varied communities.
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Cardinal Leger Secondary School
Department of Social Sciences
Assessment and Evaluation: Evaluation will be based on unit tests, assignments, mock trial
and culminating task (included in the term work). The final exam is worth 30% of the final mark.
Term Work (Formative Assessment)
70%
Knowledge and Understanding
25%
Thinking
25%
Communication
25%
Application
25%
Summative Assessment
Formal Examination
30%
Culminating Performance Task
Course Total
Organization
Independent Work
Collaboration
Initiative
Self-Regulation
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Part of
term
work
100%
Learning Skills and Work Habits
Responsibility
30%
E= Excellent G=Good S=Satisfactory N= Needs Improvement
Fulfills responsibility and commitments.
Takes responsibility for and manages own behavior.
Devises and follows a plan and process for completing tasks.
Establishes priorities and manages time
Independently monitors, assesses, and revises plans to complete tasks
and meet goals.
Uses class time to complete tasks.
Accepts various roles and an equitable share of work in a group.
Builds healthy peer-to-peer relationships.
Looks for and acts on new ideas and opportunities.
Approaches new tasks with a positive attitude.
Sets own goals and monitors progress towards achieving them.
Seeks clarification or assistance when needed.
Missed/Late/Incomplete Assignments
It is the student’s responsibility to address missed, late, or incomplete assignments. Students are
expected to complete assignments and to adhere to assignment deadlines as follows:
Due Date
A due date is set by the
teacher.
10% Penalty Zone
1 school day late – 3%
2 school days late – 6%
3 school days late – 10%
Maximum penalty of 10%
Closure Date
Once the closure date has
passed, work is considered
incomplete and a mark of
zero applies.
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