Department of Social Science
Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Secondary School
Course Code:
Course Name:
Level:
CGW 4U1
Canadian & World Issues
Grade 12 University
Student Name:
________________________
Textbook #: __________
Course Description:
This course examines the global challenges of creating a sustainable and equitable future, focusing
on current issues that illustrate these challenges. Students will investigate a range of topics,
including cultural, economic, and geopolitical relationships, regional disparities in the ability to
meet basic human needs, and protection of the natural environment. Students will use geotechnologies and skills of geographic inquiry and analysis to develop and communicate balanced
opinions about the complex issues facing Canada and a world that is interdependent and constantly
changing.
Overall Course Expectations or Strands:
Geographic Foundations: Space and Systems
By the end of this course, students will:
 explain how the earth’s natural and human systems are interconnected in multiple, complex ways;
 analyse the causes and effects of economic disparities around the world;
 compare the cultural, economic, and political aspirations of selected groups and the effects of their actions on local, national, and
global geographic issues
Human-Environment Interactions
By the end of this course, students will:
 analyse the impact of selected global trends on people and environments at the local, national, and global level;
 analyse geographic issues that arise from the impact of human activities on the environment in different regions of the world;
 evaluate approaches, policies, and principles relating to the protection and sustainability of the planet’s life-support systems.
Global Connections
By the end of this course, students will:
 analyse the influences that increase the interdependence of countries around the world;
 analyse instances of international cooperation and conflict and explain the factors that contributed to each;
 evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impact of the strategies for sustainable development implemented by a variety
of individuals, organizations, and institutions.
Understanding and Managing Change
By the end of this course, students will:
 analyse trends and predict changes in the human use of the earth and its resources;
 evaluate the cultural, economic, and environmental impact of changing technology;
 evaluate the effectiveness of short-term and long-term solutions to geographic problems and issues at the local, national, and
global level.
Methods of Geographic Inquiry and Communication
By the end of this course, students will:
 use the methods and tools of geographic inquiry to locate, gather, evaluate, and organize information;
 analyse and interpret data gathered through research and investigation, using a variety of methods and geo-technologies;
 communicate the results of geographic inquiries, using appropriate terms and concepts and a variety of forms and techniques.
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students to promote student success
with respect to meeting the expectations of this course.
My signature below indicates that I have read the Course Handout, and I am in agreement with its contents.
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________
Student’s Signature: ________________________________
Date: _______________
Resources:
Course Timeline:
Unit 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Interdependence (Media & Globalization)
Unit 3: Demographics (Challenge & Change)
Unit 4: Economics of Poverty & Hunger
Unit 5: Geopolitics (Global Power & Conflict Resolution)
Unit 6: Sustainability (Environmental Challenges)
10 days
15 days
15 days
15 days
15 days
15 days
Culminating Summative Tasks will be administered towards the end of the
course and will be weighted at 30% of the final mark. These tasks are
specifically itemized below.
All timelines as stated are approximate.
The course will use a variety of
resources which will be distributed to
students during the first week of the
course. The text and all other resources
assigned to each student are the
responsibility of the student.
Resources for this course include:
Textbook:
Global Connections: Canadian & World
Issues
Replacement Cost: $90
Any damage incurred will result in
payment for replacement.
Evaluation Policies
1.
2.
Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories (see
below) & 4 levels of the Achievement Chart as found in the Ministry Policy document for Canadian
and World Studies.
Evaluation Structure:
Knowledge/Understanding
Application
Communication
Thinking/Inquiry
25%
25%
25%
25%
3. A final grade is recorded for every course, and a credit is granted and recorded for every course in which the
student's grade is 50% or higher. The final grade for each course in Grades 9–12 will be determined as follows:
• Seventy per cent (70%) of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the
course. This portion of the grade should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement
throughout the course, although special consideration should be given to more recent evidence
of achievement.

Term Work – 55%; Seminar Presentation – 5%; Final Paper – 10%
• Thirty per cent (30%) of the grade will be based on a final evaluation in the form of an examination
 Final Exam – 30%
4. Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Independent work, collaboration,
organization, responsibility, self-regulation and initiative are assessed apart from student
achievement in the four categories outlined above and will conform to the coding:
E – Excellent
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
5. Assignments submitted after the due date established by the teacher will receive a penalty in accord with our
Board Assessment & Evaluation Policy Document as outlined in the student agenda.
6. Should a student miss an evaluation due to a legitimate absence, in accord with our Board A&E Policy
Document, the student and teacher will make arrangements to address the missed evaluation in a timely
manner. In the cases of extended vacation or prolonged absence, consultation with the appropriate
administrator is required.
7. In the event that the student does not make up the missed evaluation(s), a zero may be assigned. If it is
determined that the evaluation(s) has/have been missed as a result of a skip/truancy or has/have been
plagiarized, a zero may be assigned.
8. For all other cases of absence and/or missed evaluations (including absence during the final examination period),
please refer to our Board A&E Policy as outlined in the student agenda.
May God bless your efforts this semester!