Social Science Department
St. Marguerite d’Youville S.S.
10815 Dixie Road, Brampton, Ontario. L6R 2W5
Telephone: (905) 789-5560 Fax: (905) 789-1143
Course Name:
Course Code:
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Civics
CHV 20
Ms. Vella
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines national and international political issues from a wide variety of
perspectives. Students will learn about the rights and responsibilities of individuals, groups,
and states within the international community. Students will analyze the different ways in
which Canada tries to settle its conflicts with other nations and then evaluate the role of
nationalist and internationalist ideologies in shaping relations among states.
OVERALL COURSE EXPECTATIONS
At the end of the course students will be able to:
▪ demonstrate an understanding of the reasons for democratic decision making
▪ explain the legal rights and responsibility associated with Canadian citizenship
▪ describe the main structures and functions of municipal, provincial, and federal
governments in Canada
▪ explain what it means to be a “global citizen” and why it is important to be one
▪ demonstrate an understanding of the beliefs and values underlying democratic citizenship
and explain how they guide citizen’s actions
▪ describe the diversity of beliefs and values of various individuals and groups in Canadian
society
▪ analyze responses, at the local, national, and international levels, to civics issues that
involve multiple perspectives and differing civic purposes
▪ apply appropriate inquiry skills to the research questions and issues of civic importance
▪ demonstrate an understanding of the various ways in which decisions are made and
conflicts resolved in matters of civic importance, and the various ways in which individual
citizens participate in these processes
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COURSE CONTENT
This course will be organized according to the following themes:
Unit 1
Decision-making and the Structure of a Democratic Society
Unit 2
The Citizen at all Levels of Government
Unit 3
The Active and Global Citizen
RESOURCES
Textbook
Evans, Mark et.al. Citizenship: Issues and Actions. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2000.
REPLACEMENT COST AND DAMAGE
The replacement cost for a lost, stolen, or damaged textbook which is beyond repair is $75.00. The
cost of repairing a damaged textbook will be paid by the student.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALAUTION POLICY
Students will be assessed and evaluated according to the work they have produced and skills they
have displayed. Methods of providing feedback will include assessing completed assignments, tests,
co-operative learning activities, simulations and presentations. Student marks will be determined by
assessing and evaluating according to the Achievement Level Chart given below.
Grade Range
Achievement Level
Achievement Level Description
80–100%
Level 4
A very high to outstanding level of achievement.
Achievement is above the provincial standard.
70–79%
Level 3
A high level of achievement. Achievement is at the
provincial standard.
60–69%
Level 2
A moderate level of achievement. Achievement is below,
but approaching, the provincial standard.
50–59%
Level 1
A passable level of achievement. Achievement is below
the provincial standard.
Below 50%
Insufficient achievement of curriculum expectations. A
credit will not be granted.
Student work will be assessed and evaluated according to the four achievement categories defined in
the curriculum document (Ontario Curriculum, Canadian and World Studies, 2005).
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Category and Description
Knowledge and Understanding:
 Includes content acquired throughout the course and comprehension of its meaning and
significance.
Weight
30%
Thinking:
 Deals with the use of critical and creative thinking skills and or processes.
20%
Communication:
 Is conveying meaning through various forms.
25%
Application:
 Includes the use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various
contexts
25%
FINAL GRADE
The four assessment and evaluation categories are reflected in day-to-day activities, quizzes, unit
tests, culminating activities, and on the final examination.
The final grade in this course will be based on:
Grade Distribution
Term Work
70%
Course Culminating Activity or ISU
15%
Examination
15%
OTHER EVALUATION ISSUES
Please refer to the Student Agenda Handbook (2008/2009) for school policies on late assignments,
incomplete assignments, missed tests and examinations, plagiarism, absences, school suspensions and
other related issues.
Policy for absences:
When you are absent from class it is your responsibility to catch up on missed work. Arrange with
another class member to gather copies of any handouts given on the day(s) you were away from
class.
Homework partner:_______________________ Phone #:________________________
Late Submission Policy For Assignments
Please note that this policy covers all assignments over the course of the semester. An assignment
will be considered late and subject to the penalty if it is not submitted at the beginning of the class
period for which it is due.
Grade 9 and 10 Late Policy
1 day Late
- 5%
2 days Late
- 10%
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Tests:
Tests will be announced at least one week in advance of the date they are to be written. If you are
aware that you are going to be absent for the test or you are absent with a legitimate reason you are
required to bring a signed handwritten note from a parent/guardian. The test will be written upon
the day of your return. Any long term absences require a doctor’s note. Remember; no note, no
teat!!
Plagiarism:
If, for any major or minor performance task, project, test, or exam, a student copies someone else’s
words, ideas, or work, the student will receive a mark of zero.
Homework:
This course will require on average, forty minutes of homework or daily review per evening.
A Final Note:
I am here to help you. It is your responsibility to see me if you feel you are experiencing difficulties.
Please feel free to approach me at any time. If you require additional help, arrangements will be
made.
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