The Geography & Environmental
Studies 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:
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Canadian and World Issues: A Geographic Analysis
CGW 4U1
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:
At the end of the course students will be able to:
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explain how the earth’s natural and human systems are interconnected in
multiple, complex ways;
analyze the causes and effects of economic disparities around the world and;
compare the cultural, economic, and political aspirations of selected groups
and the effects of their actions on local, national, and global geographic
issues;
analyze the impact of selected global trends on people and environments at
the local, national, and global level;
analyze geographic issues that arise from the impact of human activities on
the environment in different regions of the world and;
evaluate approaches, policies, and principles relating to the protection and
sustainability of the planet’s life-support systems;
analyze the influences that increase the interdependence of countries around
the world;
analyze instances of international cooperation and conflict and explain the
factors that contributed to each and;
evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impact of the strategies for
sustainable development implemented by a variety of individuals,
organizations, and institutions;
analyze trends and predict changes in the human use of the earth and its
resources;
evaluate the cultural, economic, and environmental impact of changing
technology and;
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evaluate the effectiveness of short-term and long-term solutions to geographic
problems and issues at the local, national, and global level;
 use the methods and tools of geographic inquiry to locate, gather, evaluate,
and organize information;
 analyze and interpret data gathered in inquiries into the geography of Canada,
using a variety of methods and geotechnologies and;
 communicate the results of geographic inquiries, using appropriate terms and
concepts and a variety of forms and techniques.
COURSE CONTENT:
This course will be organized according to the following units:
Unit 1
Getting Started - GWI
Unit 2
The Human Population
Unit 3
Economic Issues
Unit 4
The Earth in Balance
Unit 5
Conflict and Cooperation
Unit 6
ISU Research Paper and Seminar
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 process
and product 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.
EVALUATION STRUCTURE:
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).
Category and Description
Knowledge and Understanding:
 Includes content acquired throughout the course and comprehension
of its meaning and significance.
Weight
25%
Thinking:
 Deals with the use of critical and creative thinking skills and or
processes.
25%
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 GRADES:
The four assessment and evaluation categories are reflected in day-to-day activities,
quizzes, unit tests, culminating activities, independent study units, and on the final
examination.
The final grade in this course will be based on:
CGW 4U1
Grade Distribution
Term Work (including ISU and Seminar)
70%
Examination
30%
RESOURCES:
Clark, Bruce and John K. Wallace. Global Connections: Canadian and World
Issues. Toronto: Pearson Canada, 2003.
REPLACEMENT COST AND DAMAGE:
The replacement cost for a lost, stolen, or damaged textbook (which is beyond repair) is
$70.00. The cost of replacing, or repairing a textbook will be paid by the student.
OTHER EVALUATION ISSUES:
Please refer to the Student Agenda Handbook (2007/2008) for school policies on late
assignments, incomplete assignments, missed tests and examinations, plagiarism,
absences, school suspensions and other related issues.