Department of Religious Studies, Social Sciences, and Humanities
Course Overview for Grade 12 Humanities – HZT 4U1
Description of Course
This course addresses Research & Inquiry Skills throughout the course. As we continue, we will examine four of the
major areas of philosophic study: Logic, Epistemology, Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Science. Students will learn
critical-thinking skills, the main ideas expressed by philosophers from a variety of the world’s traditions, how to develop
and explain their own philosophical ideas, and how to apply those ideas to contemporary social issues and personal
experiences. The course will also help students become stronger logical thinkers and refine skills used in researching
and investigating topics in philosophy.
Text Book: Stickney, J. et. al., Philosophy Thinkers, Theories & Questions. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson. 2011.
Replacement cost: $85.00
Units of Study/Essential Questions
Research & Inquiry Skills will be an on-going focus throughout our course
Unit 1 – Philosophical Foundations: The Nature of Philosophy (Introductory Chapter)
Unit 2 – Philosophical Reasoning: Logic (Chapters 1, 2 & 3)
Unit 3 – Metaphysics (Chapters 4, 5 & 6)
Unit 4 – Epistemology (Chapters 10, 11, 12)
Unit 5 – Philosophy of Science (Chapters 13, 14, 15)
Classroom Expectations
 Be on time and in complete uniform
 Bring necessary materials to class every day
 Participate in classroom activities
 Behave in a mature, disciplined, manner
 Treat others with the Gospel values of equity, dignity, and respect
 Be respectful of the learning environment and classroom materials
Assignments
 It is your responsibility to catch up on work missed
 If you know ahead of time that you are going to be absent, let me know
 If you will be absent because of a school activity, hand in your assignment before you leave
 Approach me before the due date if you are having trouble completing an assignment in a timely manner
Mark Breakdown
Term Work
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application
70%
17.5%
17.5%
17.5%
17.5%
Final Evaluation
Final Performance Task
Final Exam
30%
15%
15%