NORTH PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL
HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
CLN-4U0 – CANADIAN AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
Teacher: Mr. D. Sharma
COURSE INTRODUCTION
This course examines elements of Canadian law and the role of law in social, political,
and global contexts. Students will learn about the connections between historical and
philosophical sources of law and issues in contemporary society. They will also learn to analyse
legal issues, conduct independent research, and communicate the results of their inquiries in a
variety of ways
Prerequisite: Any university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English,
or social sciences and humanities.
Course Learning Expectations and Strands
1. Heritage
• demonstrate an understanding of the historical and philosophical origins of law and their
connection and relevance to contemporary society;
• evaluate different concepts, principles, philosophies, and theories of law;
• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and societal values;
• assess the influence of individual and collective action on the evolution of law.
2. Rights and Freedoms
• demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of human rights legislation in
Canada;
• explain the development of constitutional law in Canada;
• demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals under the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
• explain the role of the legislature and the judiciary in defining, interpreting, and enforcing
Charter rights in Canada;
• analyse the conflicts between rights and freedoms and between minority and majority rights
in a democratic society and describe the methods available to resolve these conflicts.
3. Criminal Law and Procedures
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analyse theories about criminal conduct and the nature of criminal behaviour and explain
what constitutes a crime in Canadian law;
analyse the Canadian criminal trial process;
demonstrate an understanding of the competing concepts of justice as they apply to the
criminal justice system.
4. Regulation and Dispute Resolution
• demonstrate an understanding of the role of governments, the courts, and the individuals
and collective action in protecting the environment;
• demonstrate an understanding of the legal process, of legal systems, and of sanctions used
to protect the rights of the employer and the workplace;
• demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts, principles, and purposes of
international law;
• evaluate the effectiveness of international law, treaties, and agreements in resolving conlicts
of a global nature;
• demonstrate and understanding of the complexity of making, interpreting, and enforcing law
on a global scale.
5. Methods of Legal Inquiry
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use research methods appropriately to gather, organize, and synthesize information;
evaluate the credibility of sources;
explain, discuss, and interpret legal issues orally and in writing.
Learning Skills
The following learning skills will be taught and reinforced throughout the course:
1. Independent work habits
2. Organisation skills
3. Team work skills
4. Work habits/homework
5. Initiative
Course Overview
Students will use the textbook: Dimensions of Law. Additional sources will be used from
primary documents, scholarly articles, and video material.
Units of Study
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Heritage
Rights and Freedoms
Criminal Law
Civil Law (Torts)
International Law
Assignments and Deadlines
Since this is a university preparation course, it will be delivered in a manner that is
consistent with a university approach. Therefore regular attendance is important for student
success. Students are expected to maintain organised and a complete set of notes from which
they will prepare for class evaluations and the final exam.
Missing a test without prior authorisation (from your teacher or a medical professional) will result
in an incomplete. If your are going to be absent for example if it is a tests or a seminar
presentation then you are to call the history department at (905) – 456-1906, ext. 225 and leave
a message for your teacher. If you would like to leave voicemail message then dial extension
776. Arrangements can be made if you call in advance of the test or presentation date.
All assignments must be complete according to the specifications as outlined by your instructor.
Assignments must be presented to your teacher on the due date. If there are any problems it is
the STUDENT’S responsibility to seek assistance in advance of the due date, not on the actual
due date for an extension, unless it is deemed UNFORSEEN by the TEACHER.
Deadlines
Deadlines are realistic in the normal working life outside of the school setting. Deadlines are
also set as a reasonable management strategy for teachers so that workloads can be varied
and balanced. We also set deadlines as a way of bringing closure to one unit of work and
moving ahead to another.
It is the student’s responsibility to seek assistance from the teacher when he or she is unable
to complete a task/assignment due to insufficient knowledge or skill. Be sure to advise the
teacher of any difficulty well before a task/assignment is due.
Some task deadlines are negotiated; some are absolute. Tasks that are not submitted or
completed on either a negotiated or absolute deadline will not be evaluated and an “I”
(“INCOMPLETE”) will be assigned. Students with “Incompletes” in their term mark record risk
the LOSS OF CREDIT due to insufficient evidence of achievement.
Chronic lateness in submitting tasks/assignments may prevent your teacher from evaluating
your ability to demonstrate the course expectations and may require you to demonstrate your
knowledge and skills within an alternate setting such as summer school. (North Park student
handbook pages 23-24).
*Since there are a limited number of assessments throughout the course it is important that
students attend class for major tests and submit assignments on the negotiated/absolute
deadlines. If a student fails to attend a test/quiz or submit an assignment without a legitimate
excuse granted by his/her instructor, it will result in an incomplete and possibly a failing grade.
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
Course Work
Knowledge and Understanding
Tests
Quizzes
Minor Essay
Assignments
20%
Thinking and Inquiry
Research notes
10%
Communication and Analysis
Tests
Minor Essay
Assignments
20%
Major essay
10%
Application
Seminar
Exam
10%
30%
The final grade will be calculated as follows:
Course Work (tests, quizzes, assignments, research notes, essays, seminar)
Final Examination
70%
30%
____
100%