About the Course
Course Outline
Students will explore issues of civic importance and the influence of social media, while developing their understanding of the role of civic engagement and of political processes in the local, national, and/or global community. Students will apply the concepts of political thinking and the political inquiry process to investigate, and express informed opinions about, a range of political issues and developments that are both of significance in today’s world and of personal interest to them. This course also includes learning on digital literacy and critical-thinking skills, the mechanisms of government, Indigenous governance systems and structures, the historical foundations of the rights and freedoms we enjoy in Canada, ways in which government policy affects individuals’ lives and the economy, and ways for students to serve their communities.
Module 1 Overview: The Good Citizen and the Political Inquiry Process
Guiding Question:What is civics and how does the political inquiry process help us to understand political issues, events and develop an understanding of civic importance?
In this module, you will begin by learning what civics is and your role in civic participation. You will also explore the ways in which civic participation is present in your everyday life, as well as the way that the government influences our actions. You will also look at the history of governments and how its evolution has led to various forms of leadership, power, and government. With a focus on democratic government, you will delve deeper into the rights, freedoms and responsibilities that citizens have. You will also learn about the political inquiry process and how our political views are developed and influenced.
Module 2 Overview: The Informed Citizen
Guiding Question:How does the shape of our democratic system dramatically improve ourselves and our sense of civic positivism?
In this module, you will take a deeper look in the Canadian Democratic System. You will learn about political spectrums and platforms within the Canadian context. You will also explore the election campaign. From the onset of a Canadian election called, through the political campaigning by all of the political parties until the eventual end with a declaration of a Prime Minister. It is important for you to recognize how all citizens are vital in establishing change and positivism in Canada - even those not legal to vote yet.
Module 3 Overview: The Global Citizen
Guiding Question:What does it mean to be a global citizen and most importantly, how can one person make a difference in the world today?
In this module, you will take a deeper look at being a Global Citizen by looking at issues and governments that are making a difference and causing world change. You will explore the two fundamental documents that shape Canada: the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These two documents deeply reflect on the values of Canadians, and strongly represent our society today. Without these two documents, the meaning of being "Canadian" would be drastically different not only to those who live here but also how the rest of the world views Canada.