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Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations

Grade 11 Canadian & World Studies

An exploration of world history to the 16th century, the Canadian legal system, economic theory, and regional geography. Students analyze the forces that have shaped human societies and contemporary Canadian identity.

8 units·72 topics·Ages 16-17

01Foundations of Ancient Civilizations

9 topics·Term 1

Investigating the social, political, and economic structures of early societies and their lasting legacies.

The Paleolithic Era: Hunter-Gatherers

Exploring the social organization, technology, and migration patterns of early human societies.

Document MysteryConcept MappingGallery Walk
The Neolithic Revolution: Agriculture's Dawn

Analyzing the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled agriculture and its impact on social hierarchy.

Document MysteryThink-Pair-ShareConcept Mapping
Mesopotamia: Sumerian Innovations

Exploring the innovations of Sumer, including cuneiform, ziggurats, and early city-states.

Gallery WalkConcept MappingDocument Mystery
Babylonian Empire: Hammurabi's Code

Examining the rise of the Babylonian Empire and the legal principles embedded in the Code of Hammurabi.

Socratic SeminarCase Study AnalysisRole Play
Ancient Egypt: Pharaohs and the Nile

Examining the role of the Pharaoh, religion, and the Nile in maintaining one of history's longest-lasting civilizations.

Stations RotationMuseum ExhibitGallery Walk
Indus Valley Civilization: Urban Planning

Investigating the advanced urban planning and mysterious decline of Harappan and Mohenjo-Daro societies.

JigsawDocument MysteryConcept Mapping
Early China: Dynastic Cycles and Mandate of Heaven

Exploring the dynastic cycles, Mandate of Heaven, and early political structures of Chinese civilizations.

JigsawStations RotationExpert Panel
Chinese Philosophies: Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism

Comparing the core tenets and societal impacts of foundational Chinese philosophies.

JigsawPhilosophical ChairsConcept Mapping
The Persian Empire: Administration and Tolerance

Analyzing the administrative innovations and religious tolerance of the Achaemenid Empire.

Case Study AnalysisRole PlayConcept Mapping

02Global Interactions & The Middle Ages

9 topics·Term 1

Exploring the interconnectedness of Afro-Eurasia and the Americas before 1500 CE.

The Byzantine Empire: Eastern Roman Legacy

Examining the preservation of Roman law and Greek culture in Constantinople and its unique identity.

Gallery WalkConcept MappingChalk Talk
The Rise of Islam and Early Caliphates

Investigating the origins of Islam, the life of Prophet Muhammad, and the rapid expansion of the early Caliphates.

JigsawDocument MysteryWorld Café
The Islamic Golden Age: Innovation and Learning

Exploring the scientific, mathematical, and philosophical achievements of the Abbasid Caliphate and the House of Wisdom.

Expert PanelMuseum ExhibitConcept Mapping
The Silk Roads: Trade and Cultural Exchange

Analyzing the economic and cultural exchanges along major medieval trade routes, including goods, ideas, and diseases.

Simulation GameConcept MappingTrading Cards
Indian Ocean Trade Network

Investigating the maritime trade routes connecting East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.

JigsawStations RotationWorld Café
West African Empires: Mali and Songhai

Studying the wealth, scholarship, and trans-Saharan trade of West African empires like Mali and Songhai.

Role PlayGallery WalkCase Study Analysis
The Mongol Conquests: Empire and Exchange

Evaluating the impact of the Mongol Empire on global connectivity, warfare, and the 'Pax Mongolica.'

Formal DebateSocratic SeminarHexagonal Thinking
Feudalism and Manorialism in Europe

Analyzing the decentralized political and economic systems of Medieval Europe and their social structures.

Role PlaySimulation GameFishbowl Discussion
The Crusades: Religious Wars and Their Impact

Investigating the causes, events, and consequences of the Crusades on Europe, the Middle East, and trade.

Formal DebateCase Study AnalysisTimeline Challenge

03Foundations of Canadian Law

9 topics·Term 2

Understanding the origins, principles, and institutions of the Canadian legal system.

The Rule of Law and Legal Principles

Defining the fundamental principles of the Canadian legal system, including the rule of law, presumption of innocence, and due process.

Socratic SeminarChalk TalkCase Study Analysis
Evolution of Rights: Magna Carta to Charter

Tracing the development of rights from historical documents like the Magna Carta to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Timeline ChallengeSocratic SeminarChalk Talk
Sources of Law: Statute, Common, Constitutional

Distinguishing between Statute Law, Common Law, and Constitutional Law as primary sources of Canadian law.

Concept MappingCase Study AnalysisThink-Pair-Share
The Canadian Court System Structure

Mapping the hierarchy and jurisdiction of federal and provincial courts in Canada.

Concept MappingStations RotationGallery Walk
The Role of the Judiciary: Independence and Interpretation

Analyzing the structure of the court system and the importance of judicial independence and interpretation.

Expert PanelExperiential LearningMock Trial
Indigenous Legal Traditions and Restorative Justice

Exploring the historical and contemporary role of Indigenous laws, restorative justice, and their interaction with Canadian law.

Fishbowl DiscussionExpert PanelStructured Academic Controversy
The Charter: Fundamental Freedoms (Section 2)

Analyzing Section 2 of the Charter, covering freedom of conscience, thought, expression, assembly, and association.

Formal DebateFour CornersCase Study Analysis
The Charter: Legal Rights (Sections 7-14)

Examining the rights of individuals in the justice system, including life, liberty, security of person, and protection against arbitrary detention.

Case Study AnalysisMock TrialSocratic Seminar
The Charter: Equality Rights (Section 15)

Investigating the right to equality before and under the law, and the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.

Philosophical ChairsHuman BarometerCase Study Analysis

04Criminal and Civil Law in Action

9 topics·Term 2

Applying legal principles to specific cases and understanding the nuances of the justice system.

Crimes Against Persons: Homicide and Assault

Examining different categories of homicide and assault, and their legal distinctions.

Case Study AnalysisMock TrialThink-Pair-Share
Property Crimes and Cybercrime

Examining offenses against property (theft, fraud) and the growing challenge of cybercrime.

Case Study AnalysisProblem-Based LearningExpert Panel
Civil Law: Introduction and Purpose

Distinguishing civil law from criminal law and understanding its purpose in resolving disputes between individuals.

Think-Pair-ShareConcept MappingCase Study Analysis
Tort Law: Negligence and Liability

Understanding the criteria for proving negligence in civil court and the concept of liability.

Simulation GameMock TrialProblem-Based Learning
Intentional Torts: Assault, Battery, Defamation

Examining intentional torts and their distinctions from negligence.

Case Study AnalysisRole PlayThink-Pair-Share
Family Law: Marriage, Divorce, and Custody

Exploring the legal definitions of marriage, divorce, and custody in Canada, including evolving family structures.

Case Study AnalysisExpert PanelRole Play
Employment Law: Rights and Responsibilities

Analyzing the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, including wrongful dismissal and human rights in the workplace.

Simulation GameFormal DebateCase Study Analysis
Contract Law: Agreements and Enforcement

Understanding the elements of a valid contract and the legal consequences of breach of contract.

Case Study AnalysisProblem-Based LearningThink-Pair-Share
Consumer Law: Protecting Buyers

Exploring laws designed to protect consumers from unfair business practices and defective products.

Case Study AnalysisRole PlayExpert Panel

05Economic Theory and the Market

9 topics·Term 3

Introduction to micro and macroeconomic concepts within a Canadian context.

Introduction to Economics: Scarcity and Choice

Defining the basic economic problem of scarcity, opportunity cost, and the fundamental questions of economics.

Simulation GameThink-Pair-ShareDecision Matrix
Economic Systems: Command, Market, Mixed

Comparing different economic systems (traditional, command, market, mixed) and their characteristics.

JigsawFour CornersConcept Mapping
Demand: Consumer Behavior

Analyzing the law of demand, determinants of demand, and the concept of elasticity.

Problem-Based LearningStations RotationCase Study Analysis
Supply: Producer Behavior

Understanding the law of supply, determinants of supply, and how producers respond to price changes.

Problem-Based LearningStations RotationCase Study Analysis
Supply and Demand: Market Equilibrium

Analyzing how prices are determined in a market economy through the interaction of supply and demand.

Problem-Based LearningDecision MatrixStations Rotation
Market Structures: Competition and Monopoly

Comparing perfect competition, monopolies, oligopolies, and monopolistic competition.

Case Study AnalysisJigsawExpert Panel
The Role of Government in the Economy

Examining public goods, externalities, and the redistribution of wealth as government interventions.

Formal DebateFour CornersStructured Academic Controversy
Labour Markets and Wage Determination

Investigating how wages are determined, the role of human capital, and the impact of minimum wage.

Case Study AnalysisSocratic SeminarHuman Barometer
Income Inequality and Poverty

Exploring the causes and consequences of the wealth gap and different measures of poverty.

Case Study AnalysisPhilosophical ChairsWorld Café

06Macroeconomics and Global Trade

9 topics·Term 3

Understanding national economic indicators and Canada's place in the global economy.

Fiscal Policy: Government Spending and Taxation

Investigating how the Federal Government uses spending and taxation to manage the economy.

Simulation GameSocratic SeminarPress Conference
Monetary Policy: The Bank of Canada

Examining how the Bank of Canada uses interest rates and other tools to control the money supply and inflation.

Simulation GameSocratic SeminarPress Conference
International Trade: Comparative Advantage

Understanding the principles of international trade, including absolute and comparative advantage.

JigsawProblem-Based LearningThink-Pair-Share
Trade Agreements and Protectionism

Examining major trade agreements (e.g., USMCA) and the arguments for and against protectionist policies.

Formal DebateJigsawWorld Café
Globalization: Opportunities and Challenges

Analyzing the forces driving globalization and its economic, social, and cultural impacts.

Socratic SeminarFour CornersCase Study Analysis
Exchange Rates and International Finance

Understanding how exchange rates are determined and their impact on international trade and investment.

Simulation GameConcept MappingExpert Panel
Economic Development and Foreign Aid

Analyzing the challenges faced by developing economies and Canada's role in international aid.

Structured Academic ControversyGallery WalkCase Study Analysis
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and their economic implications.

Project-Based LearningWorld CaféConcept Mapping
The Economics of Climate Change

Examining the economic costs of climate change and the economic arguments for climate action.

Formal DebateCase Study AnalysisExpert Panel

07Regional Geography: The Americas

9 topics·Term 4

Investigating the physical and human geography of North, Central, and South America.

Physical Landscapes of North America

Mapping the major landforms, climates, and biomes of North America, including Canada and the USA.

Concept MappingStations RotationGallery Walk
Physical Landscapes of Central and South America

Exploring the diverse landforms, climates, and biomes of Central and South America, from the Andes to the Amazon.

Concept MappingStations RotationGallery Walk
Natural Resources and Sustainability in Canada

Analyzing the extraction of resources (e.g., oil, timber, minerals) and its environmental impact in Canada.

Structured Academic ControversyEscape RoomExperiential Learning
Natural Resources and Sustainability in Latin America

Examining resource extraction (e.g., mining, agriculture) and its environmental and social impacts in Latin America.

Structured Academic ControversyCase Study AnalysisTown Hall Meeting
Urbanization and Mega-Cities in the Americas

Exploring the growth of cities like Sao Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto, and the challenges of rapid urbanization.

Case Study AnalysisGallery WalkProblem-Based Learning
Population Dynamics and Demographics

Investigating population growth, distribution, and demographic trends across the Americas.

Concept MappingStations RotationInquiry Circle
Migration Patterns in the Americas

Investigating push and pull factors for migration within and between American nations.

Role PlayCase Study AnalysisSocratic Seminar
Indigenous Territories and Sovereignty

Examining the geographical aspects of land claims, Indigenous self-governance, and traditional territories.

Concept MappingExpert PanelFishbowl Discussion
Cultural Diversity and Identity in the Americas

Exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the Americas, including language, religion, and traditions.

Gallery WalkMuseum ExhibitWorld Café

08Equity, Social Justice & Civic Action

9 topics·Term 4

Evaluating social issues in Canada and the world, and developing skills for active citizenship.

Power, Privilege, and Systemic Inequality

Defining systemic inequality and exploring the dynamics of power and privilege in society.

Four CornersSocratic SeminarChalk Talk
Human Rights in a Global Context

Analyzing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and contemporary violations worldwide.

Case Study AnalysisFormal DebateMuseum Exhibit
Gender and Identity: Social Construction

Examining the social construction of gender, gender roles, and the struggle for LGBTQ2S+ rights.

Fishbowl DiscussionGallery WalkSocratic Seminar
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Investigating the history of Residential Schools and the 94 Calls to Action.

Document MysteryFishbowl DiscussionStructured Academic Controversy
Environmental Justice and Indigenous Rights

Exploring how environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized and Indigenous communities.

Case Study AnalysisTown Hall MeetingConcept Mapping
Media Literacy and Disinformation

Analyzing the role of media in shaping public opinion and the threat of disinformation in a democratic society.

Escape RoomSimulation GameExpert Panel
Civic Engagement and Advocacy

Developing skills for effective civic engagement, including understanding different forms of advocacy and activism.

World CaféGraffiti WallRole Play
Global Citizenship and Responsibility

Reflecting on the responsibilities of being a citizen in an interconnected world and addressing global challenges.

Socratic SeminarPhilosophical ChairsSnowball Discussion
Social Movements and Change

Examining historical and contemporary social movements and their impact on societal change.

Case Study AnalysisTimeline ChallengeJigsaw