Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 12 Canadian & World Studies
Grade 12 Canadian and World Studies exploring Canadian and international politics, world history since the 15th century, and global issues. Students develop sophisticated analytical and evaluative skills to engage with complex contemporary and historical questions.
Canadian Politics & Governance
How does Canada's political system work and how well does it serve its citizens? Students critically examine the structures, processes, and debates that define Canadian governance.
Students analyse the Canadian Constitution, the division of powers between federal and provincial governments, and the ongoing tensions that federalism creates.
Students examine the role of political parties in Canadian democracy, the first-past-the-post electoral system, and the ongoing debate about electoral reform.
Students examine the sovereignty movement in Quebec, the 1980 and 1995 referendums, and the broader question of national unity in a diverse federation.
Students explore Indigenous governance systems, the movement towards self-governance, and the evolving relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.
An investigation into the Supreme Court of Canada and its power to strike down laws under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Analysis of the concentration of power within the PMO and the role of the Cabinet in decision-making.
Tracing how a bill becomes a law and the role of the Senate as a chamber of "sober second thought".
International Politics & Diplomacy
How do nations interact and how can conflict be prevented? Students explore international relations, diplomacy, and Canada's role in the global political order.
Students examine the role of international organisations such as the United Nations, NATO, and the G7.
Students explore the evolution of Canada's peacekeeping role and modern peace-building efforts.
Students examine the concept of soft power and how Canada uses diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Students explore the tension between national sovereignty and international human rights norms.
Analyzing the impact of trade agreements like CUSMA/USMCA and the role of the WTO.
How Canada determines its priorities in a shifting geopolitical landscape involving China, Russia, and the USA.
The rising power of NGOs, multinational corporations, and extremist groups in international politics.
World History: Foundations of the Modern World
Tracing the origins of modern states and global systems from the 15th to the 19th century.
Students critically examine the era of European colonialism and its impact on Indigenous populations.
Exploring the intellectual roots of democracy, individual rights, and secularism.
Analyzing the technological shift that transformed economies and social classes.
Comparing the French, American, and Haitian revolutions and the rise of nationalism.
The "Scramble for Africa" and the impact of the British Raj in India.
How the concept of the "Nation-State" unified some regions while destabilizing empires.
World History: The 20th Century & Beyond
Examining the global conflicts and social movements that defined the last hundred years.
Examining the causes, course, and consequences of WWI and WWII.
The wave of independence movements and the bipolar world order.
Analyzing the ideologies of Fascism, Nazism, and Stalinism.
Global struggles for equality, including the US Civil Rights movement and Anti-Apartheid.
The collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War.
The development of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
The impact of the internet and information technology on global culture and economy.
Global Issues & Challenges
Investigating the most pressing challenges facing the world today and Canada's role.
Analyse the global climate crisis and its impact on vulnerable communities.
Examine causes of inequality and evaluate approaches to aid.
Investigate the causes and humanitarian responses to global displacement.
Explore how technology and social media are transforming politics.
Analyzing the political and economic response to global health crises like COVID-19.
Investigating the global governance of AI and its impact on human rights.
The links between access to water, minerals, and energy and geopolitical stability.
Evaluating the progress of women's rights and the impact of gender-based violence globally.
Economic Systems & Global Finance
Understanding how wealth is created, distributed, and managed in a globalized economy.
Comparing the theoretical foundations and real-world applications of different economic systems.
How the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve influence the economy via interest rates.
Analyzing the role of international financial institutions in managing sovereign debt.
Investigating how the movement of money across borders affects national budgets.
The impact of outsourcing and the role of international labor unions.
Analyzing the shift of economic power toward Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Human Rights & Social Justice
Deep dive into the legal and ethical frameworks for protecting human dignity.
Analyzing the 1948 document and its application in the modern world.
Case studies of the Holocaust, Rwanda, and the Uyghurs, and the "Responsibility to Protect" (R2P).
The varying legal status and social acceptance of LGBTQ2S+ individuals around the world.
Exploring the right to a healthy environment and the legal battles of "climate refugees".
The legal boundaries of expression in Canada and in digital spaces.
Comparing different approaches to crime and healing, including Indigenous sentencing circles.
Canada's Future in a Changing World
Synthesizing learning to assess Canada's strengths, challenges, and responsibilities.
Assess Canada's current standing and the gap between its ideals and actions.
Assess the progress of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Evaluate the health of Canadian democracy and propose solutions to threats.
Synthesise learning to articulate a vision for Canada's future.
Analyzing sovereignty, environmental change, and Indigenous rights in the North.
The challenges of growing cities, housing affordability, and public transit.
Automation, the gig economy, and the potential for Basic Income.