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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.

8 units·72 topics·Ages 17-18

01Canadian Politics & Governance

9 topics·Term 1

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.

Constitutional Foundations & Federalism

Students analyze the Canadian Constitution, the division of powers between federal and provincial governments, and the ongoing tensions that federalism creates.

Socratic SeminarJigsawDocument Mystery
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Students investigate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, its impact on Canadian law and society, and landmark Supreme Court cases.

Case Study AnalysisPhilosophical ChairsSocratic Seminar
Political Parties & Electoral Systems

Students examine the role of political parties in Canadian democracy, the first-past-the-post electoral system, and the ongoing debate about electoral reform.

Simulation GameFour CornersMock Trial
The Executive Branch & PM Power

Analysis of the concentration of power within the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the role of the Cabinet in decision-making.

Town Hall MeetingPress ConferenceFormal Debate
The Legislative Process & Senate Reform

Tracing how a bill becomes a law and the role of the Senate as a chamber of 'sober second thought'.

Simulation GameRole PlayConcept Mapping
The Judiciary & Judicial Independence

An investigation into the Supreme Court of Canada and its power to strike down laws under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Mock TrialCase Study AnalysisFishbowl Discussion
Quebec Nationalism & National Unity

Students examine the sovereignty movement in Quebec, the 1980 and 1995 referendums, and the broader question of national unity in a diverse federation.

Document MysterySocratic SeminarRole Play
Indigenous Governance & Self-Determination

Students explore Indigenous governance systems, the movement towards self-governance, and the evolving relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state.

Structured Academic ControversyFour CornersThink-Pair-Share
Federal-Provincial Relations

Students investigate the dynamics of federal-provincial relations, including areas of cooperation and conflict, such as healthcare and resource management.

Case Study AnalysisFormal DebateDecision Matrix

02International Politics & Diplomacy

9 topics·Term 1

How do nations interact and how can conflict be prevented? Students explore international relations, diplomacy, and Canada's role in the global political order.

The United Nations & Global Governance

Students examine the structure, functions, and effectiveness of the United Nations and its various agencies.

Simulation GameJigsawSocratic Seminar
NATO & Collective Security

Students investigate the origins and evolution of NATO, its role in collective security, and contemporary challenges.

Case Study AnalysisFormal DebateFour Corners
Canada's Peacekeeping Legacy

Students explore the evolution of Canada's peacekeeping role, its successes and failures, and modern peace-building efforts.

Four CornersDocument MysteryStructured Academic Controversy
Diplomacy & Soft Power

Students examine the concept of soft power and how Canada uses diplomacy, cultural exchange, and foreign aid to exert influence.

Hexagonal ThinkingSimulation GameThink-Pair-Share
Human Rights in International Relations

Students explore the tension between national sovereignty and international human rights norms, including the concept of humanitarian intervention.

Mock TrialSocratic SeminarFour Corners
Global Trade & Economic Blocs

Analyzing the impact of trade agreements like CUSMA/USMCA and the role of the WTO in regulating international commerce.

Formal DebateDecision MatrixExpert Panel
Foreign Policy & National Interest

How Canada determines its priorities in a shifting geopolitical landscape involving China, Russia, and the USA.

World CaféCase Study AnalysisSocratic Seminar
Non-State Actors & Global Influence

The rising power of NGOs, multinational corporations, and extremist groups in international politics.

Gallery WalkConcept MappingJigsaw
The Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

Students examine the concept of R2P, its origins, application, and controversies in international law and intervention.

Case Study AnalysisSocratic SeminarFormal Debate

03World History: Foundations of the Modern World

9 topics·Term 2

Tracing the origins of modern states and global systems from the 15th to the 19th century.

The Age of Exploration & Global Connections

Students examine the motivations and consequences of European exploration, the Columbian Exchange, and the emergence of global trade networks.

Timeline ChallengeDocument MysteryConcept Mapping
Colonialism & Its Legacy

Students critically examine the era of European colonialism and its impact on Indigenous populations and the development of colonized regions.

Document MysterySocratic SeminarHexagonal Thinking
The Transatlantic Slave Trade

Students investigate the origins, mechanics, and devastating human and economic impact of the transatlantic slave trade.

Document MysteryCase Study AnalysisStructured Academic Controversy
The Enlightenment & Political Thought

Exploring the intellectual roots of democracy, individual rights, and secularism through the works of key Enlightenment thinkers.

Philosophical ChairsAcademic Speed DatingChalk Talk
The American Revolution & Its Impact

Students examine the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution, including its influence on other independence movements.

Document MysteryFour CornersFormal Debate
The French Revolution & Radical Change

Students investigate the causes, key events, and radical transformations of the French Revolution, including the Reign of Terror and Napoleon.

Timeline ChallengeRole PlayJigsaw
The Haitian Revolution & Liberty's Limits

Students compare the Haitian Revolution with other Atlantic revolutions, focusing on its unique challenges and profound impact on the concept of liberty.

Document MysterySocratic SeminarCase Study Analysis
The Industrial Revolution: Origins & Impact

Analyzing the technological shift that transformed economies and social classes, focusing on its origins in Britain and early innovations.

Stations RotationTimeline ChallengeExperiential Learning
Social & Economic Consequences of Industrialization

Students investigate the rise of new social classes, urbanization, labor movements, and early critiques of capitalism.

Gallery WalkCase Study AnalysisChalk Talk

04World History: The 20th Century & Beyond

9 topics·Term 2

Examining the global conflicts and social movements that defined the last hundred years.

Causes of World War I

Students examine the complex web of alliances, imperialism, militarism, and nationalism that led to the outbreak of WWI.

Document MysteryHexagonal ThinkingConcept Mapping
The Course & Consequences of WWI

Students investigate trench warfare, new technologies, and the Treaty of Versailles, analyzing its impact on the interwar period.

Stations RotationTimeline ChallengeSocratic Seminar
The Rise of Totalitarianism

Analyzing the ideologies of Fascism, Nazism, and Stalinism, and how totalitarian leaders gained and maintained power.

Case Study AnalysisGallery WalkFishbowl Discussion
Causes & Course of World War II

Students examine the failures of appeasement, the rise of aggressive expansionism, and key events of WWII in Europe and Asia.

Document MysteryJigsawTimeline Challenge
The Holocaust & Genocide

Students investigate the systematic persecution and extermination of Jews and other groups during the Holocaust, and its implications for human rights.

Case Study AnalysisSocratic SeminarMuseum Exhibit
The Cold War: Origins & Early Years

Students explore the ideological clash between the US and USSR, the division of Europe, and the early crises of the Cold War.

Document MysteryHexagonal ThinkingFour Corners
Decolonisation & New Nations

The wave of independence movements across Asia and Africa, and their impact on the bipolar world order of the Cold War.

JigsawHexagonal ThinkingFour Corners
The Cold War: Escalation & Détente

Students investigate the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and periods of détente, analyzing the dynamics of superpower rivalry.

Case Study AnalysisSimulation GameSocratic Seminar
Civil Rights & Social Movements

Global struggles for equality, including the US Civil Rights movement, Anti-Apartheid, and women's rights movements.

Inside-Outside CircleRAFT WritingMuseum Exhibit

05Global Issues & Challenges

9 topics·Term 3

Investigating the most pressing challenges facing the world today and Canada's role.

Climate Change & Environmental Justice

Analyze the global climate crisis, its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, and international policy responses.

Structured Academic ControversySimulation GameSocratic Seminar
Global Inequality & Development

Examine the root causes of global economic inequality and evaluate different approaches to international development aid.

Hexagonal ThinkingFour CornersJigsaw
Migration & Refugees

Investigate the causes of forced migration, the humanitarian responses to global displacement, and international refugee policies.

Document MysteryRole PlaySocratic Seminar
Technology & Misinformation

Explore how technology and social media are transforming politics, public discourse, and the spread of misinformation.

Structured Academic ControversySocratic SeminarFour Corners
Global Health & Pandemics

Analyzing the political and economic response to global health crises like COVID-19, and the role of international health organizations.

Simulation GameCase Study AnalysisWorld Café
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

Investigating the global governance of AI, its ethical implications, and its potential impact on human rights and employment.

Formal DebateFishbowl DiscussionSocratic Seminar
Resource Scarcity & Conflict

The links between access to water, minerals, and energy and geopolitical stability, including potential 'water wars'.

Problem-Based LearningDecision MatrixJigsaw
Gender Equality as a Global Issue

Evaluating the progress of women's rights, the impact of gender-based violence globally, and the concept of feminist foreign policy.

Socratic SeminarGallery WalkStructured Academic Controversy
Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture

Students investigate the challenges of global food security, the impact of climate change on agriculture, and sustainable food systems.

Problem-Based LearningExpert PanelWorld Café

06Economic Systems & Global Finance

9 topics·Term 3

Understanding how wealth is created, distributed, and managed in a globalized economy.

Capitalism vs. Socialism

Comparing the theoretical foundations and real-world applications of different economic systems, including mixed economies.

Formal DebateFour CornersConcept Mapping
The Role of Central Banks

How the Bank of Canada and other central banks influence the economy via interest rates, inflation, and monetary policy.

Simulation GameExpert PanelCase Study Analysis
Global Debt & The IMF/World Bank

Analyzing the role of international financial institutions in managing sovereign debt and their impact on developing nations.

Mock TrialJigsawSocratic Seminar
Tax Havens & Global Capital Flight

Investigating how the movement of money across borders affects national budgets, income inequality, and global security.

Document MysteryTown Hall MeetingFishbowl Discussion
Labor Rights in a Global Economy

The impact of outsourcing, global supply chains, and the role of international labor unions in protecting workers' rights.

Role PlayCase Study AnalysisStructured Academic Controversy
The Rise of the BRICS Nations

Analyzing the shift of economic power toward Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and its implications for global governance.

Expert PanelWorld CaféCase Study Analysis
Financial Crises & Regulation

Students investigate the causes and consequences of major financial crises (e.g., 2008) and the need for international financial regulation.

Case Study AnalysisDecision MatrixSocratic Seminar
The Global Energy Market

Students explore the dynamics of the global energy market, including fossil fuels, renewable energy, and geopolitical implications.

Expert PanelWorld CaféConcept Mapping
Consumerism & Global Consumption

Students examine the economic and environmental impacts of global consumerism and the pursuit of sustainable consumption patterns.

Philosophical ChairsGraffiti WallThink-Pair-Share

07Human Rights & Social Justice

9 topics·Term 4

Deep dive into the legal and ethical frameworks for protecting human dignity.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Analyzing the 1948 document, its historical context, and its application in the modern world.

Socratic SeminarGallery WalkDocument Mystery
Genocide & Crimes Against Humanity

Case studies of the Holocaust, Rwanda, and the Uyghurs, and the 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) doctrine.

Case Study AnalysisFishbowl DiscussionSocratic Seminar
LGBTQ2S+ Rights Globally

The varying legal status and social acceptance of LGBTQ2S+ individuals around the world, and the role of international advocacy.

Inside-Outside CircleFour CornersJigsaw
Environmental Rights as Human Rights

Exploring the right to a healthy environment, the legal battles of 'climate refugees', and corporate accountability for environmental harm.

Structured Academic ControversyMock TrialFormal Debate
Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech

The legal boundaries of expression in Canada and in digital spaces, and the challenges of regulating online content.

Philosophical ChairsCase Study AnalysisSocratic Seminar
Restorative vs. Retributive Justice

Comparing different approaches to crime and healing, including Indigenous sentencing circles and their effectiveness.

Fishbowl DiscussionRole Play
Children's Rights & Exploitation

Students investigate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and global issues of child labor, trafficking, and education.

Case Study AnalysisJigsawExpert Panel
Disability Rights & Inclusion

Students explore the movement for disability rights, accessibility, and inclusive societies, both nationally and internationally.

Project-Based LearningGallery WalkThink-Pair-Share
The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age

Students examine the challenges to privacy posed by surveillance, data collection, and social media in the digital era.

Socratic SeminarFormal DebateCase Study Analysis

08Canada's Future in a Changing World

9 topics·Term 4

Synthesizing learning to assess Canada's strengths, challenges, and responsibilities.

Canada's Place in the World

Assess Canada's current standing on the global stage and the gap between its ideals and actions.

Socratic SeminarHexagonal ThinkingStructured Academic Controversy
Reconciliation & National Healing

Assess the progress of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Four CornersGraffiti WallSocratic Seminar
The Future of Canadian Democracy

Evaluate the health of Canadian democracy, identify current threats, and propose solutions to strengthen democratic institutions.

Simulation GameMock TrialFour Corners
Building the Canada We Want

Synthesize learning to articulate a vision for Canada's future, considering social, economic, and environmental aspirations.

Hexagonal ThinkingGraffiti WallGallery Walk
Canada and the Arctic

Analyzing sovereignty, environmental change, resource development, and Indigenous rights in the Canadian North.

Town Hall MeetingConcept MappingExpert Panel
Urbanization & Infrastructure

The challenges of growing cities, housing affordability, public transit, and sustainable urban development in Canada.

Project-Based LearningWalk and TalkCase Study Analysis
The Future of Work in Canada

Automation, the gig economy, and the potential for Universal Basic Income in shaping Canada's future labor market.

World CaféFormal DebateSnowball Discussion
Canada's Demographic Future

Students analyze trends in immigration, aging populations, and regional demographic shifts and their implications for Canada.

Expert PanelConcept MappingJigsaw
Innovation & Economic Competitiveness

Students explore Canada's capacity for innovation, its role in the global economy, and strategies for future economic competitiveness.

Problem-Based LearningDecision MatrixWorld Café