Geography is the study of the earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live.

Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography).Human geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of cultures, societies and economies, and physical geography concerns the understanding of the dynamics of physical landscapes and the environment.

Geography puts this understanding of social and physical processes within the context of places and regions - recognizing the great differences in cultures, political systems, economies, landscapes and environments across the world. Understanding the causes of differences and inequalities between places and social groups underlie much of the newer developments in human geography.

Geography is, in the broadest sense, an education for life and for living. Learning through geography – whether gained through formal learning or experientially through travel, fieldwork and expeditions – helps us all to be more socially and environmentally sensitive, informed and responsible citizens.

This course explores Canada’s distinct and changing character and the geographic systems and relationships that shape it. Students will investigate the interactions of natural and human systems within Canada, as well as Canada’s economic, cultural and environmental connections to other countries. Students will use a variety of geo-technologies and inquiry and communication methods to analyze and evaluate geographic issues and present their findings.

Prerequisite: none

This course draws upon students’ everyday experiences and uses a variety of frameworks, to help students learn about the geography, and the Canada’s place in the global community. Students will investigate the interconnections among the country’s land forms, climates, soils, plants, animals, and human activities in order to understand Canada’s unique character and diversity.

Prerequisite: none

This course examines the major patterns of physical geography and the powerful forces that affect them. Students will investigate the dynamic nature of the earth, the evolving relationship between the planet and its people, and the factors that limit our ability to predict the changes that will occur. Students will use a wide range of inquiry methods to investigate the distribution and interaction of the elements of their physical environment and to communicate their findings.

Prerequisite: Geography of Canada, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

This course focuses on travel and tourism to examine the unique characteristics of selected world regions from a geographic perspective. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the ways in which the natural environments, economies, cultures, and other aspects of world regions interact.

Prerequisite: Geography of Canada, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

This course draws on geographic concepts, skills, methods, and technologies to analyse significant issues facing Canadians as citizens of an interdependent world. Students will examine the challenges of creating a sustainable and equitable future through the study of economic interdependence, geopolitical conflict, regional disparities, and the protection of the planet’s life-support systems.

Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities

This course investigates the complexity and fragility of ecosystems and the pressures human activities place on them. Students will examine ecological processes, the principles of sustainability, and strategies for resource management, with a focus on the challenges of environmental degradation and resource depletion. Students will use skills of geographic inquiry to explain and evaluate various approaches to achieving a more sustainable relationship between people and their environment.

Prerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities

This course examines how humans interact with their natural environments and with each other. Students will study the influence of spatial, political, economic, and social factors on settlement patterns, human migration, cultural change, globalization, and environmental trends. Students will use skills of geographic inquiry and analysis to extend their knowledge of human geography and to identify and explain current trends and patterns, and predict future ones.

Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities