Social Sciences

Social Sciences at THESTUDENTSCHOOL

TSS offer a variety of social sciences appealing to the learner in all of us!

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Food and Culture (HFC3E) Grade 11

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This course focuses on the flavours, aromas, cooking techniques, foods, and cultural traditions of world cuisines.  Students will explore the origins of and developments in diverse food traditions.  They will demonstrate the ability to cook with ingredients and equipment from a variety of cultures, compare food related etiquette in many countries and cultures, and explain how Canadian food choices and traditions have been influenced by other cultures.  Students will develop practical skills and apply social science research methods while investigating foods and food practices from around the world.

Genocide: Historical and Contemporary Implications (CHG381) Grade 11

This course investigates examples of genocide in the twentieth and twenty first centuries, including the Holocaust, Armenia, and Rwanda.  Students will investigate the terms genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology (HSP3M1) Grade 11

This course introduces the theories, questions, and issues that are the major concerns of anthropology, psychology and sociology. Students will develop an understanding of the way social scientists approach the topics they study and the research methods they employ. Students will be given opportunities to explore theories from a variety of perspectives and to become familiar with current thinking on a range of issues that have captured the interest of classical and contemporary social scientists in the three disciplines. 

World Religions (HRT3M) Grade 11

This course will give students an overview and introduction to world religions and the role religion plays in contemporary society. Students will examine the significance and function of sacred places, rituals, traditions, writings, stories and teachings in each belief system. Students will also connect social, ethical and philosophical issues as well as challenges and perspectives with faith and religion in modern society.

Classical Civilizations (LVV4U) Grade 12

This course examines the great civilizations of antiquity.  The primary focus will be on Greece and Rome but we will also spend some time on Mesopotamia, Egypt and China.  The course examines various aspects of these civilizations including daily life, art, culture, politics, mythology, etc.  Skill development and university preparation will be stressed.

Psychology of Human Development (HHG4M) - Grade 12

This course offers a psychological approach to the study of human development throughout the lifespan. Students will learn about a range of theoretical perspectives on human development. They will examine threats to healthy development as well as protective factors that promote resilience. Students will learn about physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development from the prenatal period through old age and will develop their research and inquiry skills by investigating issues related to human development.

Prerequisite: Any University, College, or University/College preparation course in Social Science and Humanities, English, or Canadian and World Studies.

Equity & Social Justice through film (HSE4M) - Grade 12

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This course enables students to develop theoretical, social and historical understandings related to various social justice and equity issues. Students will also study activism and resistance to bring about positive change. Students will learn about historical social justice movements such as civil rights, women, LGBTQ, labour and anti-war as well as contemporary issues of identity, stereotypes and discrimination through film. The focus of this course will be on marginalized groups, systemic discrimination in society and strategies for change.

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

Food and Healthy Living (HFL4E) Grade 12


This course is an introduction to the basics of home cooking.  We will learn how to make cheap and healthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.  The idea is to prepare you to prepare your own food with inexpensive ingredients.  We will also cover safety in the kitchen.

Indigenous Studies (NDW4M) - Grade 12

This course will examine Indigenous peoples and issues in Canada and internationally. Students will understand the important history of Indigenous people with a focus on colonization and its impact today. The situation for endangered tribes around the world will be examined including the systemic discrimination and generational trauma that face Indigenous peoples today. We will also look at the quest for sovereignty through activism and negotiation, acts of rebellion and resistance and the important contributions of Indigenous people in society.

LGBTQ Studies (HHS4U) Grade 12

This course focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual and Queer issues. These include societal and legal attitudes towards the community in the past and present; Queer contributions to society historically and now; the struggle for equity; and contemporary issues such as Pride, homophobia and the challenges for LGBTQ people in Canada and other countries.Students investigate and discuss concepts of gender and gender identity, sexual preference and sexual expression in the context of patriarchy and its values that permeate our culture. Health and body image issues are explored as well as the biographies of individual queer/LGBTQ people who have been important in science, politics, sports, the arts or history. There is also a unit on Literature, the Arts and Entertainment.

Philosophy (HZT4U) Grade 12

This course addresses a minimum of three of the main areas of philosophy: metaphysics, logic,epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy and aesthetics. Students will learn critical thinking skills, the main ideas expressed by philosophers from a variety of the world’s traditions, how to develop and explain their own philosophical ideas, and how to apply those ideas to contemporary social issues and personal experiences. The course will also help students to refine skills in researching and investigating topics in philosophy.

Politics and Protest (CPW4U1) Grade 12

This course examines both Canadian and International issues. It includes the origin of politics, Canadian government, media and political ideology, the political continuum selected current affairs, and the history of protest and activism.

Psychology of Human Development (HHG4M) - Grade 12

This course offers a psychological approach to the study of human development throughout the lifespan. Students will learn about a range of theoretical perspectives on human development. They will examine threats to healthy development as well as protective factors that promote resilience. Students will learn about physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development from the prenatal period through old age and will develop their research and inquiry skills by investigating issues related to human development.

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

World Cultures (HSC4M) - Grade 12

This course examines the nature of culture; how cultural identities are acquired, maintained, and transformed; and theories used to analyze cultures. Students will be “armchair” travelers and have the opportunity to explore many world cultures, with an emphasis on the analysis of religious and spiritual beliefs, art forms, and philosophy. They will study the contributions and influence of a range of cultural groups and will critically analyze issues facing ethnocultural groups within Canada and around the world.

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