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Course Profile   Canadian and World Issues: A Geographic Analysis (CGW4U), Grade 12, University Preparation, Catholic

 

Course Overview

Policy Document:  The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, Canadian and World Studies, 2000.

Prerequisite:  Any University or University/College Preparation course in
                        Canadian and World Studies, English, or Social Sciences and Humanities

Course Description

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

How this Course Supports the Catholic School Graduate Expectations

We live in a world of crises. Whether it is war, global hunger, environmental degradation, or human rights violations, we are desperately seeking to analyse and seek solutions to our world problems. As we begin the twenty-first century, we realize that we cannot ignore, nor should we ignore, these global concerns. Geographically the earth is a holistic entity. We now realize that our world is also holistically a political, economic, and social entity. As Catholics, we have to ask ourselves how we will respond to our many global challenges and whether we have an articulate response to these issues. Unit topics encourage students to develop moral, ethical, and realistic decision-making in an effort to develop as conscientious Christian citizens. Students develop a respect for humanity and the environment based upon the study of issues presented in this course. They also have the opportunity to develop Christian values, Catholic understandings, and possible solutions to help them create a Catholic vision of the future that inspires hope, confidence, and the development of a just and compassionate global society.

Course Notes

This course provides a systematic approach to the analysis of Canadian and World Issues derived from the strands and expectations in the Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12 Canada and World Studies, 2000 policy document. As this is designated as a university preparation course, there is a strong emphasis on the development of higher order and critical thinking skills. Expectations are clustered to form a broad framework for the study of world issues, focusing on the development and reinforcement of skills through an issue analysis approach. The course also takes into consideration the need to be flexible in terms of actual content. Threads that run through the course are quality of life, regional disparity, group influence on change, and future trends and predictions.

All of the problems suggested in this Course Profile are complex, interrelated, and controversial. They are real problems that students will face and make decisions about throughout their lives. Students have opportunities to consider issues by analysing different perspectives and by learning how they can effect change by harnessing their emerging analytical abilities to consider solutions to the myriad of challenges. In this way, students may develop a positive proactive view to the future.

The controversial nature of many of the issues examined may prove challenging both to teachers and students. Our students reflect a broad spectrum of values and beliefs and discussions may be highly charged. Some suggestions about dealing with controversial issues in the classroom include explaining the need to respect others’ opinions, beliefs, and interests, and being sure the classroom is a safe place for learning by helping students to actively listen to each other. The teacher should reinforce the idea that opinions are not right or wrong, but facts might be. They should stop heated debates and emphasize the need for obtaining factual information before drawing conclusions. It is important that students acknowledge the value of personal, cultural, and religious beliefs without making generalizations.

An important consideration for the teacher is the accumulation of resources. It is suggested that throughout this course students participate in developing a “class resource file” consisting of current newspaper or periodical articles, and articles from the Internet. This can be organized by week and/or by subject heading (people, politics, technology, economics, and environment) or by region. Students should be required to contribute a selected number of items throughout the course and record the bibliographic information. The “class resource file” is used in a number of activities and may serve as the basis for ongoing research throughout the course. Working with library staff in unit planning, to ensure a wide variety of learning materials, is critical. The integration of various geotechnologies enhances student learning and provides for the development of crucial information technology skill sets. The teacher is encouraged to plan for this critical aspect of geographic learning and to review the board’s policy about appropriate use of information technology. Ideas for using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are made in a number of activities. The teacher needs to dialogue with students on the issues that may arise as a result of inadvertent discovery of controversial websites.

In Unit 1, students are introduced to a number of selected issues. They begin to develop issue analysis techniques that are applied throughout the course. Successive units and activities focus on viewing perspectives, developing a tactical reading repertoire, statistical analysis, and developing multiple modes of expression. Unit 2 builds on the introductory activities where the geographic frame of reference was established. The concept of interdependence at local, national, regional, and international scales is considered with specific reference to the consequences of decisions made. Unit 3 emphasizes the many differences in the world through the study of the importance of homelands, the diversity of economic opportunity and access to natural resources, which can ultimately result in regional and global conflict. In Unit 4, concepts of sustainable development and sustainable communities are examined through global and local examples. Each unit concludes with a summative activity that incorporates the content and skills stressed in the unit. Unit 5 suggests a culminating activity where students deliver a seminar to a group of their peers. This final task is based on the development of interpretive and analytical skills throughout the course. It also reflects the reality of their university destination. Students should be aware from the beginning of the course what is expected of them so it is important for the teacher to introduce the culminating activity early in the term. The teacher should provide a list of seminar topics for students to select dealing with global issues not covered in detail in the course.

Units:  Titles and Time

* Unit 1

Introduction: The Future State of the Planet

20 hours

Unit 2

Interdependence

20 hours

Unit 3

Challenges to Diversity

25 hours

Unit 4

Sustainability of Communities

25 hours

Unit 5

Culminating Activity: Current Events Seminar

20 hours (Includes in-class research time)

* These units are fully developed in this Course Profile.

Unit Overviews

Unit 1:  Introduction: The Future State of the Planet

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

Inequality of resources and economic capability creates an increasing “gap” between those nations possessing and developing the means of growth and those experiencing severe economic hardships and accumulating debts. In affluent nations power and wealth are becoming increasingly more concentrated and the gap between rich and poor citizens continues to widen. The concepts of stewardship, justice, and distribution are introduced to students in this unit.

Unit 1 provides a firm foundation for understanding the terminology and key issues presented in the remainder of the course. This unit familiarizes students with the issues relating to human and environmental geography and introduces them to the skills and technology used in geographic study. Students use issue analysis as a means to break down complex global issues. It should be noted that a more detailed analysis of global issues occurs in subsequent units. Students also use cartoon interpretation to gain insight into how the media influences public perceptions of world issues, and they use statistical and mapping techniques to understand global patterns. Students also initiate a process of collecting data from their school, community, and other sources to use as a foundation for developing future scenarios. Students reflect on a future that integrates their Catholic faith tradition with life in the global village.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

SSV.01, UCV.01, GIV.04, UC3.01, SS1.03, SS1.06, SS1.08, GI1.01, GI1.06, GI2.06, GI2.09
CGE1d, 1h, 2a, 2c, 2e, 5a

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Defining global issues: survey

2

GI1.04, GI2.01, SS1.04, SS1.06
CGE1d, 3f, 7f, 7g

Thinking/Inquiry
Communication

Perspectives on global classification systems

3

GIV.01, GI2.07, GI2.08, GI3.02, SS3.01, GC3.01
CGE1d, 3c, 3d, 5e, 7a, 7b, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Application

Indicators of the quality of life

4

HEV.01, HE1.02, UC1.01, SS1.06, SS1.09, GI1.01, GI2.02, GI2.05, GI2.06, GI2.08
CGE.1h, 3f, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication

Demographic patterns: blueprint for the future

5

SSV.01, HEV.02, SS2.01, SS3.01, GIV.01, HE3.01
CGE1e, 3c, 3e, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Application

Human and natural systems: relationships and interactions

6

UCV.02, SS1.01, UC1.04, GIV.01, GI2.02, GC1.01
CGE1e, 2e, 3f, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication

Rethinking environmental determinism

7

UCV.01, HEV.02, GIV.01, SSV.01, GC1.01, UC3.05, GI2.05, GI1.01, GI1.07, GI2.06, SS1.01, SS1.06, HE3.01
CGE3c, 3e, 3f, 4f, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Culminating Activity: a futures wheel and scenario building or unit test

Culminating Activity

Students create a “futures wheel” showing possible global changes to the year 2010 and beyond, based on trends of resource use. They present their rationale for their selected scenario and discuss the positive and negative aspects of creating a futures wheel.

A unit test is an option, instead of the futures wheel, as the culminating activity. Students must have a firm background in basic geographical skills and knowledge in order to succeed in this course. Test questions should be varied and fit into all categories of the achievement chart.

 

Unit 2:  Interdependence

Time:  20 hours

Unit Description

In a global society, as we are sustained and supported by others, we in turn sustain and support others (mutuality). In the concept of interdependence, we are each better off by sharing the individual gifts that God has provided. Also, the whole of society suffers when one component or individual is altered adversely or has been marginalized.

The focus of this unit is world interdependence at all scales: international, national, regional, and local. Students examine the challenges and opportunities created by our increasingly integrated planet. Using the resource file introduced in Unit 1, students construct proportional flow maps illustrating Canada’s global connections. Organizations and individuals that affect change are examined and students decide how they would allocate funds to humanitarian organizations. The colonial legacy is examined and through a mini-debate process, the impact of colonialism is discussed. Population movements and environmental decision-making are analysed through an issue analysis approach.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

GCV.01, GIV.01, SSV.01, GC2.02, GI2.03, GI2.07, GI2.10, SS1.05
CGE5e, 7e, 7f, 7g

Communication
Application

Canada’s global connections

2

SSV.03, GCV.03, GIV.03, GC1.03, GC2.03, GC3.05, GI2.06, SS1.04
CGE1h, 5e, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Application

Taking charge: organizations and individuals that affect change

3

GIV.01, GIV.02, GC2.03, GC3.04, GI1.01, GI1.05
CGE1h, 1j, 2c, 3f, 4a, 5e

Thinking/Inquiry
Communication

Impact of the past on the present: colonial legacies

4

GC3.02, GC2.01, HE2.01, GI2.01, GI2.04, SS2.03
CGE1d, 1e, 2c, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry

Human links: population movements and impacts

5

GC3.02, GC1.04, HE3.04, GI2.10, GI2.03, GI1.05
CGE1e, 2e, 3e, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding
Communication
Application

Connections between resource use and human population

6

GCV.03, SSV.03, SS1.05, GC2.03, GC2.02, GI2.10, GI2.03, GI1.05
CGE1h, 2c, 2e, 3f, 5e, 7f

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Sharing the blame: sharing the solution - international treaties

Culminating Activity

Issues analysis techniques practised in Unit 2, such as developing a graphic organizer and writing in role to represent different viewpoints, including that of the Catholic Church, are applied to the examination of a number of international treaties and their impact on a local, regional, and global level.

 

Unit 3:  Challenges to Diversity

Time:  25 hours

Unit Description

The human condition often creates a recurring situation; people, while occupying a shared space, may develop a diverse, and sometimes opposing, perspective on problems or decisions. Given that wants and needs often exceed the human capacity to provide, conflicts occur regularly within and between groups over rights, needs, power, and resources. By identifying the underlying causes of a specific conflict, alternative approaches can be negotiated to remedy or resolve the conflict while striving to maintain a sense of community and common good. Non-violent conflict (as used in the legal system) can be a good thing when used to make just decisions.

In this unit, students examine the many differences in the world. Students are introduced to the study of geopolitics and the importance of homelands to different cultural groups. Statistical analysis of economic variables in Canada and worldwide helps students see the varying levels of economic opportunity in a global context. As natural resources are distributed unequally around the globe, access to them is another aspect of disparity. The impact of these disparities in combination with strong cultural needs and wants has resulted in global conflict “hot spots.” Students also examine a variety of approaches to resolve these conflicts to maintain the concept of community and the common good.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

GCV.02, GI1.04, SS1.02, SS1.07, GC2.02, GI2.07, SS1.03
CGE. 1d, 1h, 1j, 3f, 7f

Knowledge/Understanding

Sense of place: an introduction to geopolitics

2

UCV.03, GC2.03, GC1.05, SS1.02, SS1.08; SS1.09, SS2.02, SS3.04
CGE1d, 1h, 3f, 5e, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Boundaries and homelands: regional and international

3

GC1.02, GI2.08, SSV.02, SS2.02, SS3.02
CGE1e, 2c, 3f, 4a, 7e, 7f, 7g

Communication
Application

Global economies: impact of disparity

4

SSV.02, SS3.02, SS3.03, GI2.08, GC3.03, HE2.06
CGE1e, 2c, 3f, 4a, 7e, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Regional economic disparities: a Canadian perspective

5

GC1.01, GC3.03, GI1.02, GI3.01, HE1.01, SS1.01
CGE2e, 3e, 3f, 4f, 7f, 7i

Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Pattern of environmental disparity: using GIS

6

SS2.04, UC1.03, UC2.03, GI1.05, HE2.06
CGE1d, 1e, 3c, 3d, 3f, 7d, 7j

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Readdressing the balance: accessing resources and local responses to global issues

7

HE3.01, GCV.02, GC1.02, SSV.02, SS1.07, GIV.02, GI3.02
CGE2a, 2b, 2c, 2e, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Culminating Activity: conflict and disparity map: Christ-centred directive and action plan

Culminating Activity

Students create a series of maps, graphs, and images to illustrate the relationship between conflict and disparity in a selected location of the world. Students also develop a Christ-centred doctrine or directive supported with an action plan that tries to resolve these conflicts to maintain the concept of community and the common good.

 

Unit 4:  Sustainability of Communities

Time:  25 hours

Unit Description

Recognition of the gifts of creation requires the responsible use of available resources. Everything we possess we hold in trust for all, including future generations. Problems of global scarcity and environmental pollution demand renewed efforts at preservation, conservation, and sustainable development.

God’s creation is a sacred gift, entrusted to our care. Stewardship means acting as managers for God and respecting God’s laws which we find embedded in reality.

This unit introduces students to the concepts and terms associated with sustainability. Through the use of a number of activities, such as surveys, examination of statistics and graphs, and role-playing, students examine how different social and cultural differences can influence people’s attitudes towards resource sustainability. Students research individuals or groups who have contributed to sustainable community projects.

Unit Overview Chart

Cluster

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

1

HE1.03, UC2.02, GI1.01, GI1.04
CGE1e, 1g, 2a, 2e, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding

Defining sustainability

2

UC2.02, GI2.01, GI.104, GI2.03
CGE1e, 1g, 2e, 3c, 3e, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Application

Determining resource sustainability

3

UC1.01, UC1.02, UC2.01, GI1.05, GI1.06
CGE1h, 2a, 2c, 2e, 5e, 7f

Communication
Application

Dynamic populations

4

HEV.03, HE2.03, HE2.05, GI1.05, UC1.02, UC3.02, UC3.06
CGE2a, 3c, 3f, 7f, 7g

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Urban wonders

5

HE2.02, HE3.02, GI2.02, GI2.03
CGE2d, 3b, 3f, 7e, 7f

Thinking/Inquiry
Communication

Feeding the future

6

HE2.04, GC3.02, UC3.03, HE3.03, GI2.06, GI2.02, GCV.03
CGE1e, 1g, 2e, 3c, 3e, 7i

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Balancing resource use

7

UC3.05, UC3.04, GI3.03, GI2.03, GI3.04, GI2.06, HE2.05, GI1.03, GI2.09, UC1.02
CGE1d, 2d, 3b, 3f, 5c, 5e, 7j

Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Sustaining our local community: action plan

Culminating Activity

Students examine a local environmental problem and write a report that includes strategies to implement a sustainable action plan in their community.

Unit 5:  Course Culminating Activity – Current Events Seminar

Time:  20 hours (including in-class research time)

Unit Description

All peoples and nations of the world are members of an increasingly interdependent, political-economic and environmental unit or global community.

Each student selects a global issue not covered in detail in the course. Students deliver a seminar and produce an essay on that issue towards the end of the course. The teacher provides a list of seminar/essay topics.

Students collect and analyse a number of articles that reflect a variety of viewpoints on their topic (Class Resource File). As the skill of critical reading has been developing throughout the course, analysis of the viewpoints presented is a key aspect of this task. Students distribute one article that best expresses their perspective, develop a set of discussion questions with model answers, and create maps, graphs, or other images to analyse the spatial and quantitative aspects of their issues. Their reports contain summarized research information, questions and model answers, maps, graphs, future predictions, and a bibliography. Leading a seminar based on independent research about a student-selected topic provides a forum for the development of interactive discussion and critical analysis skills.

It is suggested that this seminar/essay be worth 10% of the final grade, with a final exam emphasizing analysis and application being worth 20%. There is an expectation that students actively participate in each other’s seminars.

Activity

Learning Expectations

Assessment Categories

Focus

Final Summative Activity:
1
Essay

GIV.04, GI1.01, GI2.01, GI2.03, GI2.06, GI2.10
CGE 1d, 1h, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3f, 4a, 4f, 7d, 7e, 7f

Knowledge/ Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application

Researched information, discussion-based essay to compliment seminar

2
Seminar

GIV.04, GI1.01, GI2.01, GI2.03, GI2.06, GI2.10
CGE 1d, 2c, 2d, 4a, 4f, 5g, 7d, 7f

Knowledge/ Understanding
Communication
Application

A concise, provocative, and balanced oral seminar on a global issue

3
Final Exam

GIV.04, GI1.01, GI2.01, GI2.03, GI2.10
CGE 1d, 2b, 2c, 2d, 5g, 7d, 7f

Thinking/Inquiry
Application

Analysis and application based exam question items

 

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and the multiple intelligences of our students it is essential that a variety of teaching/learning strategies be employed to ensure student success. Opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, such as formulating a hypothesis, identifying bias and viewpoints, collecting and analysing research data, are essential. Using computers to research, record data, and indicate spatial relationships (GIS) helps students to develop essential technological skills. Individual, small group, and class activities that provide opportunities for reading, writing, and sharing of information, develop thinking skills and help in the understanding of concepts. The following are some teaching/learning strategies that can be used in the Geography classroom.

Aerial Photo Analysis – examine photos of landforms for common characteristics

Brainstorming – group generation of initial ideas expressed without analysis and/or evaluation

Case Study – investigating a real or simulated problem

Classifying – grouping according to an identified pattern

Cooperative Learning – small group investigation or problem solving

Conferencing – student-to-student, or student-to-teacher discussion

Computer-assisted learning – use of a computer to learn or reinforce material

Debate – informed research topics articulated in a formal process

Diagramming – synthesizing concept information into visual illustration

Direct Instruction – teacher-led lessons

Discussion – exchange of ideas on an issue for clarification of views

Field trips – practical application of geographic inquiry skills

Games – team quizzes

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Graphing – visual tool for problem solving

Guest Speakers – experts in the field

Internet Research

Lectures – dissemination of information by speakers or teachers

Mapping – representing physical, demographic, and numerical data through visual forms

Mind Mapping – mental images drawn on paper

Note Making – summarizing text

Organizers – an organized outline, based on a pattern, provided as a direction to be followed leading
                        to a desired product

Portfolio – collection of student work

Poster Making – synthesizing information or concepts to deliver a message or advertisement

Presentation/Report – oral, written, and visual presentation of researched topic to a specific audience
                                    or person

Quantitative and qualitative assessment – field collection of data and interpretation

Reading – periodicals, articles, journals, newspapers, magazines for information on a selected topic/issue

Researching – use of a variety of sources for the purpose of supporting an inquiry

Role playing/Simulations – enhances metacognition, serves as a hypothesis for predicting actions

Scenario Writing – describes a situation

Seminars – presentation of an opinion or thesis

Statistical analysis – collection and reporting of data

Survey design

Video analysis – viewing with a purpose

Web Pages Design

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. Assessment and evaluation in this course is based upon the achievement chart in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11
and 12 Canadian and World Studies
pp.246-247. The four categories identified are: Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication, and Application. The provincial standard for student achievement is Level 3. In this course profile, suggestions for both formative and summative assessment strategies and tools are given. Sample rubrics, checklists, and rating scales are provided for some of the major activities and for the unit culminating activity.

Before teaching this course, it is highly recommended that the teacher create an assessment and evaluation plan for the entire course. This should include the main items that will be collected and assessed by the teacher for each unit. Selecting two or three main pieces of student work per unit that result from a task based on cover a number of key expectations provides a snapshot of how well students are achieving. A number of suggestions for formative assessment have been made throughout the profile. Sharing this plan with students at the beginning of the term informs them of what is expected of them. In order for students to improve their learning, diagnostic and formative assessment must be on-going. Providing descriptive feedback, suggesting next steps, and encouraging students to become critical of their own work through a variety of means helps students develop competencies that are far-reaching. The teacher should consider what opportunity students are given to demonstrate their learning and how they can be clear on the expectations.

Seventy per cent of the grade is based on assessments and evaluations conducted throughout the course. Thirty per cent of the grade is based on a final evaluation in the form of an examination, performance, essay, and/or other methods of evaluation. For the 30% culminating evaluation, it is suggested that 10% be assigned to the seminar presentation and essay, the other 20% to a final examination. This examination could take the format of a case study analysis or an in-class essay, due to the emphasis on the issues approach taken in the course.

Accommodations

Every effort is made to assist all students in achieving success in this course. The teacher should consult Individual Education Plan (IEPs) for exceptional students and those who have not been identified but who receive special education programs and services for specific direction on accommodation for individuals. The teacher may wish to access the Ontario Curriculum Unit Planner’s Special Education companion for further suggestions.

There are a variety of strategies that can be used for those students with IEPs and ESL students:

·         providing flexible timelines regarding the completion of projects and assignments;

·         modifying hand-outs in terms of language and content used and size and easy-to-read font;

·         arranging for peer assistance;

·         providing a list of terminology prior to the activity;

·         allowing students to write tests in an alternate setting

·         providing opportunities to redo all or part of a task;

·         combining both written and verbal instructions.

Resources

Units in this Course Profile make reference to the use of specific texts, magazines, films, videos, and websites. The teacher needs to consult their district school board policies regarding use of any copyrighted materials. Before reproducing materials for student use from printed publications, the teacher needs to ensure that their board has a Cancopy licence and that this licence covers the resources they wish to use. Before screening videos/films with their students, the teacher needs to ensure that their board/school has obtained the appropriate public performance videocassette licence from an authorized distributor, e.g., Audio Cine Films, Inc. The teacher is reminded that much of the material on the Internet is protected by copyright. The person or organization that created the work usually owns the copyright. Reproduction of any work or substantial part of any work on the Internet is not allowed without the permission of the owner.

Books and Articles

Beck, Gregor and Bruce Litteljohn. Voices for the Watershed: Environmental Issues in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Drainage Basin. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2000.

Berry, Wendell. In the presence of fear: three essays for a changed world. Orion Society, 2001.

Blouet, Brian and Olwyn Blouet. Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic and Regional Survey. New York: John Wiley, 1997.

Brown, Lester R. and H. French. State of the World 2000. W.W. Norton and Company, 2001.

Canadian Global Almanac 2002. Toronto: Macmillan Publishers, 2001. ISBN 1-55335-006-5

Cartwright, Fraser, Kim Earle, and Kingsley Hurlington. On the Threshold: Analysing Canadian and World Issues. Toronto: Gage Publishing, 2002. ISBN 7715-82358

Chasmer, Ron and Pamela Perry-Globa. Facing the Future. Global Issues in the 21st. Century. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1998. ISBN 0-19-541136-6

Clark, Bruce and John K. Wallace. Global Connections: Canadian and World Issues. Toronto: Pearson Canada, 2002. ISBN 0-13-041067-5

Clawson, David L. World Regional Geography: A Development Approach, 7th ed. Toronto: Prentice-Hall Inc., 2000.

Demeny, P. 1989. World Population Trends. Current History 88:17ff. – Factually based discussion of trends and projections.

Draper, Dianne. Our Environment: A Canadian Perspective, 2nd ed. Nelson Thomson Learning, 2002. ISBN 0-17-616904-0

De Blij, H.J., et al. Physical Geography of the Global Environment, 2nd Edition. John Wiley and Sons 1998.

Dickenson, J., et al. A Geography of the Third World, 2nd ed. New York: Routledge, 1996.

Draper, Graham and Patricia Healy. Geonexus: Canadian and World Issues. Toronto: Irwin Publishing, 2002. ISBN 0-7725-2933-7

Geography in Cartoons: Lessons on the Five Themes Using Political Cartoons. Highsmith Inc., 1996. ISBN 1-57596-024-9

Gilson, J.C. World Agricultural Changes: Implications for Canada. Toronto: C.D. Howe Institute, 1989. Policy Study 7. A valuable survey of current changes in world agriculture focusing on government policies and needed reforms.

Hackett, Robert A. and Richard Gruneau. Missing news: filters and blindspots in Canada’s press.

Ottawa: Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives/Garamond Press, 2000. ISBN 1551930277

Harshman, Robert and Christine Hannel. World Issues in the Global Community. Toronto: John Wiley & Son, 1989. ISBN 0-471-79692

Homer-Dixon, Thomas F. Environment, Scarcity and Violence. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1999. ISBN 0-691-02794-3

Homer-Dixon, Thomas F. The Ingenuity Gap: Can we solve the problems of the future? Toronto: Random House, 2001. ISBN 0-676-97296-9

Jackson, Robert M., ed. Global Issue: 15th edition, 1999/2000. Dushkin/McGraw-Hill, 1999.

Kenneth Hammond Lecture Series, 2000. Lectures on Environment, Energy and Resources: “Malthus and the Third Millennium.” Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph.

Kenneth Hammond Lecture Series, 2001. Lectures on Environment, Energy and Resources: “Sustainable Development: Mandate or Mantra?” Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph.

Kolpin, Robert. Global Links: Connecting Canada. Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 1999.
ISBN 0-195-413-334

Marsh, William M. and John M. Grossa, Jr. Environmental Geography: Science, Land Use, and Earth Systems, 2nd ed. John Wiley and Sons Inc., 2002. ISBN 0-471-34522-9

Mathews, Geoffrey J. and Robert Morrow Jr. Canada and the World: An Atlas Resource, 2nd. edition. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 1995. ISBN 0-13-370073-9

Molyneux, John and Marilyn Mackenzie. World Prospects: A Contemporary Study. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 1994. ISBN 0-13-709569-4

Mungall, Constance and Digby J. McLaren, ed. Planet Under Stress: The challenge of global change. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1991. ISBN 0-19-540731-8

Pearson, Ian, ed. The Atlas of the Future. MacMillan

Prescott, Allen Robert. The Well being of Nations. A Country-by-Country Index of Quality of Life and Environment. Ottawa: IDRC/Island Press, 2001. ISBN 0-88936-955-0

Suzuki, David. Earth Times. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co., 1998.

Suzuki, David. The Sacred Balance. Toronto: Greystone Books, 1997.

United Nations Development Program. Human Development Report: 2000. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 0-1952-167-84

World Resources Institute. A Guide to the World Environment. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1998.

Worldwatch Institute. State of the World 2001: A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 2001. ISBN 0-393-04866-7

Vital Signs 2001-2002: The Trend that are Shaping Our Future. London: UK Earthscan publications in Association with the Worldwatch Institute, 2001. ISBN 185-3838322

Church Documents and Related Journals/Books

Catechism of the Catholic Church. Ottawa: Publication Service, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1994. ISBN 0-88997-281-8

Catholic New Times

Catholic Register

Catholic Social Teaching Principles – http://www.mtn.org:80/justice/cst6prin.htm

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – http://www.cccb.ca

Celebrating an Education for Justice and Peace, The Catholic Bishops of Ontario. Toronto: OCCB, 1996.

Christian Justice. Minnesota: St. Mary’s Press, 1995.

Clifford, Anne M. CSJ, et al. And God saw that it was Good: Catholic Theology and the Environment. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. ISBN 1-57455-089-6

Donders, Joseph G. John-Paul II: The Encyclicals in Everyday Language. Orbis Books: New York, 1996.

John-Paul II. Ratio et Fides. 1998.

The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-55586-766-9

Laborem Exercens (On human work) – www.cin.org/jp2ecy/laborem.html U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Publishing. ISBN 1-57455-409-3

New Revised Standard Version Bible. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1989.

Proclaiming Justice and Peace. Papal Documents from Rerum Novarum through Centesisnus Annus

Smith, Mary, Ed. Shaping a New World: A Challenge for the 21st Century, sixth edition.

National Catholic Social Justice Lobby Network, 1998 – http://www.networklobby.org Contains an outline of Catholic social justice teachings and direction on how to develop societal structures and relationships based on the Gospel of Jesus. Also contains articles about current threats to social/global justice.

Sheridan, E.F., Ed. Do Justice. The Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice, 1987.

Smith, Pamela. What Are They Saying About Environmental Ethics? New York: Paulist Press, 1997.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – http://www.usccb.org

The Earth is the Lord’s (Videotape). ISBN 1-55586-058-3 (Designed to stimulate interest and provoke action in environmental justice issues.)

Global Climate Change - A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, and the Common Good. ISBN 1-57455-431-X

Hope for a Renewed Earth (Videotape). 2000. ISBN 1-57455-072-1 (Reviews the major environmental concerns from the Catholic Church’s perspective.)

Way of the Cross: Toward Justice and Peace. ISBN 1-57455-235-X

Journals

Canadian Geographic Magazine – http://www.cangeo.ca/default.asp

Canadian Journal of Environmental Education – http://www.edu.uleth.ca/ictrd/cjee/

Canadian Social Trends – http://www.cansim.com/english/kits/social.htm

Current History

Foreign Policy

Macleans Magazine – http://www.macleans.com/

The Monograph – http://oagee.org/region11.htm

National Geographic – http://www.nationalgeographic.com/main.html

New Internationalist – http://www.oneworld.org/ni/index4.html

Newsweek – http://www.msnbc.com/news/NW-front_Front.asp

Time Magazine – http://www.time.com/time/

UNESCO Courier – http://www.unesco.org/webworld/news/00_special_courrier.shtm

Simulation Exercises

Resource Centre for the Americas. The Cost of Your Shirt. (Real-life drama of Guatemalan textile workers)

Resource Centre for the Americas. The New Global Economy: A View from the Bottom Up. (Transnational corporations, structural adjustment, human migration, and free trade)

Videography

Awakening Giant. 1993. 60 min. Southern China is booming and looks set to create the greatest economic miracle ever seen. Lifting 1.2 billion people from poverty and creating an economy bigger than America’s.

Creation: Environmental Action” VISION. 1998. 30 min.

Marilyn Waring on Women & Economics. National Film Board (0386), 1996, 30 min. Women make up more than 50 % of the world’s population, yet hold no more than 10 % of the seats in legislation. This video takes a hard look at the disparity between what women contribute to communities and how their work is valued.

“Water is for Fighting Over.” Human Geography: people, places and change. Series. The Open University. 1995. 27 min.

Water Supply in Canada. Classroom Video. 1998. 26 min.

“What Border?” The National. News Series. CBC. 1997.

Sustainable Development- Zero Emissions Production. Classroom Video. 1999. 14 min.

Sustainable development and the ecosystem approach. National Film Board. 15 min. This describes the spectrum of environmental thinking from exploitation of the environment for purely economic reasons to strict environmental protection to the exclusion of economics on the other.

“Trading Futures-Living in the Global Economy.” CBC Nature of Things, 1993. 120 min.

“Water: To The Last Drop.” CBC Nature of Things.

World Water Resources: sample studies of China, Israel and Australia. Classroom Video. 2000.
22 min.

Websites

The URLs for the websites were verified by the writers prior to publication. Given the frequency with which these designations change, teachers should always verify the websites prior to assigning them for student use.

Canadian International Development Agency – http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/health.htm

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing – www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/

Ducks Unlimited – www.ducks.ca/edu/resource.html

Earth Week – www.earthweek.com
Weekly updates on environmental issues around the world

Ecological Footprint - Resource Page – http://www.rprogress.org/resources/nip/ef/ef_nations.html
This page allows the user to a
ccess footprint calculations and comparative calculations for countries

Ecological Footprint – http://www.olywa.net/roundtable/footprint/
Focus on sustainability for the future

Environment Canada – http://www.ec.gc.ca
A comprehensive overview of the Canadian environmental issues

Environmental Atlas – www.rri.org/envatlas/index.html
Internet-based tool for researching environmental policies worldwide

ESRI Canada. – www.esri.com
The home page of the creator of two widely used GIS software

Food and Agriculture Organization – http://www.fao.org/
Offers relevant facts, figures, and discussions on all matters related to agricultural activity and food supply

First Nations History Theme Page - Community Learning Network
– www.cln.org/themes/fn_history.html
Links to many sites about First Nations in Canada

Geography – http://geography.about.com
Navigate to library (blank outline maps of countries, continents), teacher, and student website

Indigenous Lands and Power Mapping in the Americas: Merging Technologies Winter 1999, Native Americas Journal – http://nativeamericas.aip.cornell.edu

International Forum on Globalization – http://www.ifg.org/
Brings together leading activists concerned with the consequences of globalization processes

Latin America Development Archive at John Hopkins University – www.jhu.edu/~soc/ladark.html
Data sets, social science information that can be copied

National Council for Geographic Education – www.ncge.org
A site for professional geography educators

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service
– http://ns.noaa.gov/NESDIS/NESDIS_Home.html
A
ccess to global environmental data from satellites and other sources

Organization of American States – www.sice.oas.org (trade information)

Population Research Project – http://www.statcan.ca/english/kits/popll.htm
Students select and use geographic materials and organizers to analyse the economic and social factors that contribute to the demographic characteristics of Canada. Students will select and use appropriate methods and technology to communicate the results of geographic inquiries.

Reading the Clouds: Native Perspectives on Southwestern Environments Journal focusing on native rights and issues in the Americas. Some articles online, backorders and subscriptions can be ordered.

Resource Centre of the Americas – www.americas.org
A search engine for articles related to human economic and environmental.

Resources for Indigenous Peoples around the World – www.nativeweb.org
A powerful search engine and links

Statistics Canada – http://www.statcan.ca/start.html

TED Case Studies: An On-line Journal – www.american.edu/ted/all/htm
Case studies dealing with the impact of globalization.

US Population Reference Bureau – www.prb.org
Statistics for countries and selected articles relating to population, and the environment

United Nations – http://www.bestpractices.org/
Contains over 1100 proven solutions from 120 countries to the common social, economic, and environmental problems of an urbanizing world

UNESCO – http://www.unesco.org/
Home page, information on global cultural issues

United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) – http://www.grida.no/
A comprehensive, informative, and reliable website on global environmental issues

United Nations High Commission on Refugees – http://www.unhcr.ch/
Provides information and commentary

United Nations Population Fund – http://www.unfpa.org/
Covers a wide range of topics and regularly updated

United Nations World Food Programme – http://www.wfp.org/index.htm
On matters of hunger and famine in a global context

University of California Scholarly Internet Resource Collection – http://informine.ucr.edu/
A powerful search engine and a
ccess to historical & current maps and GIS

US Census Bureau – http://www.census.gov/
Home page, links to population estimates on a daily basis

US Government site - Earthshots – http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/earthshots
Satellite images of environmental change, photos, and interpretation

Perry Castaneda Library Map Collection – www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/Map_collection/americas.html Great sources of maps

Virtual Text on Canada and Germany
– www.wlu.ca/~wwwgeog/special/vgt/English/can_mod2/quest.htm
Online textbook focusing on Canada but also deals with economic issues

Worldwatch Institute – http://www.worldwatch.org/
Offers regularly updated survey of human impacts on environment

The World Fact Book – http://www.odci.gov/gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html

World Bank Group – http://www.worldbank.org/data/countrydata/countrydata

World Bank – www.worldbank.org (statistical databank)

Women’s Environment and Development Organization – http://www.wedo.org

World Future Fund-Global Future Watch Indicators System – http://www.worldfuturefund.org/wff-indicatorslist.htm

World Health Organization – http://www.who.int/
Home page, material on world health issues

World Vision – http://worldvision.ca

World Wildlife Foundation – http://www.wwfcanada.org

OSS Considerations

This profile is designed to aid the teacher in developing and delivering the course Canadian and World Issues: A Geographic Analysis. This course would fulfill the requirement for an additional credit in Canadian and World Studies within the 18 compulsory credits required for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma in Section 3.1.1. (p.9), and Appendix 5 (p. 72) of Ontario Schools, Grades 9-12, Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999. The needs of university bound students have been considered and the activities have been constructed with a balance of theory, communication, and application. Expectations for accommodations are outlined in Section 7.12 (pp. 56-58) and Appendix 6 (pp. 74-75). The basis for assessment, evaluation, and reporting practices are outlined on pp. 13-16 of The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12, Program Planning and Assessment. Strategies for assessment and evaluation are therefore based on the four categories of achievements chart as described in the Grades 11 and 12 Canadian and World Studies 2000 policy document. The analytical skills that can be developed in this course can be applied in various situations. By participating in co-op programs and working in the community, students begin to understand the relevance of their studies.


Coded Expectations, Canadian and World Issues: A Geographic Analysis, Grade 12, University Preparation, CGW4U

Geographic Foundations: Space and Systems

Overall Expectations

SSV.01 · explain the complex nature of the earth’s natural and human systems;

SSV.02 · analyse the causes and effects of economic disparities around the world;

SSV.03 · demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, economic, and political aspirations of selected groups and the effects of their actions on local, national, and global issues.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

SS1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence of ecology and economics;

SS1.02 – explain why places and regions are important to the identities of selected human groups
(e.g., Jerusalem as a holy city for Christians, Jews, and Muslims);

SS1.03 – explain how points of view and paradigms influence an individual’s perceptions of a place
(e.g., a developer and an environmentalist differ on the best use for a wetland, indigenous peoples differ with other cultural groups on what constitutes a wilderness);

SS1.04 – identify different methods of grouping countries (e.g., by level of development, political or economic affiliation, cultural characteristics) and evaluate the implications of categorizing countries in these ways;

SS1.05 – identify ways in which countries and regions of the world are becoming increasingly interdependent;

SS1.06 – identify the social, economic, cultural, and political components of selected geographic issues;

SS1.07 – identify similarities and differences in the economic and political aspirations of selected regional or cultural groups within different countries;

SS1.08 – demonstrate an understanding of the need to respect the cultural and religious traditions of others;

SS1.09 – demonstrate an understanding of the roles and status of men and women in different parts of the world.

Developing and Practising Skills

SS2.01 – analyse the distribution of the world’s major biomes and determine the reasons for the observed patterns;

SS2.02 – analyse the changing spatial distribution of political systems (e.g., democracy, socialism, communism, military dictatorship) around the world;

SS2.03 – analyse the causes and consequences of recent events involving refugees in Canada or in another part of the world and evaluate the effectiveness of the relevant policies for dealing with refugees;

SS2.04 – evaluate the significance of the participation of people in non-violent movements to protect resources and environments (e.g., Chipko women’s movement in India, protests against clear-cutting in Canada).

Learning Through Application

SS3.01 – compare the productivity and biodiversity of selected ecosystems (e.g., low productivity and biodiversity of deserts, high productivity of tropical rain forests);

SS3.02 – select and compare statistical indicators of quality of life (e.g., those relating to population, culture, resources, technology, military expenditure, literacy, medical care) for a variety of developed and developing countries in different parts of the world;

SS3.03 – analyse the causes of selected examples of economic disparity in the local or regional community;

SS3.04 – predict geographic consequences of separation or independence for a region or cultural group that is now part of a larger country (e.g., changes in boundaries, trade flows, economic development, involvement in international organizations).

Human-Environment Interactions

Overall Expectations

HEV.01 · analyse selected global trends and evaluate their effects on people and environments at the local, national, and global level;

HEV.02 · analyse geographic issues that arise from the impact of human activities on the environment in different regions of the world;

HEV.03 · evaluate approaches, policies, and principles relating to the protection and sustainability of the planet’s life-support systems.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

HE1.01 – demonstrate an understanding of how human-induced changes in natural systems can diminish their capacity for supporting human activity (e.g., excessive use of the Ogallala aquifer of the midwestern United States, desertification in the Sahel region of Africa);

HE1.02 – describe selected world demographic trends and explain the factors influencing them;

HE1.03 – explain how people perceive resources and sustainable development differently at different times and in different places.

Developing and Practising Skills

HE2.01 – analyse the impact of selected human migrations on natural and human systems;

HE2.02 – analyse the impact of past and current trends in agriculture (e.g., Green Revolution, corporate farming, biotechnology, monoculture, organic farming) on natural and human systems;

HE2.03 – analyse the impact of urbanization and urban growth (e.g., destruction of wildlife habitat, traffic congestion, land use conflicts) on natural and human systems;

HE2.04 – evaluate the economic, social, and ecological impact of current methods for raising or harvesting a selected resource (e.g., clear-cutting of forests, development of wildlife habitat areas, monoculture);

HE2.05 – evaluate some of the ways of promoting sustainable development (e.g., polluter-pays principle, zero population growth, local community initiatives) and assess their effectiveness in selected places and regions of the world;

HE2.06 – explain ways in which trade policies or agreements (e.g., fair trade cooperatives, North American Free Trade Agreement) may affect the environment.

Learning Through Application

HE3.01 – explain the interactive nature of selected natural and human systems;

HE3.02 – analyse examples of efforts to increase the productivity of a selected natural environment (e.g., Chinese model of land use, polders in the Netherlands, hydroponic farming, wetland reclamation, hillside terracing, fish farming) and their short- and long-term economic, social, and environmental impacts;

HE3.03 – assess the contribution of selected government policies to sustainable resource development in Canada;

HE3.04 – produce a case study of a specific situation in which resource development has contributed to the disruption of an ecosystem (e.g., hydroelectric dams in Canada or Asia, mining development in Indonesia, tourism in Antarctica).

Global Connections

Overall Expectations

GCV.01 · demonstrate an understanding of the interdependence of countries in the global economy;

GCV.02 · analyse instances of international cooperation and conflict and identify factors that contribute to each;

GCV.03 · identify the contributions made by a variety of individuals, organizations, and institutions to sustainable development strategies for the developing world, and evaluate their economic, environmental, and social impacts.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

GC1.01 – identify current global sustainability issues and environmental threats;

GC1.02 – demonstrate an understanding of how scarcities and inequities in the distribution of resources (e.g., water scarcity, unequal land distribution, confiscation of land) contribute to uprisings and conflicts;

GC1.03 – describe the structure, membership, and activities of an international economic alliance in Africa or Asia (e.g., Organization of African States, Association of Southeast Asian Nations);

GC1.04 – demonstrate an understanding of how economies and environments in some places may be affected by decisions made in other places (e.g., the Matamoros region of Mexico is affected by decisions made by parent companies in Canada or the United States; the delta region of Bangladesh experiences flooding that is partly due to the clearing of forested slopes in the Himalayas);

GC1.05 – identify individuals who have made significant contributions to addressing global issues (e.g., Nelson Mandela and human rights; Gro Harlem Bruntland, former prime minister of Norway, and sustainable development; Jody Williams, Nobel peace prize winner, and land mine treaty negotiations) and evaluate their impacts.

Developing and Practising Skills

GC2.01 – analyse the economic and environmental consequences for selected countries of colonialism in the past and economic colonialism in the present;

GC2.02– analyse geopolitical relationships between selected countries and regions (e.g., between countries sharing the waters of the Nile or countries sharing the Grand Banks fishing grounds);

GC2.03 – analyse the evolving global geopolitical role of a selected region or country (e.g., European Union, Russia, Asia Pacific nations) and evaluate how its actions contribute to cooperation or conflict.

Learning Through Application

GC3.01 – demonstrate an understanding of how quality of life and employment prospects are related to the global economy;

GC3.02 – evaluate the performance of a selected transnational corporation with respect to the promotion of environmental sustainability and human rights;

GC3.03 – research and report on the human and ecological cost of global military spending;

GC3.04 – evaluate factors (e.g., physical geography, growing of cash crops, foreign monetary assistance) that may compound problems of hunger and poverty in a selected country;

GC3.05 – demonstrate an understanding of how the work of the United Nations and other organizations on poverty, disease, and the environment is directly related to their own lives.

Understanding and Managing Change

Overall Expectations

UCV.01 · analyse, forecast, and evaluate changes in the human use of the earth and its resources;

UCV.02 · evaluate the cultural, economic, and environmental impact of changing technology;

UCV.03 · evaluate the effectiveness of methods used by different organizations, governments, and industries to find short- and long-term solutions to geographic problems and issues at the local, national, and global level.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

UC1.01 – explain how economic and cultural considerations (e.g., the need for resources or workers, cultural or religious beliefs about child bearing) influence a country’s population policies (e.g., China’s one child policy);

UC1.02 – explain how local participation in the development process can build sustainable communities;

UC1.03 – explain, using specific examples, how strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) affect the public participation process;

UC1.04 – explain how new technology affects employment (e.g., skill requirements, proportion of workers in different sectors of the economy) and resource management (e.g., rate of use of resources, labour requirements).

Developing and Practising Skills

UC2.01 – predict global demographic changes for the future and assess their economic, environmental, and social implications;

UC2.02 – evaluate the sustainability of selected trends related to consumption of the earth’s resources;

UC2.03 – evaluate the role played by non-governmental organizations and local community initiatives in different parts of the world (e.g., the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh) in promoting sustainable development and resource management.

Learning Through Application

UC3.01 – identify awareness levels and viewpoints relating to a geographic issue by conducting a survey in the school or local community;

UC3.02 – evaluate and communicate (e.g., in a round-table discussion or mock hearing) the perspectives and arguments of various stakeholders involved in a geographic issue;

UC3.03 – assess the environmental and economic impacts of a selected case of environmental deregulation in Canada;

UC3.04 – produce an action plan for a local community initiative that contributes to the sustainability of a selected global resource;

UC3.05 – produce scenarios for probable and desirable futures based on current trends in the human use of the earth and its resources, including trends in technology;

UC3.06 – evaluate the effectiveness of an international strategy and agreement (e.g., Kyoto Protocol, Convention on Biodiversity, Montreal Protocol, Law of the Sea) that has been designed to protect the global commons (e.g., air, water, oceans, biodiversity) or address global issues.

Methods of Geographic Inquiry

Overall Expectations

GIV.01 · select and apply geographic skills, methods, and technologies to gather, analyse, and synthesize ideas and information;

GIV.02 · use a variety of methods and technologies to communicate the results of geographic inquiry and analysis effectively;

GIV.03 · select and apply appropriate decision-making and problem-solving strategies to develop solutions for geographic problems and issues;

GIV.04 · conduct an independent inquiry that effectively applies geographic knowledge, skills, methods, and technologies to a selected local, national, or global geographic issue.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Concepts

GI1.01 – use geographic terms correctly in written and oral communication (e.g., region, pattern, interdependence, global perspective, global commons, disparity, equity, carrying capacity, Gaia hypothesis, ethnocentrism, anthropocentrism, sustainable development, human development index);

GI1.02 – demonstrate an understanding of the technologies used in the analysis and synthesis of geographic data (e.g., remote sensing, information technology, geographic information systems, hypermedia);

GI1.03 – demonstrate an understanding of the value and use of geographic representations and methods;

GI1.04 – describe biases that may inform different viewpoints and perspectives on geographic issues;

GI1.05 – demonstrate an understanding of the possibility of a number of alternative solutions to any geographic problem or issue;

GI1.06 – demonstrate an understanding of the need to consider social differences (e.g., race, gender, class) when analysing global problems and issues;

GI1.07 – explain why it is difficult to make accurate predictions relating to human use of the earth and its resources, and why some predictions are more (or less) accurate than others.

Developing and Practising Skills

GI2.01 – demonstrate an ability to distinguish between fact and opinion in information sources;

GI2.02 – analyse cause and effect and sequence relationships in geographic data;

GI2.03 – evaluate and effectively use information from a variety of primary and secondary sources (including mainstream and alternative print, broadcasting, and electronic sources) when conducting geographic inquiries, and apply relevant data when making decisions and solving problems;

GI2.04 – analyse how the media influence public opinion on geographic issues (e.g., our perceptions of developing countries and their inhabitants);

GI2.05 – evaluate the effectiveness of techniques used to predict the future (e.g., forecasting, backcasting, future wheel);

GI2.06 – draw conclusions or make judgements or predictions on the basis of reasoned analysis;

GI2.07 – produce mental, thematic, and choropleth maps to illustrate local or global patterns;

GI2.08 – use statistical analysis techniques (e.g., correlational analysis) to interpret and analyse data;

GI2.09 – collect data, using field study techniques, and analyse the data to identify patterns and relationships;

GI2.10 – use written, oral, and visual communication skills to present the results of geographic inquiry and analysis effectively.

Learning Through Application

GI3.01 – use different types of maps and images (e.g., topographic maps, thematic maps, satellite imagery) to analyse the consequences of human activities or environmental phenomena (e.g., impact of a tropical storm on an island nation, effects of forest harvesting on a watershed);

GI3.02 – use maps to analyse change over time in a place;

GI3.03 – produce a plan of action and conduct an independent inquiry that synthesizes concepts, skills, and applications related to a geographic issue;

GI3.04 – identify practical applications in the local community of conclusions reached in the independent inquiry.

 


Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations

 

The graduate is expected to be:

 

A Discerning Believer Formed in the Catholic Faith Community  who

 

CGE1a    -illustrates a basic understanding of the saving story of our Christian faith;

CGE1b    -participates in the sacramental life of the church and demonstrates an understanding of the centrality of the Eucharist to our Catholic story;

CGE1c    -actively reflects on God’s Word as communicated through the Hebrew and Christian scriptures;

CGE1d    -develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good;

CGE1e    -speaks the language of life... “recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it.” (Witnesses to Faith)

CGE1f     -seeks intimacy with God and celebrates communion with God, others and creation through prayer and worship;

CGE1g    -understands that one’s purpose or call in life comes from God and strives to discern and live out this call throughout life’s journey;

CGE1h    -respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will;

CGE1i     -integrates faith with life;

CGE1j     -recognizes that “sin, human weakness, conflict and forgiveness are part of the human journey” and that the cross, the ultimate sign of forgiveness is at the heart of redemption. (Witnesses to Faith)

 

An Effective Communicator   who

CGE2a    -listens actively and critically to understand and learn in light of gospel values;

CGE2b    -reads, understands and uses written materials effectively;

CGE2c    -presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others;

CGE2d    -writes and speaks fluently one or both of Canada’s official languages;

CGE2e    -uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition, in the critical analysis of the arts, media, technology and information systems to enhance the quality of life.

 

A Reflective and Creative Thinker   who

CGE3a    -recognizes there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges;

CGE3b    -creates, adapts, evaluates new ideas in light of the common good;

CGE3c    -thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems;

CGE3d    -makes decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience;

CGE3e    -adopts a holistic approach to life by integrating learning from various subject areas and experience;

CGE3f     -examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society.

 

A Self-Directed, Responsible, Life Long Learner   who

CGE4a    -demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others;

CGE4b    -demonstrates flexibility and adaptability;

CGE4c    -takes initiative and demonstrates Christian leadership;

CGE4d    -responds to, manages and constructively influences change in a discerning manner;

CGE4e    -sets appropriate goals and priorities in school, work and personal life;

CGE4f     -applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, time and resource management skills;

CGE4g    -examines and reflects on one’s personal values, abilities and aspirations influencing life’s choices and opportunities;

CGE4h    -participates in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

 

A Collaborative Contributor   who

CGE5a    -works effectively as an interdependent team member;

CGE5b    -thinks critically about the meaning and purpose of work;

CGE5c    -develops one’s God-given potential and makes a meaningful contribution to society;

CGE5d    -finds meaning, dignity, fulfillment and vocation in work which contributes to the common good;

CGE5e    -respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others;

CGE5f     -exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals;

CGE5g    -achieves excellence, originality, and integrity in one’s own work and supports these qualities in the work of others;

CGE5h    -applies skills for employability, self-employment and entrepreneurship relative to Christian vocation.

 

A Caring Family Member   who

CGE6a    -relates to family members in a loving, compassionate and respectful manner;

CGE6b    -recognizes human intimacy and sexuality as God given gifts, to be used as the creator intended;

CGE6c    -values and honours the important role of the family in society;

CGE6d    -values and nurtures opportunities for family prayer;

CGE6e    -ministers to the family, school, parish, and wider community through service.

 

A Responsible Citizen   who

CGE7a    -acts morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions;

CGE7b    -accepts accountability for one’s own actions;

CGE7c    -seeks and grants forgiveness;

CGE7d    -promotes the sacredness of life;

CGE7e    -witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society;

CGE7f     -respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world’s peoples and cultures;

CGE7g    -respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today’s contemporary society;

CGE7h    -exercises the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship;

CGE7i     -respects the environment and uses resources wisely;

CGE7j     -contributes to the common good.

 

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