Course Outline – BC First Nations Studies 12

BC First Nations Studies 12 is a hands on course where you will learn about the history, culture and current issues which affect Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia. There are three sections of the course: Ms. Kambo for Crossroads, and Mrs. Sampson Blocks 3 and 4. We will have a fieldtrip to Musqueam Education Centre and Museum of Anthropology, have booked several guest speakers, and do a variety of projects and class discussions. Fees will be collected when necessary with costs listed (bus, museum or craft supplies). We have received grants towards fieldtrips and activities and will need to do thank you’s and simple reports of our learning for the grants. When possibleno cost or low cost options are provided. Talk to the teacher if cost is a concern so that we can help find a way to make it work.

The Main Goal: have fun learning, learn lots, and share what we’ve learned! Now for the fine print!

  1. Respect. Respect is one of the seven sacred values for Aboriginal Peoples. Be an active listener and active participant. Be on time and attentive for guest speakers—they are giving their time. Turn off electronics—give respect. When others speak, listen. You may disagree, but every idea is valid for exploration. Remember you are representing Fraser Heights when we have guests.
  2. Attend regularly.Some marks are based on seatwork, participation and hands on activities. If you miss a class, bring a note from parent/guardian to the next class or have your them phone in the absence to the office. Missed assignments may be made up at flextime. For missed tests, a different test will be made up—there will only be one re-write session held one week later at flex time (11:30 to 12 in room 209 or 210)—if a student cannot make it to the re-write session the mark will be zero. Alternate tests may have essay topics.
  3. Be on time. If you are late, show respect by ensuring that you come in quietly and sit down. The door will only be locked if there is a short start of class quiz.
  4. Be aware of assignment, test and guest speaker dates. Important dates and some handouts will be on the school and on blog – “This week in FNS12” lists what we are doing each day, “Guest Speakers” – lists our speakers and dates, “Handouts” – online pdf versions of some handouts, or see our peer tutor for the binder of extra handouts. It is your responsibility to get missed work or notes. Phone or email a classmate to get info.
  5. Ask for an extension BEFORE a major project or assignment is due. Once marked assignments are returned, no more of that late assignment accepted – an alternate/version 2 assignment will have to be completed.
  6. Need to redo an assignment? If you did your assignment on time, but just didn’t quite get it. Meet with the teacher to brainstorm a possible alternative assignment that you could do to replace the mark. No redo of term 3 assignments during term 4 unless “I” report for 50%. No redo of assignments after June 1st, unless “I” report alternate assignments to get 50%
  7. Want to design your own bonus mark assignment?—talk to the teacher to brainstorm opportunities. Find your passion and follow it!
  8. No food in the classroom during single block classtime--small snacks and drinks are okay after the break on double block days. The classroom isn’t a restaurant—eat breakfast at home, eat lunch in the cafeteria, bugs love food, we want a bug free room. When we do cook in the class let teacher know if you have food allergies!
  9. No electronics during class videos, guest speakers, student presentations. Bring your own device for group work and general class note taking. Be on task (e.g. no steam online games, no facebook, etc.). No electronics of any kind during tests or will get zero. No electronics during guest speakers, show them respect.
  10. Provincial government final exam is 20% of course mark and is a mandatory exam (See the handbook of procedures p. 18/19 for the Graduation Program). Electronic online exam is Friday, June 19th,, 2015. Arrive 8:30 am to computer room 103/104 and possibly 109/library. Cannot leave exam room before 10 am. It is an online e-exam. There are practice FNS12 exams on the BC Government Website. There is a list of BC FNS12 exam specifications for 2015 provincial exam on the govt site.
  11. Cheating & Plagiarism are unacceptable and will result in a zero for all parties involved. Administration and parents/guardians will be contacted. It could affect scholarships and grades.
  • Using a cheat sheet, copying or allowing someone to copy while writing a test.
  • Copying or allowing someone to copy from a worksheet, assignment or project in whole or in part. Which is why late assignments must be alternate assignments or done at flextime.
  • Copying three (3) words or more directly from a source, or indirectly using the ideas of a source without giving them credit. See the Social Studies Department plagiarism handout and the student planner section on plagiarism for specific guidelines and examples.
  • Talking during a test or quiz (even if it isn’t about exchanging answers—it disturbs others).

CONTENT

BC First Nations Studies 12 focuses on the cultures and history of British Columbia’s Aboriginal peoples. The course provides an opportunity for students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the traditions, history, and present realities of BC Aboriginal peoples, as well as a chance to consider future challenges and opportunities. Together we will examine the following units:

LAND & RELATIONSHIPS

* students will acquire knowledge about First Nations peoples and their traditional strong relationship with the land and natural world. We will examine traditional First Nations settlement patterns and concepts of land and resource ownership.

CONTACT, COLONIALISM, AND RESISTANCE

* students will examine the impact of contact, religion, and colonialism on the social structures, economies, and education of BC First Nations. We will also have opportunities to investigate the resistance of First Nations people to colonialism, especially land encroachment.

CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS

* students will examine the significance of the oral tradition. We will also read and interpret literature written by Aboriginal authors and to explore the importance for Aboriginal people to control the development of their artistic traditions.

LEADERSHIP & SELF-DETERMINATION

* students will examine the significance of Aboriginal identity and self- determination. You will be expected to develop a good knowledge of current Aboriginal groups and leaders – locally, provincially, and nationally.

Course Marks:

Hands on projects, seatwork, small assignments, small group presentations,

online blog topics, BC Map, Theme Project, and 6 Aboriginal Issues in

News Articles Analyzed, up to 2 bonus Aboriginal Issues in News Articles,

and any bonus volunteer work or bonus assignments agreed to60%

Unit tests and quizzes20%

Mandatory BC Provincial Exam20%

If you need assistance or help at flextime: I am available from 11:00 to 12 noon Mondays in Room portable 509. I also supervise enviro club activities after school Mondays and Thursdays so can be found in portable 509 from 2:30 p.m. to about 3:30 or later. If you need to drop off an assignment, you can leave it at the office front desk for my mailbox. If you need help all staff in ELL & LST are familiar with this course and can help you with most questions.

Email: Website: or Quizlet.com teachersampson FNS12 electronic study cards

If you have specific diet or health needs please let the teacher know—e.g. if you are allergic to seafood or shellfish, or if Jewish or Muslim, etc. and have specific food or craft needs, or if allergic to animal fur etc.