Course Syllabus: Geographic Issues of the 21st Century
Social Studies 20F: Geographic Issues of the 21st Century
Course Syllabus
2017-2018
Ms. Karlo Aguilar
E-mail:
Website: http://karloaguilar.pbworks.com
A. Course Description
The course anchors on climate change, sustainable development, and global, active citizenship. Current and future damages and consequences of climate change in a globalized-capitalist economy will be examined. Students will learn and cultivate sustainability: the balance of economic and environmental factors in order to preserve the environment for future generations. Students will make connections on how materialism, consumerism, and personal, ethical choices affect how the future of Canada and of the world is shaped.
B. Units of Study
*Term 1 Commences*
Cluster 1 – Geographic Literacy
Students will learn political, regional and physical map literacy, data interpretation and statistical analysis. Environmental patterns, land formations and regions and Canada’s eco-zones will be explored. The creation of identities in relation to geographic boundaries will be discussed. (Chapters discussed: 1-3; 4; 9; 13)
Cluster 2 – Natural Resources
Students will examine the commonalities of Aboriginal and Catholic perspectives on sustainability. Students will connect and apply their knowledge on science to the effects of global warming in our natural resources particularly in areas of water, forestry, fossil fuels and energy. International conflicts and national/international policies concerning natural resources are explored. Students will use critical thinking in finding sustainable solutions and/or critique current solutions in place. (Chapters discussed: 10-12; 22-24; 30-32)
*Term 1 Final Exam and Term 2 Commences*
Cluster 3 – Food From the Land (First Half)
Students will learn about the historical and socio-technological impact of the agricultural revolution. Issues with strong connection to food such as, effects of global warming, conflict and world hunger in subsistence farming economy in Africa, South America, and Asia, and neoliberalism and capitalism in cashcrop farming economy in Canada and the United States are dissected. The chain of food production in Cashcrop economy will be explored. Ethical dimensions and perspectives in food production in North America are examined.
In addition, Students will learn and critique sustainable agriculture in anticipation for population growth of 2 billion more people by 2050. (Chapters discussed: 20-21)
Cluster 4 – Industry and Trade
History of trade and development of industries will be examined. Debates on globalization will be explored. Students will learn about the industrial specializations of each region. Canadian industries will be explored with strong focus on retroactive issues facing fishing, transportation, and energy industries, respectively. Students will think and/or critique sustainable solutions in place. (Chapters discussed: 1; 18-19; 27-29)
Cluster 5 – Urban Places
Students will learn about the concept of demography and the importance of demography in anticipating future issues. Students will learn about early settlement and immigration patterns in Canada and the transformation of rural areas to urban places. Displacement of our Indigenous peoples will be discussed as well as current issues on land claims. The value of aesthetic in shaping values and aspirations of citizenship are considered. The factors of urban planning and sustainable development are discussed. Students will plan their own urban areas addressing the social and economic needs of a growing population. (Chapters discussed: 1; 8; 14-16; 31-32)
C. Course Evaluation
Assignments 25%
Projects 15%
Tests 20%
Exams 40%
D. Current Connections
Every second Friday of the month, students will prepare and present a 3-minute report on current news/events/trends related to Geography. (T1 Dates: 9/15; 10/13; 11/17; 12/15 ||T2 Dates: 1/19; 2/23; 3/23; 4/27; 5/25; 6/08*) *time permitting
E. Late Assignments and Penalties
Assignments to be marked that are handed in late will be penalized by a loss of
· 10% off the total available marks for the first day late.
· 20% off the initially available marks for the second day late.
· 30% off the initially available marks for the third day late.
Penalties apply per school day regardless of whether a class is held in that course (excludes weekends and full day in-service days). Late penalties are not applied should the student be absent for that entire school day after the initial due date.
A mark of 0 (zero) will be recorded for any assignment that is more than three (3) days late. Please consult the current Student Handbook in the St. Maurice School agenda for additional information.
Please note: Changes to this course outline and the stated requirements may be made at the discretion of the teacher. Necessary changes will be based on sound reason such as student interests for example but will be in keeping with provincial course outcomes
“And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” – Mark 10:17-22
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