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UniversityofAlbertaLibrary 1620 1914 2718 IOP SOCIAL STUDIES GRADES 8 to 11 PROGRAM RATIONALE AND Central to the vision of the Alberta social studies PHILOSOPHY program is recognition of the diversity of experiences and perspectives, and the pluralistic Social studies provides opportunities for students nature ofCanadian society. Pluralism builds upon to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that Canada's historical and constitutional will enable them to become engaged, active, foundations, which reflect the country's informed and responsible citizens. Recognition Aboriginal heritage, bilingual nature and and respect for individual and collective identity is multicultural realities. A pluralistic view essential in a pluralistic and democratic society. recognizes that citizenship and identity are shaped Social studies helps students develop their sense by multiple factors, such as culture, language, of self and community, encouraging them to environment, gender, ideology, religion, affirm their place as citizens in an inclusive, spirituality and philosophy. democratic society. Definition ofSocial Studies Program Vision Social studies is the study ofpeople in relation to This program of studies meets the needs of each other and to their world. It is an issues-based Integrated Occupational Program (IOP) learners interdisciplinary subject that draws upon history, and reflects the nature of what is required to be geography, ecology, economics, law, philosophy, successful in 21st century. It has at its heart the political science and other social science concepts of citizenship and identity in the disciplines. With an emphasis on critical inquiry, Canadian context. The program reflects multiple social studies fosters students' understanding of perspectives, including Aboriginal and and involvement in practical and ethical issues Francophone, which contribute to Canada's that face their communities and humankind. evolving realities. It fosters the building of a Social studies is integral to the process ofenabling society that is pluralistic, bilingual, multicultural, students to develop an understanding ofwho they |e and democratic. The program are, what they want to become and the society in Izes the importance of diversity and which they want to live. for differences as well as the need for bhesion and the effective functioning of The Role ofSocial Studies It promotes a sense of belonging and nee in students as they engage in active Social studies develops the key values, attitudes, esponsible citizenship at the local, knowledge, understandings, skills and processes uity, provincial, national and global levels. necessary for students to become active and ilidation Draft IOP Social Studies. Grades 8 to 1 1 /l CURR GD .earning, Alberta,Canada (September2003) HIST Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Alberta Libraries http://archive.org/details/iopsocialstudiesOOinte InivtrsiH (if Vlhcrtiil.ihran 1620 1914 2718 IOP SOCIAL STUDIES GRADES 8 to 11 PROGRAM RATIONALE AND Central to the vision ofthe Alberta social studies PHILOSOPHY program is recognition of the diversity of experiences and perspectives, and the pluralistic Social studies provides opportunities for students nature ofCanadian society. Pluralism builds upon to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that Canada's historical and constitutional will enable them to become engaged, active, foundations, which reflect the country's informed and responsible citizens. Recognition Aboriginal heritage, bilingual nature and and respect for individual and collective identity is multicultural realities. A pluralistic view essential in a pluralistic and democratic society. recognizes that citizenship and identity are shaped Social studies helps students develop their sense by multiple factors, such as culture, language, of self and community, encouraging them to environment, gender, ideology, religion, affirm their place as citizens in an inclusive, spirituality and philosophy. democratic society. Definition ofSocial Studies Program Vision Social studies is the study ofpeople in relation to This program of studies meets the needs of each other and to their world. It is an issues-based Integrated Occupational Program (IOP) learners interdisciplinary subject that draws upon history, and reflects the nature of what is required to be geography, ecology, economics, law, philosophy, successful in 21st century. It has at its heart the political science and other social science concepts of citizenship and identity in the disciplines. With an emphasis on critical inquiry, Canadian context. The program reflects multiple social studies fosters students' understanding of perspectives, including Aboriginal and and involvement in practical and ethical issues Francophone, which contribute to Canada's that face their communities and humankind. evolving realities. It fosters the building of a Social studies is integral to the process ofenabling society that is pluralistic, bilingual, multicultural, students to develop an understanding ofwho they inclusive and democratic. The program are, what they want to become and the society in emphasizes the importance of diversity and which they want to live. respect for differences as well as the need for social cohesion and the effective functioning of The Role ofSocial Studies society. It promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance in students as they engage in active Social studies develops the key values, attitudes, and responsible citizenship at the local, knowledge, understandings, skills and processes community, provincial, national and global levels. necessary for students to become active and Field Validation Draft IOP Social Studies, Grades 8 to 1 1 1 ©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada (September2003) 1 Ex LlBRIS Universitatis Albertensis responsible citi: diversity of Aboriginal process and av id attitudes change in theirCx, mporary cchhaalllleennggeess and contributions of Aboriginal peoples in urban, Values and Attitudes airal, cultural and linguistic settings • understand the historical and contemporary Social studies provides learning opportunities for realities ofFrancophones in Canada students to: • understand the multiethnic and intercultural • value the diversity, respect the dignity and makeup ofFrancophones in Canada support the equality ofall human beings • understand the challenges and opportunities • demonstrate social compassion, fairness and that immigration presents to newcomers and to Canada justice • appreciate and respect how multiple • understand how social cohesion can be perspectives, including Aboriginal and achieved in a pluralistic society Francophone, shape Canada's political, socio- • understand how political and economic economic, linguistic and cultural realities distribution of power affects individuals, communities and nations • honour and value the traditions, concepts and symbols that are the expression of Canadian • understand the role of social, political, economic and legal institutions as they relate identity to individual and collective well-being and a • thrive in their evolving identity with a sustainable society legitimate sense of belonging to their communities, Canada and the world • understand how opportunities and • demonstrate a global consciousness with responsibilities change in an increasingly interdependent world respect to humanity and world issues • demonstrate consciousness ofthe limits ofthe • understand that humans exist in a dynamic relationship with the natural environment. natural environment, stewardship for the land and an understanding of the principles of Skills and Processes sustainability • value lifelong learning and become aware of opportunities for careers in the areas ofsocial Social studies provides learning opportunities for studies and the social sciences. students to: • engage in active inquiry, and critical and Knowledge and Understanding creative thinking • engage in problem solving and conflict Social studies provides learning opportunities for resolution with an awareness of the ethical students to: consequences ofdecision making • understand their rights and responsibilities in • apply historical and geographic thinking skills order to make informed decisions and and processes to bring meaning to issues and events participate fully in society • use and manage information and • understand the unique nature of Canada and communication technologies critically its land, history, complexities and current • conduct research ethically using varied issues methods and sources; organize, interpret and • understand the history of Alberta, of Canada and of the world, so as to better comprehend present their findings; and defend their opinions contemporary realities • understand historic and contemporary issues, • apply skills of metacognition, reflecting upon what they have learned and what they need to including controversial issues from multiple learn perspectives 2/ IOP Social Studies, Grades 8 to 1 Field Validation Draft (September 2003) ©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada recognize and responsibly address injustices as they occur in their schools, communities, Canada and the world communicate ideas and information in an informed, organized and persuasive manner. TRANSFERABILITY TO THE SOCIAL STUDIES K-12 PROGRAM To ensure a reasonable level oftransferability that will enable students to progress to the next level of the IOP and/or to a higher level course in the social studies K-12 program, the IOP parallels the learning structure ofthe K-12 program. The IOP is consistent in rationale and philosophy, program foundations and the strands ofsocial studies. The IOP values and attitudes, and the general outcomes by and large reflect the enduring understandings' developed in the K-12 program. The study of specific outcomes developed in the IOP social studies program are critical to the comprehension of those enduring understandings and reflect a developmental level appropriate for the IOP student. The skills and process outcomes are also structured in a parallel format, however the IOP further specifies developmentally appropriate outcomes in the research process. The skills acquired in the research process are also consistent with the infused information and communication technology outcomes and employability skills. Wiggins, C, and McTighe, J., Understandingby Design, 2001 Field Validation Draft IOP Social Studies, Grades 8 to 1 1 /3 ©Alberta Learning,Alberta,Canada (September 2003) 1 PROGRAM FOUNDATIONS The goal ofsocial studies is to provide learning opportunities for students to: The program of studies provides learning • understand the principles underlying a experiences that address critical aspects of social democratic society studies and its application. These critical areas • demonstrate a critical understanding of provide general direction for the program of individual and collective rights studies and identify major components of its • understand the commitment required to structure. ensure the vitality and sustainability oftheir CORE CONCEPTS OF CITIZENSHIP changing communities at the local, AND IDENTITY provincial, national and global levels • validate and accept differences that contribute to the pluralistic nature of The dynamic relationship between citizenship Canada and identity forms the basis for skills and • respect the dignity and support the equality learning outcomes in the program ofstudies. ofall human beings. 4/ IOP Social Studies, Grades 8 to 1 Field Validation Draft (September2003) ©AlbertaLearning, Alberta,Canada 1>N1V€RSITY LIBRARY1 UNIVERSITY OFALBERTA The sense of being a citizen, enjoying individual • honouring and valuing the traditions, concepts and collective rights and equitable status in and symbols that are the expression of their contemporary society, impacts an individual's identity sense of identity. Individuals need to feel that • providing opportunities for students to express their identities are viewed as legitimate before who they are with confidence as they interact they can contribute to the public good, and feel a and engage with others sense ofbelonging and empowerment as citizens. • contributing to the development ofactive and responsible members of groups and Social studies provides learning opportunities for communities. students to: SOCIAL STUDIES AND THE • understand the complexity of identity FRANCOPHONE EXPERIENCE formation in the Canadian context • understand how identity and self-esteem are For historical and constitutional reasons, an shaped by multiple personal, social, linguistic understanding of Canada requires an and cultural factors understanding: • demonstrate sensitivity to the personal and emotional aspects ofidentity • ofFrancophone experiences • demonstrate skills required to maintain • ofFrancophone perspectives individuality within a group • that Francophone students have particular • understand that with empowerment comes needs and requirements. personal and collective responsibility for the public good. Social studies occupies a central position in successful Francophone education in Alberta. SOCIAL STUDIES AND THE Francophone schools are a focal point of the ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCE Francophone community. They meet the needs and aspirations ofparents by ensuring the vitality For historical and constitutional reasons, an of the community. For students enrolled in understanding of Canada requires an Francophone schools, the social studies program understanding: will: • ofAboriginal experiences • strengthen Francophone self-esteem and • ofAboriginal perspectives identity • that Aboriginal students have particular needs • encourage students to actively contribute to and requirements. the flourishing of Francophone culture, families and communities Central to Aboriginal identity are languages and • promote partnerships among the home, cultures that link each group with its physical community andbusiness world world, worldviews and traditions. The role of • engage students in participating in the Elders and community leaders is essential in this bilingual and multicultural nature ofCanada. linkage. PLURALISM: DIVERSITY The social studies program of studies provides AND COHESION learning opportunities that contribute to the development of self-esteem and identity in One ofthe goals ofthe social studies program is to Aboriginal students by: foster understanding ofthe roles and contributions • promoting and encouraging balanced and oflinguistic, cultural and ethnic groups in Canada. Students will learn about themselves in relation to holistic individuals, and strengthening others. Social studies helps students function as individual capacity Field Validation Draft IOP Social Studies, Grades 8 to 1 1 5 ©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada (September2003) 1 citizens in a society that values diversity and cohesion. A key component of effective social SOCIAL STUDIES: LEARNERS organizations, communities and institutions is AND LEARNING recognition of diversity of experiences and perspectives. The program of studies emphasizes Students bring their own perspectives, cultures how diversity and differences are assets that and experiences to the social studies classroom. enrich our lives. Students will have opportunities They construct meaning in the context of their to value diversity, recognize differences as lived experience through active inquiry and positive attributes and recognize the evolving engagement with their schools and communities. nature of individual identities. Race, socio- In this respect, the infusion of current events, economic conditions and gender are among issues and concerns is an essential component of various forms of identification that people live social studies. with and experience in a variety ofways. Social studies recognizes the interconnections and Social studies addresses diversity and social interactions among school, community, provincial, cohesion, and provides processes students can use national and global institutions. to work out differences, drawing on the strengths ofdiversity. These processes include: The IOP program of studies for social studies • a commitment to respecting differences and provides learning opportunities for students to fostering inclusiveness develop skills ofactive and responsible citizenship • an understanding and appreciation of shared and the capacity to inquire, make reasoned and values informed judgements, and arrive at decisions for • a respect for democratic principles and the public good. Students will apply these skills processes for decision making, such as within the home, school, community and dialogue and deliberation. workplace. Diversity contributes to the development of a Students become engaged and involved in their vibrant democracy and has been an important communities by: asset in the evolution ofCanadian society. Some • asking questions key manifestations ofthis diversity include: • making connections with their local • First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultures communities • official bilingualism • writing letters and articles • immigration • sharing ideas and understandings • multiculturalism. • listening to, and collaborating and working with others to design the future Accommodating diversity is essential for fostering • empathizing with the viewpoints and positions social cohesion in a pluralistic society. Social ofothers cohesion is a process that requires developing • creating new ways to solve problems. relationships within and among communities. Social cohesion is manifested byrespect for: individual and collective rights civic responsibilities shared values democracy rule oflaw diversity. 6/ IOP Social Studies, Grades 8 to 1 Field Validation Draft (September2003) ©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada ISSUES-FOCUSED APPROACH In order to allow opportunities for students to TO TEACHING SOCIAL STUDIES engage in current affairs, issues and concerns ofa local nature, the program of studies provides Issues may emerge from differing perspectives flexibility to include these topics within the time and points of view. Issues can affect behaviour, allotted for social studies. decisions and policies in the public space. A focus on issues through deliberation is intrinsic to Opportunities include: the multidisciplinary nature of social studies and • current events in local communities to democratic life in a pluralistic society. Issues • issues with local, provincial, national and/or present opportunities to address learning outcomes global relevance by engaging students in active inquiry, and application of knowledge and critical-thinking • cultural celebrations skills. These skills help students identify the • visits from dignitaries relevance ofan issue by guiding them to develop • special events. informed positions and respect for the positions of others. This process enables students to question, Controversial Issues validate, expand and express their understanding, challenge their presuppositions, and construct Controversial issues are those topics that are their own points ofview. The core concepts and publicly sensitive and upon which there is no strands of the social studies program form the consensus of values or beliefs. They include context within which issues are examined. topics on which reasonable people may sincerely disagree. Opportunities to deal with these issues The program of studies is designed to promote are an integral part of social studies education in metacognition through critical reflection, Alberta. questioning, decision making and consideration of multiple perspectives on issues. Through this Studying controversial issues is important in process, students strive to understand and explain preparing students to participate responsibly in a the world in the present and determine what kind democratic and pluralistic society. Such study ofworld they want in the future. provides opportunities to develop the ability to think clearly, reason logically, open-mindedly and Current Affairs respectfully examine different points ofview, and make soundjudgements. Social studies fosters the development ofcitizens who are informed and engaged in current affairs. Controversial issues anticipated by teachers, and Accordingly, current affairs play a central role in those that arise incidentally in the course of learning and are integrated throughout the instruction, should be used to promote critical program. Ongoing reference to current affairs inquiry rather than advocacy and to teach students adds relevance, interest and immediacy to social how to think rather than what to think. studies issues. Investigating current affairs from STRANDS OF SOCIAL STUDIES multiple perspectives motivates students to engage in meaningful dialogue on relevant historical and contemporary issues, helping them make informed Learning related to the core concepts of and reasoned decisions on local, provincial, citizenship and identity is achieved through national and global issues. focused content at each grade level. The six strands of social studies reflect the An issues-focused approach that incorporates interdisciplinary nature of social studies. The multiple perspectives and current affairs helps strands are interrelated and constitute the basis for students apply problem-solving and decision- the learning outcomes in the program ofstudies. making skills to real-life and controversial issues. Field Validation Draft IOP Social Studies, Grades 8 to 1 1 7 ©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada (September 2003) 1 Time, Continuity and Change Economics and Resources Understanding the dynamic relationships among Exploring multiple perspectives on the use, time, continuity and change is a cornerstone of distribution and management of resources and citizenship and identity. Considering multiple wealth contributes to students' understanding of perspectives on history, and contemporary issues the effects that economics and resources have on within their historical context, enables students to the quality of life around the world. Students understand and appreciate the social, cultural and explore basic economic systems, trade and the political dimensions ofthe past, make meaning of effects of economic interdependence on the present and make decisions forthe future. individuals, communities, nations and the natural environment. Students critically consider the The Land: People and Places social and environmental implications ofresource use and technological change. Exploring the unique and dynamic relationship that humans have with the land, places and Global Connections environments affects decisions smdents make, and their understanding of perspectives, issues, Critically examining multiple perspectives and citizenship and identity. Students examine the connections among local, national and global impact of physical geography on the social, issues develops students' understanding of political, environmental and economic citizenship and identity, and the interdependent or organization of societies. This examination also conflicting nature of individuals, communities, affects students' understanding of perspectives societies and nations. Exploring this and issues as they consider how connections to the interdependence broadens students' global land influence their sense ofplace. consciousness and empathy with world conditions. Students also acquire a better comprehension of Power, Authority and Decision Making tensions pertaining to economic relationships, sustainability and universal human rights. Examining the concepts of power, authority and decision making from multiple perspectives helps Culture and Community students consider how these concepts impact individuals, relationships, communities and Exploring culture and community allows students nations. It also broadens students' understanding to examine shared values, and their own sense of ofrelated issues and perspectives, and their effect belonging, beliefs, traditions and languages. This on citizenship and identity. A critical examination promotes students' development ofcitizenship and of the distribution, exercise and implications of identity, and understanding of multiple power and authority is the focus of this strand. perspectives, issues and change. Students Students examine governmental and political examine the various expressions oftheir own and structures, justice, laws, fairness, equity, conflict, others' cultural, linguistic and social communities. cooperation, decision-making processes, leadership and governance. This examination GENERAL AND SPECIFIC OUTCOMES develops students' understanding of the individual's capacity in decision-making The general and specific outcomes provide an processes, and promotes active and responsible organizational structure for assessing student citizenship. progress in the social studies program. These outcomes follow the progression of learning that occurs at each grade level. 8/ IOP Social Studies, Grades 8 to 1 Field Validation Draft (September2003) ©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada