SOCIAL STUDIES
Department
Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School
42 04-58 Street Red Deer, AB T4N 2L6 (40 3) 34 7-117 1
Social Studies 30-1 Syllabus
Mr. B. Plastow ([email protected])
Course Description:
In Social Studies 30-1, students will explore the origins and complexities of ideologies
and examine multiple perspectives regarding the principles of classical and modern
liberalism. We will study and analyze a variety of political and economic systems and
have the students assess the viability of the principles of liberalism. Liberalism is
highlighted as it has played a significant role in the development of modern democratic
societies. Ultimately, we want our students to answer the fundamental question, “To
what extent should we embrace ideology?” To do so we have divided the course into four
issue based units:
Related Issue #1: To what extent should ideology be the foundation of identity?
 Explore factors that may influence individual and collective beliefs and values
(culture, language, etc)
 Examine historic and contemporary expressions of individualism and collectivism
 Examine the characteristics of an ideology
 Explore themes of ideologies (nations, class, environment, religion, etc)
 Analyze individualism and collectivism as a foundation of identity
 Analyze the dynamic of individualism and common good in contemporary
societies
 Evaluate the extent to which personal identity should be shaped by ideologies
Related Issue #2: To what extent should resistance to liberalism justified?
 Explore Aboriginal contributions to the development of liberalism
 Examine the relationship between the principles of liberalism and the origins of
classical liberal thought (Locke, Hobbes, Montesquieu, Smith, etc)
 Analyze ideologies that developed in response to classical liberalism (classic
conservatism, Marxism, etc)
 Analyze the evolution of modern liberalism
 Evaluate ideological systems that rejected liberalism (Communism, Fascism)
 Analyze how ideological conflict shaped international relations after WWII
 Analyze the extent to which modern liberalism is challenged by alternative
thought
 Evaluate the extent to which resistance to liberalism is justified
Related Issue #3: To what extent are the principles of liberalism viable?
Students will:
 Explore the extent to which governments should reflect the will of the people
 Explore the extent to which governments should encourage economic equality
 Analyze the extent to which the practices of political and economic systems
reflect the principles of liberalism
 Analyze the extent to which liberal democracies reflect illiberal thought and
practices
 Analyze why the practices of governments may not reflect the principles of
liberalism
 Evaluate the extent to which governments should promote individual and
collective rights
 Evaluate if the principles of liberalism are viable in modern society
Related Issue #4: To what extent should my actions as a citizen be shaped by an
ideology?
Students will:
 Explore the relationship between personal and collective worldviews and
ideology
 Explore how ideologies shape individual and collective citizenship
 Analyze differing perspectives on the rights, roles and responsibilities of citizens
 Evaluate the extent to which ideology should shape responses to contemporary
issues
 Develop strategies to address local, national and global issues
 Explore opportunities to demonstrate active and responsible citizenship
In studying each related issue students will be expected to:
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
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Complete writing assignments (i.e. Position Paper)
Complete performance tasks and daily assignments
Write a Multiple Choice Exam
Evaluation Scheme:
Teacher Assigned Mark (50% of course mark)
Related Issue #1
20%
Related Issue #2
35%
Related Issue #3
30%
Related Issue #4
15%
Final Exam (50% of course mark)
Part A (source based)
20%
Part B (position paper)
30%
Part C (multiple choices)
50%
How to Succeed:
 Attend class regularly and be punctual
 Produce work that you are proud of
 Be an active participant in class
 Become an informed citizen be being knowledgeable of current affairs
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