Explorations in Social Studies 11

Unit 1: Politics in the Media

Big Idea: understanding how political decisions are made is critical to being an informed and engaged citizen. A light survey of how mass media represents political issues, and of press freedom and media literacy as the tools that let citizens judge that coverage for themselves.

• Explore: politics in the media
• Explore: press freedom & media literacy

Unit 2: Genocide — Recognition and Response

Big Idea: the intentional destruction of peoples and their cultures is not inevitable, and such attempts can be disrupted and resisted. A light survey of what it means to recognize genocide and of the real ways the world has responded to it — taught with full historical accuracy and gravity, never as a matter of opinion.

• Explore: recognizing & responding to genocide
• Explore: apology, redress & memorialization

Unit 3: Philosophy — Existence, Reality, and Knowledge

Big Idea: examining questions in philosophy allows people to question their assumptions and better understand their own beliefs. A light survey of the study of existence and reality, of free will and time and space, and of the fundamental nature of knowledge itself.

• Explore: existence & reality
• Explore: free will, time & space

• Explore: the nature of knowledge & reality

Unit 4: Natural Resource Use and Development

Big Idea: physical features and natural resources influence demographic patterns and population distribution. A light survey of how natural resource use drives development, and of resource development and sustainability as an ongoing balancing act.

• Explore: natural resource use & development
• Explore: resource development & sustainability

Unit 5: Colonialism and Contemporary Indigenous Issues

Big Idea: Indigenous peoples are reclaiming mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being despite the continuing effects of colonialism. A light survey of colonialism and its contemporary issues for Indigenous peoples, and of reconciliation and reclamation as the present-day response — centring Indigenous perspectives and voices.

• Explore: colonialism & contemporary Indigenous issues
• Explore: reconciliation & reclamation

Unit 6: Methods to Promote Social Justice

Big Idea: social justice initiatives can transform individuals and systems. A light survey of the methods people use to promote social justice, and of activism, advocacy, and systemic change as the results those methods aim for.

• Explore: methods to promote social justice
• Explore: activism, advocacy & systemic change

Unit 7: 20th-Century Innovations and Developments

Big Idea: the rapid development and proliferation of communication and transportation technologies in the 20th century led to profound changes in personal and national identities. A light survey of the century's social, cultural, and technological innovations.

• Explore: 20th-century innovations & developments

Unit 8: Economic Development in Asia

Big Idea: rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth in Asia in the late 20th century have created complex social, political, and environmental challenges. A light survey of economic development in Asia from 1850 to the present.

• Explore: economic development in Asia

Unit 9: Power and Governance in Global Cultures

Big Idea: understanding the diversity and complexity of cultural expressions in one culture enhances our understanding of other cultures. A light survey of systems of power and governance across global cultures.

• Explore: power & governance in global cultures

Unit 10: Diversity of B.C. First Peoples

Big Idea: cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of B.C. First Peoples. A light survey of the diversity of B.C. First Peoples territories and communities.

• Explore: diversity of B.C. First Peoples

Unit 11: Rights of Individuals in Canada

Big Idea: a society's laws and legal framework affect many aspects of people's daily lives. A light survey of the rights of individuals in Canada.

• Explore: rights of individuals in Canada

Unit 12: Mapping Natural and Human-Made Phenomena

Big Idea: representing natural and human-made phenomena requires careful, purposeful choices. A light survey of how geographers represent physical and human-made phenomena, such as through maps.

• Explore: mapping natural & human-made phenomena

Unit 13: Sacred Texts and Narratives of Cultures

Big Idea: religion can powerfully shape social, political, legal, and environmental values. A light survey of the sacred texts, traditions, and narratives of world cultures.

• Explore: sacred texts & narratives of cultures

Unit 14: Theories of Money and Investment

Big Idea: the implementation of economic theories has profound effects on social and political decision making and movements. A light survey of contemporary theories of money and investment.

• Explore: theories of money & investment

Unit 15: Global Issues in Urbanization

Big Idea: decision making in urban and regional planning requires balancing political, economic, social, and environmental factors. A light survey of global issues in urbanization.

• Explore: global issues in urbanization