All five of the subject areas in the secondary social sciences and humanities program – equity studies, family studies, general social sciences, philosophy, and world religions – are concerned with how students view themselves, their families, their communities, and the broader society, and how they come to understand and respond to the world around them. Through practical experience, discussion, debate, research, reflection, and the development of critical and creative thinking skills, social sciences and humanities courses help students become self-motivated problem solvers equipped with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to face their changing world with confidence.

Canadian and International Law, Grade 12, University Preparation

This course explores a range of contemporary legal issues and how they are addressed in both Canadian and international law. Students will develop an understanding of the principles of Canadian and international law and of issues related to human rights and freedoms, conflict resolution, and criminal, environmental, and workplace law, both in Canada and internationally. Students will apply the concepts of legal thinking and the legal studies inquiry process, and will develop legal reasoning skills, when investigating these and other issues in both Canadian and international contexts.
Courses Type: University Preparation
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities.


Parenting: Raising Healthy Children, Grade 11, Open

This course focuses on the skills and knowledge parents, guardians, and caregivers need, with particular emphasis on maternal health, pregnancy, birth, and the early years of human development (birth to six years old). Through study and practical experience, students will learn how to meet the developmental needs of young children, communicate with them, and effectively guide their early behaviour. Students will develop their research skills through investigations related to caregiving and child rearing.

Courses Type: University Preparation

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology

This course introduces the theories, questions, and issues that are the major concerns of anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students will develop an understanding of the way social scientists approach the topics they study and the research methods they employ. Students will be given opportunities to explore theories from a variety of perspectives and to become familiar with current thinking on a range of issues that have captured the interest of classical and contemporary social scientists in the three disciplines.

Courses Type: University Preparation

Prerequisite: None


Families in Canada, Grade 12 University Preparation

This course enables students to draw on sociological, psychological, and anthropological theories and research to analyse the development of individuals, intimate relationships, and family and parent-child relationships. Students will focus on issues and challenges facing individuals and families in Canada’s diverse society. They will develop analytical tools that enable them to assess various factors affecting families and to consider policies and practices intended to support families in Canada. They will develop the investigative skills required to conduct and communicate the results of research on individuals, intimate relationships, and parent-child relationships. 

Courses Type: University Preparation

Prerequisite: Any Grade 11 or 12 university (U) or university/college (M) preparation course in Social Sciences and Humanities, English, or Canadian and World Studies.