HSP3U
Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology
This Grade 11 university preparation course introduces students to anthropology, psychology and sociology. Students think critically about human behaviour and social issues, develop social-science inquiry skills and explore how theories in each discipline can be applied to real-world problems.
Grade
11
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
ENG2D or CHC2D
About This Course
This Grade 11 university preparation course introduces students to anthropology, psychology and sociology. Students think critically about human behaviour and social issues, develop social-science inquiry skills and explore how theories in each discipline can be applied to real-world problems.
What You'll Learn
- Formulate research questions and use appropriate social-science inquiry methods.
- Assess, record, analyze and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources.
- Explore major theories, perspectives and methodologies in anthropology.
- Use anthropological perspectives to examine culture, human behaviour and socialization.
- Use psychological perspectives to examine mental processes, behaviour and socialization.
- Use sociological perspectives to examine social behaviour, institutions and socialization.
Skills You'll Develop
- Social-science research and inquiry
- Source evaluation and ethical research practice
- Critical analysis of theories and evidence
- Data interpretation and comparative analysis
- Academic communication, discussion and presentation
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Develop research questions and plans appropriate to anthropology, psychology and sociology.
- Locate, assess, analyze and synthesize information using appropriate social-science methods.
- Communicate research findings clearly and reflect on inquiry and communication skills.
- Explain major theories, perspectives and research methods in anthropology.
- Use anthropological perspectives to analyze culture, behaviour and socialization.
- Explain major theories and perspectives in psychology and apply them to mental processes and behaviour.
- Explain major theories and perspectives in sociology and apply them to individual and group social behaviour.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Research and Inquiry Skills | 30 hours |
| 2 | Anthropology: Theories, Culture and Socialization | 25 hours |
| 3 | Psychology: Mental Processes, Behaviour and Socialization | 25 hours |
| 4 | Sociology: Social Behaviour, Institutions and Socialization | 25 hours |
| Final | Culminating Inquiry / Research Task | 3 hours |
| Exam | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Course work throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, with special consideration given to consistent and more recent achievement. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 15% | Written final examination administered during the designated evaluation period. |
| Culminating task | 10% | Culminating inquiry or research task completed at or toward the end of the course. |
| Attendance and participation | 10% | Based on meaningful attendance and participation; excused absences do not negatively affect this component. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Evidence may include research reports, unit tests, case-study analyses, presentations, seminar or debate performance, reflective journals, data-interpretation tasks and final evaluations.
Pathways
Course learning connects to postsecondary pathways and careers in psychology, anthropology, sociology, social work, education, law, public policy, research, health and community service.
The course also develops transferable inquiry, analysis, communication and ethical-reasoning skills applicable across many academic and professional contexts.
Teacher Support
- Students learn through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Teachers explicitly teach discipline-specific terminology, theoretical perspectives and research methods.
- Students receive guidance with case studies, current issues, statistics, media representations and comparative analysis.
- Research support includes question development, planning, source evaluation, ethical practice, analysis and communication.
- Differentiated scaffolds, modelling, discussion and descriptive feedback support both collaborative and independent inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
HSP3U — Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology, Grade 11, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
Grade 10 Academic English (ENG2D) or Grade 10 Academic Canadian History (CHC2D).
How many credits is HSP3U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
What disciplines are studied?
The course studies anthropology, psychology and sociology, together with research and inquiry skills.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% course work, 15% mandatory written final examination, 10% culminating task, and 10% attendance and participation.
Does the course involve research?
Yes. Students develop questions, research plans, source-evaluation skills and ethical inquiry practices throughout.
What pathways does HSP3U support?
It supports pathways in social sciences, social work, education, law, public policy, research, health and community service.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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