CIA4U
Analysing Current Economic Issues
This Grade 12 university preparation course examines current Canadian and international economic issues, developments, policies and practices from diverse perspectives. Students apply economic thinking, inquiry, models and data to investigate scarcity, markets, government intervention, macroeconomic policy, trade, globalization, inequality, growth and sustainability.
Grade
12
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
Any U/UC CWS/Eng/SSH
About This Course
This Grade 12 university preparation course examines current Canadian and international economic issues, developments, policies and practices from diverse perspectives. Students apply economic thinking, inquiry, models and data to investigate scarcity, markets, government intervention, macroeconomic policy, trade, globalization, inequality, growth and sustainability.
What You'll Learn
- Use economic inquiry and the concepts of economic thinking to investigate current issues.
- Apply scarcity, opportunity cost, supply and demand, growth and sustainability concepts.
- Analyze firms, market structures, stakeholder trade-offs and government intervention.
- Interpret macroeconomic indicators and examine fiscal and monetary policy.
- Analyze international trade, globalization, exchange rates, economic power and global inequalities.
- Develop evidence-based economic judgements using models, data, research and stakeholder perspectives.
Skills You'll Develop
- Economic inquiry and source evaluation
- Data, graph and model interpretation
- Policy and stakeholder analysis
- Quantitative and qualitative economic reasoning
- Evidence-based argument and communication
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Use the economic inquiry process to investigate Canadian and international economic issues.
- Explain scarcity, supply and demand, growth, sustainability and economic decision making.
- Analyze firms, market structures, trade-offs and the role of government in addressing imbalance.
- Interpret macroeconomic models and measures and explain fiscal and monetary policy.
- Analyze international trade theories, major economic developments and globalization.
- Explain causes and effects of global economic disparities and evaluate responses.
- Communicate informed economic conclusions using models, data and credible evidence.
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 | Economic Reasoning and Fundamentals | 25 hours |
| 2 | Firms, Markets, and Economic Stakeholders | 25 hours |
| 3 | Macroeconomics | 25 hours |
| 4 | Global Interdependence and Inequalities | 25 hours |
| Final | Culminating Economic Inquiry / Current Issues Analysis | 8 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, with special consideration for consistent and more recent achievement. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 15% | Written final examination assessing the overall course expectations. |
| Culminating task / independent economic inquiry | 10% | Current-economic-issue inquiry using economic thinking, models, data, research and stakeholder analysis. |
| 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 economic inquiries, current-issue briefs, model and graph interpretation, data analysis, case studies, simulations, policy analyses, debates, presentations, written arguments, the culminating economic inquiry and the final examination.
Pathways
CIA4U develops reading, writing, numeracy, research, digital literacy, oral communication, planning, collaboration and problem-solving skills applicable to postsecondary programs and careers in economics, finance, business, public policy, law, data analysis, journalism and public administration.
The course also provides advanced preparation for university-level economics and social-science programs.
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 model economic terminology, graphs, supply-and-demand models, macroeconomic models and trade models.
- Current Canadian and international issues are analyzed using credible government, business and international data sources.
- Case studies, simulations and decision-making tasks help students weigh scarcity, trade-offs, stakeholder interests and policy consequences.
- Structured discussions, debates, research, descriptive feedback and reflection strengthen economic reasoning and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
CIA4U — Analysing Current Economic Issues, Grade 12, University Preparation.
What is the prerequisite?
Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities.
How many credits is CIA4U?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
What topics are studied?
Economic fundamentals, firms and markets, macroeconomics, fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, globalization and inequality.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% coursework, 15% mandatory written final examination, 10% culminating economic inquiry, and 10% attendance and participation.
Does the course use real economic data?
Yes. Students interpret current data, graphs, government publications, international sources and economic models.
What careers does CIA4U support?
Economics, finance, business, public policy, law, data analysis, journalism and public administration.
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.
Related Courses
Have Questions About This Course?
Speak with an advisor to find the right courses for your goals.