World Cultures – HSC4M

Description

This Grade 12 university/college preparation course examines the nature of culture, how cultural identities are acquired and transformed, and theories used to analyze cultures. Students explore religious and spiritual beliefs, art, philosophy, cultural contributions, globalization, diversity and power relations, and they design and implement a social action initiative related to cultural diversity.

What You’ll Learn

• Use social-science research and inquiry methods to investigate world cultures and cultural groups.
• Explain elements and functions of culture and analyze how cultural identities are constructed, preserved and transformed.
• Apply theories and concepts to analyze different cultures.
• Examine artistic expression, philosophy, religion and spiritual beliefs in cultural context.
• Analyze power relations, cultural diversity, globalization, colonization, immigration and systemic barriers.
• Design, implement and evaluate a social action initiative related to cultural groups or cultural diversity.

Skills You’ll Develop

• Social-science inquiry and research
• Comparative cultural analysis
• Critical literacy and source evaluation
• Respectful discussion and evidence-based communication
• Project planning, social action and reflection

Learning Outcomes

• Formulate research questions, create research plans and select appropriate sources and methods.
• Analyze and synthesize evidence and communicate research findings clearly.
• Explain elements and functions of culture and cultural influence.
• Analyze cultural identity, cultural change and theories used to study culture.
• Interpret art, philosophy, religion and other cultural expressions in context.
• Assess contributions and influences of diverse ethnocultural groups.
• Analyze power relations, cultural policies and issues affecting diversity.
• Design, implement and evaluate a social action initiative promoting understanding or cultural diversity.