CGW4U (Grade 12 Geography)

Grade 12

Course Title: World Issues: Geographical Analysis

Course Code: CGW4U

Course Type: University Preparatory Course

Credit Value: 1.0

Pre-requisite courses: Preparatory courses in any University (U) or University/College (M) Social Sciences and Humanities, English or Canadian and World Studies.

Course Description

Students will explore the complexities, interconnections, and sociocultural contexts of a variety of global issues that are most pressing to modern society. Sustainability and stewardship are important as students seek equitable, sustainable, environmental and rational solutions to current and future global problems. Students are challenged to discover ways in which individual citizens, governments, and international organizations can work together to alleviate the world's problems at the micro and macro levels. They do so while framing issues in the context of an increasingly globalized and interconnected world.

Unit title and description

World Issues and Geographical Survey

This unit introduces how world issues are framed in the context of geographic research. Students become familiar with the different types of tools used by geographers and briefly introduce how these tools can be applied to the analysis of world problems. Students then explore the geographic inquiry process to practice conducting a purposeful, targeted research inquiry project. Students ask questions, collect and organize research information, interpret and analyze research information, and draw conclusions.

Classification and Demographics

This unit starts by showing how demographic data and population trends can be used to analyse and understand different world issues. Students are introduced to a number of systems used to classify different regions of the world based on different statistical measures and indicators. The analysis is further expanded as students learn how to select appropriate statistical measures and indicators relevant to understanding different world issues and geographic inquiry. Students continue to explore demographic trends by studying them in the context of urbanization and migration patterns.

Differences and Solutions

In this unit, students are challenged to explore the origins of different differences as they experience them on a global scale, and how differences relate to global conflicts. Differences in natural resources, food, health, and international aid are all studied in the context of history, policy, conflict, and conflict resolution.

Sustainability and Stewardship

The course's focus revolves around finding environmentally sustainable solutions to the world's problems. Students explore how individuals, businesses, governments at all levels, and international organizations can protect and preserve the environment while ensuring that human needs are met. Students will evaluate a variety of local, national and international environmental policies, frameworks and conservation measures. They will also explore how different agencies can work together to protect common pool resources and the natural environment. Students will explore various theories related to the carrying capacity of the planet and how population growth affects the natural environment.

Human Rights, Conflict and Change

The World Issues course concludes with an analysis of human rights issues and racial and religious conflicts. Students become familiar with how different countries protect national security before looking to the future by exploring the agents of change.

globalization

Globalization is one of the most influential shaping forces of modern society. Students will explore how to experience globalization from a variety of different perspectives. Students will evaluate how international trade and trade agreements play a role in global interdependence. They will also examine immigration and the experiences of immigrants around the world. Students will learn how to experience globalization in cultural, economic, environmental and various other social domains.

final assessment

final exam

This is a proctored exam and accounts for 7% of the final grade.

A. Geographical inquiry and skills development

A1

Geographical Inquiry: Using the Geographical Inquiry Process and Concepts of Geographical Thinking in Investigating World Issues

A2

Develop transferable skills: apply skills in everyday settings, including spatial skills developed through geographic investigation, and identify occupations in which geographic context may be an asset

B. Spatial Organization: Relationships and Differences

B1

Natural resource differences: Analyzing the relationship between quality of life and access to natural resources across countries and regions

B2

Demographic Differences: Analyzing the Relationship Between Demographic and Political Factors and Quality of Life in Different Countries and Regions

B3

Categorize world regions: Explain how various features are used to divide the world into regions or other groupings

C. Sustainability and Stewardship

C1

Strategies and Initiatives: Analyse strategies and initiatives to support environmental stewardship at the national and global levels and assess their effectiveness in promoting the sustainability of the natural environment

C2

Population Growth: Assessing the Impact of Population Growth on the Sustainability of Natural Systems

C3

Caring for Common Resources: Analyzing issues related to the use and management of common pool resources

D. Interaction and interdependence: globalization

D1

Trade and Migration: Analyzing the Impact of Trade Agreements and Migration Policies on Global Interdependence and National Well-Being

D2

Impacts and Management: Analyse issues related to the national and global impacts of globalization from a geographic perspective and assess responsibilities and approaches to managing these issues

D3

Characteristics and Driving Forces: Describe the main characteristics of globalization and analyze the factors driving the process of globalization

society and quality of life

E1

Leadership and Policy: Analyzing the influence of governments, groups and individuals in promoting and managing social change

E2

Change Agents: Analyzing the impact of selected change agents on society and quality of life

E3

Ongoing Challenges: Analyzing issues related to human rights, food security, healthcare, and other challenges to the quality of life of the world's population

teaching strategy:

      The Canadian and World Studies program will prepare students for responsible citizenship in which they think critically about the events, developments and issues of everyday life. In a geography class, the goal is to help.

Students develop a sense of place. At their own pace, students will work towards:

• Understand the character and spatial diversity of natural and human environments and communities on a local to global scale;

• Analyse linkages within and between natural and human environments and communities;

• Develop spatial skills through the use of spatial technologies and the interpretation, analysis and construction of various types of maps, globes and charts;

• Be responsible stewards of the planet by developing an appreciation and respect for the natural and human environment and communities