CPW4U (Grade 12 Politics)

Grade: Grade 12

Course Title: Canadian and International Politics

Course Code: CPW4U

Course Type: University Preparatory Course

Credit Value: 1.0

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

Course Description

This course explores a variety of perspectives on Canadian and world political issues. Students will explore political decision-making and the ways in which individuals, stakeholder groups and various institutions, including governments, multinational corporations and NGOs, respond to and resolve domestic and international issues. Students will apply concepts of political thinking and processes of political inquiry to investigate issues, events and developments of national and international political importance and to form and communicate informed opinions about them.

Unit title and description

Introduction to Politics

This course and unit begins with the topic "Political Studies" and then introduces the basic concepts of political science. Students will spend some time working on the concept of ideology and searching for their own political ideology.

Government and the political process

This unit begins with an examination of models of government forms and political processes. Students will then understand how roles in the political process work.

Canada and the International Political System

This unit examines three key themes: the sovereign state system, Canada's international policy and the role of NGOs in international affairs.

Questions and Answers: National and International Politics in Practice

The unit begins with a study of the national unity theme of Canada. From there, Canada-U.S. relations became a topic of discussion, followed by serious issues involving national and international security in the post-9/11 world. The realities of the politics of economic globalization will appeal to students, as will timely topics related to environmental issues and world politics. The unit ends with the topic of human rights at home and abroad.

future shock

As the title suggests, this unit turns its eyes to the future as students examine possible scenarios related to tomorrow's great powers on the world stage, looking at data on Canada, the European Union, the United States and China in particular.

final assessment

exam

This is a proctored exam that counts for 30% of the final grade.

Overall Course Expectations

A. Political inquiry and skills development

A1

Political Inquiry: Use the process of political inquiry and the concepts of political thinking when investigating issues, events and developments of national and international political importance

A2

Develop transferable skills: apply skills developed through politically relevant investigations in everyday settings and identify a variety of careers in which a political studies background can be an asset

B. Political basis

B1

Political Thought: Demonstrate an understanding of various political ideologies, theories and concepts and analyze their relevance to Canadian and international politics

B2

The evolution of modern politics and international relations: An analysis of the role of ideology, diplomacy, and conflict, including those related to decolonization, in the evolution of politics and relations in countries around the world over the past century

B3

Implications for Canadian and International Politics: An analysis of how social, economic and geographic factors influence contemporary politics and the relationship between countries around the world

C. Government and Canadian and International Politics

C1

International influence of government: analysis of how strategies/practices used by one or more countries affect the policies and positions of other countries

C2

Intergovernmental Cooperation: Demonstrate an understanding of the role of intergovernmental cooperation in international politics

C3

Canadian Government Policy and International Relations: An Analysis of Canada's Foreign Policy Objectives and the Factors Affecting Those Objectives

D. Non-Governmental Action on Canadian and International Political Issues

D1

Citizenship and Responsibility: Analyzing the Role of Citizenship and Citizenship Responsibility among Citizens and Non-Government Stakeholders in National and International Communities

D2

Challenges and Strategies: Demonstrate an understanding of key challenges related to various issues of national and global political importance and the strategies and effectiveness of various non-governmental stakeholders, including NGOs, in addressing these issues

D3

Contribution to the Global Community: The Importance of Evaluating the Contributions of Individuals and Other Non-Governmental Stakeholders to National and Global Communities

teaching strategy:

The Canadian and World Studies program prepares students for responsible civic life in which they think critically about the events, developments and issues of everyday life. In politics courses, the goal is to help students develop a sense of responsibility. At their own pace, students will work towards:

● understand how to influence change within the different communities to which they belong, and how individuals and groups can participate in actions that promote change;

● analyze current political issues and assess methods and processes that can be used to influence relevant political institutions for the common good;

● Politically assess the power and influence of different individuals involved in civic issues;

● Develop a respect and appreciation for different perspectives on a variety of political issues.