Social Studies

"Social Studies gives me an opportunity to look beyond what's happening in my own life and understand the complexity of our world. I think this is becoming increasingly important with the pandemic, where it's so easy to hide in our homes and never look beyond the local rising COVID-19 cases. I have learned a lot this year by analyzing different viewpoints in current events, source analyses, and case studies. Social lets me look at many historical events, which gives me a better understanding of both the people and the systems that impact my life every day."- Maya Schellenberg

Program Overview

IB INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETY (SOCIAL STUDIES) 

Social Studies provide opportunities for students to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge that will enable them to become engaged, active, informed and responsible citizens. Recognition and respect for individual and collective identity is essential in a pluralistic and democratic society. Social Studies help students develop their sense of self and community, encouraging them to affirm their place as citizens in an inclusive, democratic society.

Program Features

Junior High

At the Junior High level, Louis uses our strengths in literacy, analysis and written expression within our social studies department. Students in junior high are challenged to utilize their best learning styles through a multitude of media, research and written objectives. They are assessed both formally and informally to get the best representation of their skill level. Through various Baron’s Blocks, field trips and one on one collaboration with their teachers they showcase their best efforts.

Senior High

At the High School level, Louis offers a multitude of social studies courses (10 in total), including the Middle Years Program as a prerequisite to the international Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Students work on developing their critical thinking skills and mastering their understanding of the objectives both in class and during their enhanced Baron’s Blocks.

The major distinctions between the Social Studies 10-2/20-2/30-2 courses and the 10-1/20-1/30-1 courses are in the areas of instruction on methodology, resources, and evaluation. It is highly recommended that all three courses be studied at the appropriate grade level. All students must complete Social Studies to the 30 level (either 30-1 or 30-2) for 15 credits to meet the requirements for an Alberta High School Diploma.

Teachers