Introduction to the Course
4. Lesson: Course Overview
General Outcomes of Social Studies 30-2
Upon reading the following course objectives, please proceed to the assignment section of this lesson.
Ideology is a system of thought based on beliefs and values that include ideas about how the world works, how we should live together as a society, and what society could become in the future. In this course students will explore the origins, values and components of competing ideologies. They will explore multiple perspectives regarding relationships among individualism, liberalism, common good and collectivism. Additionally, an examination of various political and economic systems will allow students to determine the viability of the values of liberalism. The organization of Social Studies 30 will involve the examination of the following 8 units:
Unit 1- Identity and Ideology
This section of the curriculum deals with the connection between ideology and identity. It explores factors that might influence our individual and collective beliefs and values, such as our physical environment or our cultural backgrounds, that shape our experiences and our attitudes. It also examines the characteristics of ideologies, such as how ideologies interpret the past, or see possibilities for the future. Equally important, you will be able to identify themes of ideologies such as nation, class, religion, and the environment.
Unit 2: Individualism, Collectivism and the Common Good
This section of the curriculum deals with the values of individualism and collectivism and challenges you to think about the extent to which these values should shape an ideology. You will also consider the social, political and economic values that help determine if you are an individualist or a collectivist.
Unit 3: The Origins of Liberalism
In this unit of study you will explore the development of classical and modern liberalism and their impact on society. Specifically, in this section of the course you will examine how different groups of people responded to classical liberalism.
Unit 4: Rejecting Liberalism
In this unit you will explore the development of ideologies that have rejected liberalism. You will learn that some people wanted to gradually adopt new ideas into classical liberal thought. Others wanted to replace most of classical liberalism, but in a peaceful way. Still others used violence to break completely from classic liberalism.
Unit 5: Democratic and Economic Equality
In this unit you will explore the basic beliefs and values associated with liberal democracy. Liberal democracy is one form of liberalism that allows the people the right to elect other people to represent them in government. It is the role of these liberal governments to represent best the needs of the people that elect them. As you work through this unit consider the extent to which the values of liberalism are viable in a contemporary world.
Unit 6: Are the Values of Liberalism Viable?
This unit focuses on individual and collective rights in Canada and whether the values of liberalism are still viable (workable and effective) considering modern issues.
Unit 7: Should My Actions as a Citizen be Shaped by an Ideology?
In this unit you will explore what it means to be a citizen of a liberal democracy. This citizenship includes rights and freedoms. Along with citizenship comes a responsibility to actively participate in the public life of society.
Unit 8: Taking Action
In this final section of the course you will determine your course of action as a citizen in response to local, national, and global issues.