Introduction 2: About Social 30-1


© Rebecca Vrankulj

The people on the left are wearing T-shirts that represent various viewpoints about how the world should operate. These viewpoints are based on various ideas about the fundamental nature of human beings and how they should manage the political and economic systems in which they live.

There are many perspectives on ideologies. In this course, you will consider the foundations and complexities of ideologies and, specifically,  the development of liberalism over time.

Liberalism has had an important role in the shaping of modern democratic societies such as Canada. As you study the historical development of liberal thought and analyze various political and economic systems around the world, you will consider the principles of liberalism. This knowledge will help you better understand and then analyze government policies, which is key to becoming an informed and engaged citizen.

An ideology is a set of ideas about society and how it works. An ideology is based on certain beliefs about human nature. In this grade twelve course, you will learn about ideologies—where they come from, what they are, how they influence you, how they have affected the course of history, and how they explain society in the past, present, and future. You will look at various political and economic systems and explore various perspectives on classical and modern liberalism.

You may find yourself challenged by the ideas presented in this course.  Ideology is not just a big word; it's a huge concept. You will have many opportunities to explore and discuss the concept of liberalism with your classmates and your teacher.   Your teachers, support workers, and your fellow students are always ready to help.

In this course, you will explore the key issue:
      To what extent should we embrace an ideology?

Social Studies 30-1 has four main issue questions:

 

  1.  To what extent should ideology be the foundation of identity?
  2.  To what extent is resistance to liberalism justified?
  3.  To what extent are the principles of liberalism viable?
  4.  To what extent should my actions as a citizen be shared by an ideology?
 

These issue questions form the basis of the eight units of study for this course.

Unit One: Ideology and Identity
Unit Two: Foundations of Liberalism
Unit Three: Evolution of Liberalism
Unit Four: Resistance to Liberalism
Unit Five: Political Systems and Liberalism Today
Unit Six: Economic Systems and Liberalism Today
Unit Seven: Individual and Collective Rights
Unit Eight: Democratic Citizenship