Comparative Cultures 12Comparative Cultures 12 examines the development of civilizations throughout time and across diverse landscapes. We begin with human evolution and examine how prehistoric humans transitioned from nomadic, hunter-gatherer groups to settled, agricultural societies that eventually developed into the world's first civilizations. We cover the following units in this course:
As we complete each of these units, we will explore the following big ideas:
Throughout the year students will also continue to develop their abilities within the 3 Social Studies Skill Sets. |
Required Materials:
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Marks
Marks in CC12 are cumulative, which means your grade will carry through from September to June, constantly being updated as new activities are completed. The grade on your report card each term is a "snapshot" of your level of understanding so far, but these grades will not be averaged to determine your final mark. Your final mark in CC12 will be based on what you have been able to achieve by June.
To help us focus on learning and self-improvement in this course, I will not be using traditional percentages or letter grades. Instead, I will use standards-based grading to provide clear feedback to you on what you do well and where you can improve. SBG allows us to properly engage in the learning process because it encourages a growth mindset, early struggles aren't punished and improvement is rewarded.
You will receive a percentage and letter grade on your report cards.
To help us focus on learning and self-improvement in this course, I will not be using traditional percentages or letter grades. Instead, I will use standards-based grading to provide clear feedback to you on what you do well and where you can improve. SBG allows us to properly engage in the learning process because it encourages a growth mindset, early struggles aren't punished and improvement is rewarded.
You will receive a percentage and letter grade on your report cards.
What kinds of assignments do we do in CC12?
Assignments and projects in this course are designed to maxmize student choice, so you can explore topics of greatest interest to you and showcase your knowledge through formats that best highlight your skills.
In addition to the type of assignments you are used to in academic courses, like readings, discussions and paragraph writing, we also do some hands-on, fun and/or artsy activities like:
Each term you will also complete a research project based on a different theme. Within that theme, you can explore any topic of your choice. You may do a research essay (recommended for those preparing for post-secondary studies) or design an alternative project of your own. The three themes for these projects are:
In addition to the type of assignments you are used to in academic courses, like readings, discussions and paragraph writing, we also do some hands-on, fun and/or artsy activities like:
- Miniature archaeological dig
- Cave painting
- Cuneiform name tablets (based on the world's first writing system)
- Music workshops
- Debates
- Simulation games
- Station studies
Each term you will also complete a research project based on a different theme. Within that theme, you can explore any topic of your choice. You may do a research essay (recommended for those preparing for post-secondary studies) or design an alternative project of your own. The three themes for these projects are:
- Cultural comparison (compare two ancient cultures of your choice)
- Art history
- Personal heritage
