Course Outline

Social Studies 8: Canadian Identity 

The organizing concept for Social Studies 8 is “Canadian Identity.” Students explore this concept within the context of post-World War I Canada. Social Studies 8 builds on the skills and concepts of previous years and continues the chronology of Social Studies 7, wherein students examined Canada’s history from the early 1800s through World War I. Social Studies 8 also continues and complements studies of Canada begun in even earlier grades. It is firmly grounded in the social studies disciplines of geography, history, economics, sociology, and political science. In addition, it contains many cross-curricular opportunities, particularly in language arts, visual arts, music, health education, science, and mathematics and contains myriad opportunities for the integration of technology.

The curriculum examines many facets of Canadian identity(ies). It is organized into six units:

• Unit 1: An Introduction to Canadian Identity
• Unit 2: Geographic Influences
• Unit 3: Decades of Change
• Unit 4: Citizenship
• Unit 5: Challenges and Opportunities
• Unit 6: Reflections on Canadian Identity

Social Studies 8 begins with a unit designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the concept of identity. They explore this concept, particularly as it pertains to Canada and its peoples, through a rich examination of Canadian art, music, and literature. This introduction provides the basis for a deeper and personal exploration of Canadian identity(ies) in the subsequent units of the course.

This deeper exploration begins with an examination of the impact of Canada's vast and diverse geography on identity. Students next investigate how historical events, trends, and peoples have contributed to the development of Canadian identity(ies). They then proceed to analyze how notions of citizenship, as reflected in Canadian political institutions, laws, rights and responsibilities, have affected and reflected Canadian identity(ies).

The study continues as students hypothesize about how Canada’s responses to various environmental, economic, social, and political challenges and opportunities may affect future Canadian identity(ies). Finally, Social Studies 8 concludes with a unit designed to provide students with an opportunity to reflect upon the complete study, and creatively express their own personal understanding of “Canadian Identity.”

Updated August 25, 2021