Parents

Thank-you for taking some time to check out this web page. I hope it will help you get an impression of the content students are learning in these classes and some examples of the work they are doing. Some of the content of this sight has been contributed directly by students themsleves. As you go through this site, you will nodoubt see some creative ways of expressing the material we have covered. This due in part to my belief as an educator that releasing student's creativity is essential in the long term retention of learning that students recieve in their adolescent years. It also stems from the belief that engaging technology in meaningful ways can solidify learning for students and it meets the ICT objectives of the program of studies.
You may in fact recognize work that your student has contributed to this sight. We have taken precautions to have students' privacy maintained according to FOIP standards. If for any reason you are uncomfortable with any content which you feel compromises your sense of privacy please contact me directly and we will gladly remove the material from our site. I am thrilled to have your student as a part of my classroom. Feel free to contact me at anytime for any concerns or questions you may have.

Social studies provides 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 helps students develop their sense of self and community, encouraging them to affirm their place as citizens in an inclusive, democratic society.
The Alberta Social Studies Kindergarten to Grade 12 Program of Studies meets the needs and reflects the nature of 21st century learners. It has at its heart the concepts of citizenship and identity in the Canadian context. The program reflects multiple perspectives, including Aboriginal and Francophone, that contribute to Canada’s evolving realities. It fosters the building of a society that is pluralistic, bilingual, multicultural, inclusive and democratic. The program emphasizes the importance of diversity and respect for differences as well as the need for social cohesion and the effective functioning of society. It promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance in students as they engage in active and responsible citizenship at the local, community, provincial, national and global level.
Central to the vision of the Alberta social studies program is the recognition of the diversity of experiences and perspectives and the pluralistic nature of Canadian society. Pluralism builds upon Canada’s historical and constitutional foundations, which reflect the country’s Aboriginal heritage, bilingual nature and multicultural realities. A pluralistic view recognizes that citizenship and identity are shaped by multiple factors such as culture, language, environment, gender, ideology, religion, spirituality and philosophy.
Social studies is the study of people in relation to each other and to their world. It is an issues-focused and inquiry-based interdisciplinary subject that draws upon history, geography, ecology, economics, law, philosophy, political science and other social science disciplines. Social studies fosters students understanding of and involvement in practical and ethical issues that face their communities and humankind. Social studies is integral to the process of enabling students to develop an understanding of who they are, what they want to become and the society in which they want to live.

Globalization

Overview

Students will explore the nuances of globalization both from its historical roots to its modern incarnations. They will study the impact of first contact on Indigenous people groups, the roots and effects of Imperialism and work through the related consequences of these systems.The infusion of multiple perspectives will allow students to develop understandings of globalization and how it contributes to the citizenship and identities of peoples in Canada.  
For a comprehensive outline of the specific learning objectives follow this link to the Alberta Education website: here (starting on page 13)

I invite you to email me with questions concerns or other highlights that you would have: dale.friesen@uleth.ca