Canada: History, Identity, and Culture, Grade 12, University Preparation (CHI4U)

Unit 1: Early European Settlement:

What were some of the conditions in Europe that led so many people to make that dangerous migration across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean during the 17th and 18th centuries? In this first unit students will tackle this question head-on focusing on the first European contact with Canada’s Indigenous peoples, the diverse impacts of contact on Indigenous peoples, and exploring the socio-cultural differences and similarities of AngloFrench colonial settlement.

Unit 2: Colonial Canada

In unit two, students will learn about the wars of the 18th and 19th centuries, understanding the economic and political context and impacts of those wars in North America.Ultimately, during this period, English supremacy prevailed in North America by 1763. However, this supremacy would be tested many times. First, was during the American Revolution that started in 1775. The colony of Canada would experience social change as a result of proximity to the 13 colonies, most significantly, the arrival of thousands of British loyalists fleeing the United States. The war of 1812 was another test to British supremacy in North America as the newly independent United States of America sought to invade Canada. Finally, students will learn about the impact of this period in Atlantic, Northwest, and Pacific Canada where rebellions against British rule were beginning.

Unit 3: Building the New Dominion

In unit three, students will learn about the causes and contributing factors that ultimately led to Confederation, the unions of Canada’s provinces to form the Dominion of Canada. Students will explore how the two party system of government evolved after 1867 and some of the traditional Conservative and Liberal policies and politics that built and shaped Canada after Confederation and into the 20th century through an investigation of two famous Prime Ministers: John
A. Macdonald and Wilfrid Laurier. This period in Canada’s history is one of nation building, characterized by unprecedented economic growth. Students will learn about the settlement of Canada’s western frontier and the discovery of gold in Canada’s north. These economic changes also spurred social growth, as Canada’s population swelled thanks to a new wave of immigrants from Europe.

Unit 4: Two World Wars and Depression

The two world wars are considered ‘catalysts of national development’. In this unit students will come to appreciate the exceptional role Canada played in the wars of the century and how these contributions contributed to growing Canadian identity. Students will reflect on the courage, valour, and sacrifices that were made by Canadians in their passionate defense of Canadian values. The Great Depression is examined and recognized as yet another tumultuous period in Canadian history. In addition to the turmoil of the World Wars and Great Depression, students will learn about the progressive social change that Canada experienced between the Two World Wars. The interwar years was a time of unprecedented social change, especially the expansion of human rights.

Unit 5: Postwar Canada

In this unit, students will explore the social, political, and economic changes to Canadian society in the postwar period (1945-1982). Canada made the biggest advances in protecting its citizens from economic hardship and human rights violations in the decades following World War Two. Despite these social advances, students will learn about how the world was plunged back into conflict during the Cold War and Canada’s role in international affairs as a middle power and peacekeeper. The theme of activism was significant during the 1960s across Canada and students will explore a variety of social movements including human rights, feminism, multiculturalism, and environmentalism.

Unit 6: Modern Canada

In this unit, students will explore the domestic political scene in Canada, including constitutional developments, Canada’s political parties, and regional political tensions. The modern period (1982 to the present) is also a time when globalization began to deeply influence Canada. Students will analyze the influence of globalization including Canada’s changing relationship with the United States and other countries around the world in terms of economics, social policies, and cultural events. A main imperative of this course has been to describe the evolution of Canadian identity and so students will summarize the influence of French, British, and American relations. Students will conclude by reflecting on a common theme throughout the course: human rights. In the modern period, Canada has made considerable effort to correct past injustices through commemorations and reparations.

Unit 7: Final Summative Assessment

Project As a final culminating assignment, students will complete a Major Research Project. This project is worth 30% of the final grade.