Course Descriptions and Prerequisites

Economics

Geography

History

Law

Politics

These charts map out all the courses and shows the links between courses and the possible prerequisites for them. It does not attempt to depict all possible movements from course to course.

Geography

History

Economics, Law, and Politics

Economics

• The Individual and the Economy, Grade 11, University/College (CIE3M)
  This course explores issues and challenges facing the Canadian economy as well as the implications of various responses to them. Students will explore the economic role of firms, workers, and government as well as their own role as individual consumers and contributors, and how all of these roles affect stability and change in the Canadian economy. Students will apply the concepts of economic thinking and the economic inquiry process, including economic models, to investigate the impact of economic issues and decisions at the individual, regional, and national level.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
• Analysing Current Economic Issues, Grade 12, University (CIA4U)
  This course examines current Canadian and international economic issues, developments, policies, and practices from diverse perspectives. Students will explore the decisions that individuals and institutions, including governments, make in response to economic issues such as globalization, trade agreements, economic inequalities, regulation, and public spending. Students will apply the concepts of economic thinking and the economic inquiry process, as well as economic models and theories, to investigate, and develop informed opinions about, economic trade-offs, growth, and sustainability and related economic issues.
  • Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
• Making Personal Economic Choices, Grade 12, Workplace (CIC4E)
  This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of a variety of key economic issues and practices, helping them develop their ability to make informed economic choices in their day-to-day lives. Students will examine practical financial matters, such as personal budgeting, taxes, credit and debt, and savings and investment, as well as various economic issues, such as those related to the underground economy, economic inequality, and consumer behaviour. Students will apply the concepts of economic thinking, the economic inquiry process, and economic models to investigate various economic issues and structures and to analyse the impact of economic decisions, including their own decisions, at the individual, community, and national levels.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied, or the locally developed compulsory course (LDCC) in Canadian history

Geography

• Exploring Canadian Geography, Grade 9, De-streamed (CGC1W) (2024)
  This course builds on learning in Grades 7 and 8 in geography. Students will explore relationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how they interconnect with other parts of the world. Students will also examine environmental and economic issues, and their impact related to topics such as natural resources and industries, careers, land use and responsible development, and sustainability. In addition, students will understand the connections that diverse communities and individuals have with the physical environment and each other throughout Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives. Students will apply geographic thinking, use the geographic inquiry process, and use geospatial technologies throughout their investigations.
  • Prerequisite: None
• Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic (CGC1D)
  This course examines interrelationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how these systems interconnect with those in other parts of the world. Students will explore environmental, economic, and social geographic issues relating to topics such as transportation options, energy choices, and urban development. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate various geographic issues and to develop possible approaches for making Canada a more sustainable place in which to live.
  • Prerequisite: None
• Regional Geography, Grade 11, University/College (CGD3M)
  This course explores interrelationships between the land and people in a selected region as well as interconnections between this region and the rest of the world. Students will explore the region’s environmental, socio-economic, and cultural characteristics and will investigate issues related to natural resources, economic development and sustainability, population change, globalization, and quality of life. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate a range of geographic issues in the region.
  
  Note: This course is developed and delivered with a focus, to be determined by the school, on the geography of a selected region or country of the world.
  • Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
• Forces of Nature: Physical Processes and Disasters, Grade 11, University/College (CGF3M) 
  In this course, students will explore physical processes related to the earth’s water, land, and air. They will investigate how these processes shape the planet’s natural characteristics and affect human systems, how they are involved in the creation of natural disasters, and how they influence the impacts of human disasters. Throughout the course, students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process and use spatial technologies to analyse these processes, make predictions related to natural disasters, and assess ways of responding to them.
  • Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
• Introduction to Spatial Technologies, Grade 11, Open (CGT3O)
  This course enables students to develop practical skills associated with spatial technologies and to investigate related career opportunities. Students will develop their ability to use geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing technologies. They will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process when conducting fieldwork, collecting and organizing data, and analysing spatial images such as maps and aerial photographs. Throughout the course, students' local context is emphasized.
  • Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
• Travel and Tourism: A Geographic Perspective, Grade 11, Open (CGG3O)
  This course focuses on issues related to travel and tourism within and between various regions of the world. Students will investigate unique environmental, sociocultural, economic, and political characteristics of selected world regions. They will explore travel patterns and trends as well as tensions related to tourism, and will predict future tourism destinations. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate the impact of the travel industry on natural environments and human communities.
  • Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
• World Issues: A Geographic Analysis, Grade 12, University (CGW4U)
  In this course, students will address the challenge of creating a more sustainable and equitable world. They will explore issues involving a wide range of topics, including economic disparities, threats to the environment, globalization, human rights, and quality of life, and analyse government policies, international agreements, and individual responsibilities relating to them. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including the use of spatial technologies, to investigate these complex issues and their impacts on natural and human communities around the world.
  • Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
• World Issues: A Geographic Analysis, Grade 12, College (CGW4C)
  This course explores the many difficult challenges facing Canada and the world today – challenges such as unequal access to food, water, and energy; urbanization; globalization; and meeting the needs of a growing world population while ensuring the sustainability of the natural environment. Students will explore these and other world issues from environmental, social, economic, and political perspectives, while applying the concepts of geographic thinking, the geographic inquiry process, and spatial technologies to guide and support their investigations.
  • Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
• The Environment and Resource Management, Grade 12, University/College (CGR4M)
  This course investigates interactions between natural and human systems, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of human activity on ecosystems and natural processes. Students will use the geographic inquiry process, apply the concepts of geographic thinking, and employ a variety of spatial skills and technologies to analyse these impacts and propose ways of reducing them. In the course of their investigations, they will assess resource management and sustainability practices, as well as related government policies and international accords. They will also consider questions of individual responsibility and environmental stewardship as they explore ways of developing a more sustainable relationship with the environment.
  • Prerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
• Spatial Technologies in Action, Grade 12, University/College (CGO4M)
  This course provides a foundation for students who are considering a career involving computer-based spatial technologies. Students will analyse and propose solutions to real-life issues related to spatial organization, such as determining transportation routes, appropriate locations for community services, or potential conservation and preservation areas. Students will extend their ability to use geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing and to create maps, charts, and graphs. Throughout the course, students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process to investigate various issues related to spatial organization.
  • Prerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities.
• World Geography: Urban Patterns and Population Issues, Grade 12, University/College (CGU4M) 
  The world's population is growing, it is moving and intermixing, and it is increasingly found in cities. This course explores these changes and the challenges that come with them. It investigates the forces that are shaping the world’s communities, the patterns of interaction between them, the quality of life within them, and their impact on the world around them. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking, the geographic inquiry process, and spatial skills and technologies as they investigate issues related to population change and urban life and propose ways of enhancing the sustainability of communities around the world.
  • Prerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities.
• Living in a Sustainable World, Grade 12, Workplace (CGR4E)
  This course examines the impact of human activity on the natural environment. Students will explore the use of natural spaces and resources and the effects of planning decisions and consumer choices on natural systems. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate practical solutions to environmental issues, enabling them to make more sustainable decisions at home, in the workplace, and in the local community.
  • Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

History

• Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic (CHC2D)
  This course explores social, economic, and political developments and events and their impact on the lives of different individuals, groups, and communities, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities, in Canada since 1914. Students will examine the role of conflict and cooperation in Canadian society, Canada’s evolving role within the global community, and the impact of various individuals, organizations, and events on identities, citizenship, and heritage in Canada. Students will develop an understanding of some of the political developments and government policies that have had a lasting impact on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities. They will develop their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating key issues and events in Canadian history since 1914.
  
  Note: This course description reflects the revisions that have been made to the history courses as part of Ontario’s curriculum strategy in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action numbers 62 and 63.
  • Prerequisite: None
• Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Applied (CHC2P)
  This course focuses on the social context of historical developments and events and how they have affected the lives of people in Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities, since 1914. Students will explore interactions between various communities in Canada as well as contributions of individuals and groups to heritage and identities in Canada. Students will develop an understanding of some key political developments and government policies that have had an impact on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities. They will develop their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating the continuing relevance of historical developments and how they have helped shape communities in present-day Canada.
  
  Note: This course description reflects the revisions that have been made to the history courses as part of Ontario’s curriculum strategy in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action numbers 62 and 63.
  • Prerequisite: None
• Origins and Citizenship: The History of a Canadian Ethnic Group, Grade 11, Open (CHE3O) 
  This course focuses on the history of people who came to Canada from a specific country or region. Students will explore historical developments and events in the group’s country of origin, the factors that influenced the decision of members of this group to emigrate, their historical experiences in Canada, and their contributions to Canadian identity and heritage. Students will apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating various aspects of the group’s history.
  
  Note: This course is to be developed and delivered with a focus, to be determined by the school, on the history of a specific ethnic group that now lives in Canada. However, with the school’s approval, teachers may wish to allow some students to focus on one group, while other students focus on a different group.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied, or the locally developed compulsory course (LDCC) in Canadian history
• American History, Grade 11, University (CHA3U)
  This course explores key aspects of the social, economic, and political development of the United States from precontact to the present. Students will examine the contributions of groups and individuals to the country’s evolution and will explore the historical context of key issues, trends, and events that have had an impact on the United States, its identity and culture, and its role in the global community. Students will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating various forces that helped shape American history.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
• World History to the End of the Fifteenth Century, Grade 11, University/College (CHW3M)
  This course explores the history of various societies and civilizations around the world, from earliest times to around 1500 CE. Students will investigate a range of factors that contributed to the rise, success, and decline of various ancient and pre-modern societies throughout the world and will examine life in and the cultural and political legacy of these societies. Students will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating social, political, and economic structures and historical forces at work in various societies and in different historical eras.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
• World History since 1900: Global and Regional Interactions, Grade 11, Open (CHT3O) 
  This course focuses on major developments in world history from 1900 to the present. Students will explore the causes and consequences of global and regional conflicts, the impact of significant individuals and social movements, and the effects of social, economic, and political developments around the world. Students will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating interactions within and between nations and other historical developments and events, including those that continue to affect people in various parts of the world.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied, or the locally developed compulsory course (LDCC) in Canadian history
• Canada: History, Identity, and Culture, Grade 12, University (CHI4U)
  This course traces the history of Canada, with a focus on the evolution of our national identity and culture as well as the identity and culture of various groups that make up Canada. Students will explore various developments and events, both national and international, from precontact to the present, and will examine various communities in Canada and how they have contributed to the development of identity and heritage in Canada. Students will investigate the development of culture and identity, including national identity, in Canada and how and why they have changed throughout the country’s history. They will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, as they investigate the people, events, and forces that have shaped Canada.
  • Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
• World History since the Fifteenth Century, Grade 12, University (CHY4U)
  This course traces major developments and events in world history since approximately 1450. Students will explore social, economic, and political changes, the historical roots of contemporary issues, and the role of conflict and cooperation in global interrelationships. They will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, as they investigate key issues and ideas and assess societal progress or decline in world history.
  • Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
• World History since the Fifteenth Century, Grade 12, College (CHY4C)
  This course explores key developments and events in world history since approximately 1450, with a focus on interactions within and between various regions. Students will examine social, economic, and political developments and how they have affected different peoples. Students will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating key turning points in world history and historical forces that have shaped our world.
  • Prerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
• Adventures in World History, Grade 12, Workplace (CHM4E)
  This course examines significant developments and events in world history from earliest times to the present. Students will explore a variety of social, cultural, economic, and political developments in different regions of the world and during different periods. In addition to investigating how conflict, religion, work, and technology have helped shape people’s lives, students will examine the contributions of some significant individuals to our global heritage. Students will apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating a variety of human experiences in world history.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied, or the locally developed compulsory course (LDCC) in Canadian history

Law

• Understanding Canadian Law, Grade 11, University/College (CLU3M)
  This course explores Canadian law, with a focus on legal issues that are relevant to the lives of people in Canada. Students will gain an understanding of laws relating to rights and freedoms in Canada; our legal system; and family, contract, employment, tort, and criminal law. Students will develop legal reasoning skills and will apply the concepts of legal thinking and the legal studies inquiry process when investigating a range of legal issues and formulating and communicating informed opinions about them.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
• Understanding Canadian Law in Everyday Life, Grade 11, Workplace (CLU3E)
  This course enables students to develop a practical understanding of laws that affect the everyday lives of people in Canada, including their own lives. Students will gain an understanding of the need for laws, and of their rights, freedoms, and responsibilities under Canadian law. Topics include laws relating to marriage, the workplace, cyberbullying, and criminal offences. Students will begin to develop legal reasoning skills and will apply the concepts of legal thinking and the legal studies inquiry process when investigating legal issues that are relevant to life in Canada today.
  • Prerequisite: Canadian History since World War I, Grade 10, Academic or Applied, or the locally developed compulsory course (LDCC) in Canadian history
• Canadian and International Law, Grade 12, University (CLN4U)
  This course explores a range of contemporary legal issues and how they are addressed in both Canadian and international law. Students will develop an understanding of the principles of Canadian and international law and of issues related to human rights and freedoms, conflict resolution, and criminal, environmental, and workplace law, both in Canada and internationally. Students will apply the concepts of legal thinking and the legal studies inquiry process, and will develop legal reasoning skills, when investigating these and other issues in both Canadian and international contexts.
  • Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities
• Legal Studies, Grade 12, College (CLN4C)
  This course provides a foundation for students who wish to pursue a career that requires an understanding of law. Students will explore the importance of law, analysing contemporary legal issues and their relevance to daily life. They will investigate the requirements for various law-related careers as well as legal responsibilities in the workplace. Students will apply the concepts of legal thinking and the legal studies inquiry process to investigate their rights and responsibilities, legal processes and structures, and the role of law in a changing society.
  • Prerequisite: Civics and Citizenship, Grade 10, Open

Politics

• Civics and Citizenship, Grade 10, Open (CHV2O) (revised 2022)
  This course explores rights and responsibilities associated with being an active citizen in a democratic society. Students will explore issues of civic importance and the influence of social media, while developing their understanding of the role of civic engagement and of political processes in the local, national, and/or global community. Students will apply the concepts of political thinking and the political inquiry process to investigate, and express informed opinions about, a range of political issues and developments that are both of significance in today’s world and of personal interest to them. This course also includes learning on digital literacy and critical-thinking skills, the mechanisms of government, Indigenous governance systems and structures, the historical foundations of the rights and freedoms we enjoy in Canada, ways in which government policy affects individuals’ lives and the economy, and ways for students to serve their communities.
  • Prerequisite: None
• Politics in Action: Making Change, Grade 11, Open (CPC3O)
  This course enables students to develop plans for change in the local, national, and/or global community. Students will explore various issues, investigating their causes as well as their impact, and determining where change is needed, and why. They will examine the effectiveness of various problem-solving strategies used by individuals and groups that have brought about and/or are attempting to bring about political change in democratic societies. In addition, students will analyse the role and perspectives of governments and other stakeholders in relation to issues of political importance and will consider factors affecting their own and others’ political engagement. Students will apply the concepts of political thinking and the political inquiry process as they investigate various issues of political importance and develop a plan of action to address a selected issue.
  • Prerequisite: Civics and Citizenship, Grade 10, Open
• Canadian and International Politics, Grade 12, University (CPW4U)
  This course explores various perspectives on issues in Canadian and world politics. Students will explore political decision making and ways in which individuals, stakeholder groups, and various institutions, including governments, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations, respond to and work to address domestic and international issues. Students will apply the concepts of political thinking and the political inquiry process to investigate issues, events, and developments of national and international political importance, and to develop and communicate informed opinions about them.
  • Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities