Week 9 Themes

Well folks - we are in the final stretch.

You can use this week to reflect on broader learnings we have gained throughout the course or focus on news specific events that have dominated the headlines recently (and there have been a lot!).

Useful videos to review

These are great links - 3 mins. or less and cover the main points of Canadian government. Useful to review when preparing for exams, or as you work through your projects.

History of Democracy + Canada
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNMAasqiv9Y

Part Two
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqV9LWie2bs&spfreload=5

How a Bill becomes a Law
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Vm7oaoOuU

Charter of Rights and Freedoms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAIM1qzO9_w

How the Canadian government works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTLaQua1LiQ

Week 8 Themes

We're almost there - keep plugging away.
Themes this week sadly  include another bombing in London.  What global force can stop these acts of terror?
Also as we discussed in class, the minimum wage was raised to $15.  What implications does this have? Find some proof or statements from people to back up your statement.  What are some of the pros and cons of raising employees salaries?
Also feel free to find your own political topics to discuss in this thread.
Remember to keep working at your final project.

Week 7 Themes

We're getting to the final stretch.
This week's theme will be focused on Careers.
What are some careers in which a background in civics, citizenship and politics are an asset?  You can either discuss the career and requirements necessary or profile a particular individual who had a profound impact. (i..e Lester Pearson who we discussed in class and his contributions to the U.N.).

Things to hand in:
Mass Media
A reflection of your experience at the Barrie Native Friendship Centre
Freedom of Conscience and Religion
Citizenship What was it and what is it
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Three Levels of Government - Reading and Worksheet
Levels of Gov't and Responsibilities - Complete the examples we started yesterday

Things to consider / reflect:
We did the colour cultures game last week, followed up by freedom of expression re: books in schools.

Going back:  You were supposed to have listed what you felt was the BEST type of government somewhere here on this blog in the first week.  Make sure you've done that and backed up your opinion with facts, examples, details.

WEEK 6 Themes

Here is our thread for the 6th week. Please make sure you post in a timely manner. Going back to do this in June will be deadly.
Trump is in Israel this week.  What events are transpiring there?  What are the issues between Palestine and Israel?
-Kailey mentioned the events in Venezuela and the uprising taking place.

- We also discussed the Manchester bombing. What are some issues with tackling a group like ISIS?

-Outside, we talked about UN / Provincial protection of environmental resources and how governments work to this goal - witnessed on our Niagara Escarpment tour of a UN World Biosphere Preserve.  Are there any issues with a government that protects land and then turns around to grant approval for the mines and quarries at the top of the escarpment metres away from these hiking trails? Gravel quarries (mines) are a hot issue on the escarpment.  Find out more and share.

ISU

This is your final project to access from anywhere.

Note: This final Culminating Activity is worth 15% of your final mark.

Take it seriously!

Description:

As citizens in a democratic society, we must understand the meaning and elements of democracy and the variety of global issues that surround us in today’s world. This course has focused on the three strands of democratic participation: Active Citizenship, Informed Citizenship, and Purposeful Citizenship. This culminating activity asks you to assess where you are, and where you hope to be in the future with reference to each these three concepts by demonstrating your knowledge on a global or Canadian issue that affects today’s citizens.

1) Choose a Topic

Choose a topic that you are interested in from the list below:

• Legalization of Marijuana              • Global Poverty
• Environmental Protection Laws   • Right to Education
• Animal Rights                                  • Child Labour
• Gun Control                                    • Homelessness
• Genocide                                         • World Hunger
• Domestic Violence                          • Universal Health Care/Privatization of Health Care
• Canadian Immigration Laws         • Women’s Rights
• Racism                                             • Obesity
• Gay Rights                                       • Genetically Modified Foods
• Political Oppression/Censorship • Climate Change
• Teenage Pregnancy                       • Teacher Approved Individual Choice

Once you have decided on a topic, fill out the Topic Proposal Worksheet attached.

2) Research and complete MLA Citation Worksheets

You are to thoroughly research your chosen topic. Use the attached research worksheets to help you keep track of your research information. The more you research, the better your understanding of your topic will be. You will be submitting the research sheets (typed) and they will be marked as a part of your Knowledge and Understanding of your topic. Wikipedia is a great source of information but you must verify all information for accuracy through other websites and sources.

3) Complete ONE task from each column. (3 items in total)

With all the information that you have gathered on the issue, you should now be able to develop a position on the topic. How do you feel about it? Is Canada currently doing enough? What should be done to resolve the issue?

3) Complete ONE task from each column. (3 items in total) continued…

You will now support your position by completing several tasks. Pick 1 Writing Task, 1 Presentation Task, and 1 Visual Task from the following chart below. Complete these tasks using the research that you have collected on your issue.

 

Timelines and Presentation Dates

Monday – June 12

Tuesday – June 13

Wednesday June 14

Thursday – In-class P1

Friday – In-class P2

- Students who do not submit the assignment by the deadline will automatically receive a grade of 0%.
- Students who do not present on the assigned day will receive a grade of 0%

This activity must be made up ENTIRELY by your own work written in your own words. Do not copy word for word from the internet or any other sources. You must use your own sentence structure and give credit to all sources that you have used in your research. Plagiarism and other cases of academic dishonesty have serious consequences, including a grade of 0 for the plagiarized portions of the assignment. Speak to your teacher if you have questions about this policy.

WEEK 5 Themes

Here is a place to post about themes we'll discuss this week.
First item:  Look at the new photo. This iconic photo became a symbol for the uprising against tyrannical Communism in China.  That one man could stand up alone against an entire army inspired people worldwide to believe in their own struggle.  What events surrounded this event in Tiananmen Square in 1989?  What events have transpired since then?    Find your photo that represents active citizenship and post the url - give a brief description of how it demonstrates democratic rights being exercised.

One topic this week will be freedom of the press.  To what extent does freedom of the press help its citizens?  To what extent can it harm its citizens?
Does Canada have freedom of the press/media?  What limitations (if any) are there?