CHI4U – Canadian: History, Identity and Culture

HISTORICAL INQUIRY AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT By the end of this course, students will: 1. Historical Inquiry: use the historical inquiry process and the concepts of historical thinking when investigating aspects of Canadian history, with a focus on the development of identity and culture; 2. Developing Transferable Skills: apply in everyday contexts skills developed through historical investigation, and identify careers in which these skills might be useful.

What were the conditions of Indigenous life in Canada prior to European colonization? How were Indigenous cultures the building blocks of many parts of European development? Explore the origins of Indigenous culture and the role it had on the future of Canada.

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 Anglo-French colonial settlement.

This course will have a mid-term exam which will test your ability to recall historical facts and information about Canada. You will be responsible to know details of Canada’s past and how they relate to the modern Canada in which you live and go to school in. Writing, spelling, and grammar are as important as recall of historical facts. To this point, grammar will be observed in close detail.

In unit five 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.

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.