HSC4M – World Cultures

Course Description

This course examines the nature of culture; how cultural identities are acquired, maintained, and transformed; and theories used to analyse cultures. Students will explore world cultures, with an emphasis on the analysis of religious and spiritual beliefs, art forms, and philosophy. They will study the contributions and influence of a range of cultural groups and will critically analyse issues facing ethnocultural groups within Canada and around the world. Students will develop and apply research skills and will design and implement a social action initiative relating to cultural diversity.

Course Strands with links

• Unit 1 Culture, Identity and Transformation
• Unit 2 Communicating Values and Belief
• Unit 3 Power and Policies
• Unit 4 Making Change Through Social Action

The Content

The course runs for a total of 110 hours. The lessons outlined below are all structured for 100 minutes of instruction time, unless otherwise stated.

The 110 hours also includes additional time that may be allocated for assignments, tests and the independent study unit, at the teacher’s discretion.

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The first and second lesson are free! Then individual lessons are priced at $5 or the whole course at $120

$360.00 $120.00Add to cart

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• Introduction Materials
  • First Day Handout [see whole course resources below]
• Unit 1 – Culture, Identity and Transformation: In this unit, students are introduced to the concept of culture and the various theories that help define and mold it. They gain a deeper understanding of what is meant by culture, society, and identity by exploring how each influences the other.
  • Lesson 1 – What is Culture? (Free)
  • Lesson 2 – Aspects of Culture (Free)
  • Lesson 3 – What is Identity?
  • Lesson 4 – Cultural Influences
  • Lesson 5 – Cultural Perceptions
  • Lesson 6 – Cultural Theories
  • Lesson 7 – The Transmission of Culture
  • Lesson 8 – Diasporas
  • Lesson 9 – Cultural Diffusion
  • Lesson 10 – Cultural Change
  • Lesson 11 – Cultural Stereotyping
  • Lesson 12 – Deconstructing Consumerism
• Unit 2 – Communicating Values and Beliefs: In this unit, students build on their understanding of the main concepts from Unit 1. Through this unit, they recognize the importance of art, religion, and philosophy, and their connections to culture. Students also critically examine the factors influencing culture, and begin to develop research plans for their social action initiatives.
  • Lesson 1 – What is Religion?
  • Lesson 2 – Theory of Religions
  • Lesson 3 – Comparing Religious Beliefs
  • Lesson 4 – Secular Beliefs and Philosophies
  • Lesson 5 – Artistic Expressions [Part 1]
  • Lesson 6 – Artistic Expressions [Part 2]
  • Lesson 7 – Artistic Expressions [Part 3]
  • Lesson 8 – Canadian Cultural Influences
  • Lesson 9 – Indigenous Peoples Culture
  • Lesson 10 – Cultural Appropriation
  • Lesson 11 – Cultural Appropriation Debate [Part 1]
  • Lesson 12 – Cultural Appropriation Debate [Part 2]
• Unit 3 – Power and Policies: This unit builds on preliminary skills learned in Units 1 and 2 in preparation for the course culminating task. It provides opportunities for historical research, especially concerning cultural issues resulting from power imbalances between minority and majority cultures. Students investigate how power can influence the development, suppression, or even the elimination of specific cultural traditions. Community connections with a variety of local cultural organizations through field trips and guest speakers would enhance the relevance and richness of students’ learning experiences.
  • Lesson 1 – Globalisation [Part 1]
  • Lesson 2 – Globalisation [Part 1]
  • Lesson 3 – The KOF Index
  • Lesson 4 – The Amish [Part 1]
  • Lesson 5 – The Amish [Part 2]
  • Lesson 6 – Glocalisation
  • Lesson 7 – Responses to Globalisation
  • Lesson 8 – Patriarchal Societies [Part 1]
  • Lesson 9 – Patriarchal Societies [Part 2] [FREE]
  • Lesson 10 – LGBTQIA2S+ [FREE]
  • Lesson 11 – Multiculturalism
  • Lesson 12 – Canada’s Immigration System
• Unit 4 – Making Change Through Social Action: Throughout the course, students are engaged in designing, implementing, and evaluating an initiative to address an equity issue. In this unit, students compile the work they collected and completed throughout the course on a specific need related to cultural equity and showcase and evaluate their social action initiative.
  • Social Action Project – ISP

Assignments

Available within the relevant lessons:

• Assignment 1.1 | Personal Culture Profile
• Assignment 1.2 | Heroes in Culture
• Assignment 2.1 | Comparing Religious Beliefs
• Assignment 2.2 | Propaganda Poster
• Assignment 2.3 | Indigenous Peoples Heroes
• Assignment 2.4 | Cultural Appropriation Debate
• Assignment 3.1 | The Amish and Globalisation Essay
• Assignment 3.2 | Immigration Poster

Whole Course Resources