Challenge and Change in Society

HSB4U explores major social trends, forces of change, and challenges faced by individuals and societies in Canada and globally.

Students investigate key economic concepts such as

• Using the tools of anthropology
• Psychology
• Sociology,
• Students
• Investigate social
• Institutions
• Inequality
• Conformity
• the impact of globalization.

The course promotes critical thinking and inquiry-based learning to help students understand how and why societies change over time.

Unit 1: Introduction to the Social Sciences
Students build foundational knowledge in the social science disciplines.
Lessons include:

• Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology
• Understanding Social Challenges
• Academic Research Methods
• Writing an Annotated Bibliography
• Conducting Ethical Research

Unit 2: Theories and Conditions of Social Change
This unit explores how and why social change occurs.
Lessons include:

• Defining Social Change
• Theories Explaining Social Change
• Creating Social Change Movements
• Culture and Well-being
• Conformity, Alienation, Poverty, and Affluence

Unit 3: Canada and the Global Community
Students examine Canada’s evolving role in a globalized world.
Lessons include:

• Demographics and Social Trends
• Influence of Trends on Social Change
• Human Rights in Canada
• Global Culture and Cultural Exchange
• Social Class and Inequality
• Poverty and Wealth Distribution
• Technology and Its Societal Impact

Unit 4: Final Evaluation
Students synthesize their knowledge through two summative evaluations.
Lessons include:

• Final Culminating Assignment
• Final Exam

• 70% of the final grade is based on coursework, including:
  • Case studies and research essays
  • Debates and issue analyses
  • Data interpretation and inquiry tasks
  • Unit-based discussions and reflections
• 30% of the final grade is based on final evaluations:
  • 20% Culminating sociological or interdisciplinary research project
  • 10% Final exam covering social science theories and real-world applications

All assessments follow Ontario curriculum standards and build essential skills in economic literacy, critical thinking, and policy evaluation.