CURRICULUM GUIDE 2014
CANADIAN AND WORLD ISSUES: A GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
(GEC4U)
This course examines the global challenges of creating a sustainable and equitable future, focusing on current issues
that illustrate these challenges. Students will investigate a range of topics, including cultural, economic and
geopolitical relationships, regional disparities in the ability to meet basic human needs, and protection of the natural
environment. Students will use geotechnologies and skills of geographic inquiry and analysis to develop and
communicate balanced opinions about the complex issues facing Canada and a world that is interdependent and
constantly changing. Prerequisite: GET3E, GET30, GEP3M, or GEA3M
WORLD GEOGRAPHY: HUMAN PATTERNS AND INTERACTIONS
(GEW4H)
This course examines how humans interact with their natural environments and with eachother. Students will study
the influence of spatial, political, economic, and social factors on settlement patterns, human migration, cultural
change, globalization, and environmental trends. Students will use geotechnologies and skills of geographic inquiry
and analysis to extend their knowledge of human geography and to identify and explain current trends and patterns,
and predict future ones. Prerequisite: GET3E, GET30, GEP3M, or GEA3M
THE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(GER3W)
This course investigates the complexity and fragility of ecosystems and the pressures human activities place on
them. Students will examine ecological processes, the principles of sustainability, and strategies for resource
management, with a focus on the challenges of environmental degradation and resource depletion. Students will use
geotechnologies and skills of geographic inquiry to explain and evaluate various approaches to achieving a more
sustainable relationship between people and their environments. Prerequisite: Any level III English, Politics,
Economics, or Geography course.
GEOMATICS: GEOTECHNOLOGIES IN ACTION
(GEM4U)
This course gives students experience in using geotechnologies to develop solutions to real-world problems
involving physical and human geography. Students will extend their knowledge of geomatics in the areas of
cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), the global positioning system (GPS) and remote sensing.
Students will develop critical-thinking and communication skills as they apply geotechnologies and geographic
inquiry methods to devise and present ways of improving conditions for people and the environment. Prerequisite:
Any level III English, Politics, Economics, or Geography course.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY: URBAN PATTERNS AND INTERACTIONS
(GEW4U)
This course examines cities around the world and the social, political, cultural, environmental, and economic factors
that shape them. Students will study urban structures and systems, the impact of migrations on cities, and the impact
of cities on the environment. Students will use geotechnologies and apply geographic concepts as well as inquiry
methods to analyse issues and problems related to urban development and to formulate potential solutions.
Prerequisite: Any level III English, Politics, Economics, or Geography course.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
(GER4W)
This course examines the influence of human activities on the natural environment. Students will study ecosystem
structures and processes, the ecological impact of human activities, and methods of responsible resource
management. Students will apply geotechnologies and geographic inquiry methods to develop and present practical
solutions to environmental and resource management issues. In the process, students’ problem-solving and
communication skills will be enhanced in preparation for careers and the workplace. Prerequisite: GEO1A or
GEO1P
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