Grade 12 Course Descriptions
LANGUAGES
LWICU Italian, Level 3, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Level 2 Academic, credit value 1.0In addition to a review of the Level 2 material, this course offers students opportunities to further develop their knowledge of Italian and to enhance their communication skills. Students will use increasingly sophisticated language in a variety of activities that will enable them to speak and write with clarity and accuracy. Students will also enhance their thinking skills through critical study of literature, and continue to explore aspects of the culture of Italy through a variety of print and technological resources.
LWIDU Italian, Level 4, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Italian, Level 3, University Preparation, Credit Value 1.0This course prepares students for university studies in Italian. Students will enhance their ability to use the language with clarity and precision, and will develop the language skills needed to engage in sustained conversations and discussions, understand and evaluate information, read diverse materials for both study and pleasure, and write clearly and effectively. Students will also have opportunities to add to their knowledge of the culture of Italy through the use of community resources and computer technology.
ENGLISH
ENG4U English Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University PreparationThis course emphasizes consolidation of literacy, critical thinking and communication skills. Students will analyse a range of challenging texts from various time periods, countries and cultures; write analytical and argumentative essays and a major paper for an independent literary research project; any apply key concepts to analyse media works. An important focus will be on understanding academic language and using it coherently and confidently in discussion and argument.
EWC4U The Writer's Craft, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: English, Grade 11, University Preparation, Credit Value 1.0This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will analyse models of effective writing; use a workshop approach to produce a range of works; identify and use techniques required for specialized forms of writing; and identify effective ways to improve the quality of their writing. They will also complete a major paper as part of a creative or analytical independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers.
MATHEMATICS
MHF4U Advanced Functions, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: MCR3U, Functions, Grade 11, University Preparation, MCR3UThis course extends students’ experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended both for students who plan to study mathematics in university and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programs.
MCV4U Calculus and Vectors, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: MHF4U, Advanced Functions, Grade 12, University PreparationThis course builds on students’ previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change. Students will solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors, and representations of lines and planes in three dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, rational, exponential, and sinusoidal functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modelling of real-world relationships. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended for students who plan to study mathematics in university and who may choose to pursue careers in fields such as physics and engineering.
MDM4U Mathematics of Data Management, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Grade 11 Functions and Relations, University or Grade 11 Functions, University/CollegeThis course broadens students' understanding of mathematics as it related to managing information. Students will apply methods for organizing large amounts of information; apply counting techniques, probability, and statistics in modeling and solving problems; and carry out a culminating project that integrated the expectations of the course and encourages perseverance and independence. Students planning to pursue university programs in business, the social sciences, or the humanities will find this course of particular interest.
THE ARTS
ADA4M Dramatic Arts, Grade 12, University/College Preparation
Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts, Grade 11, University/College Preparation or OpenThis course requires students to experiment with forms and conventions in dramatic literature, and to create/adapt and present dramatic works. Students will do research on dramatic forms, conventions, themes and theories of acting and directing from different historical periods, and apply their knowledge of these in analysing and interpreting dramatic literature, including Canadian works and works from various cultures in the late twentieth century. Students will also examine the significance of dramatic arts in various cultures.
AVI4M Visual Arts, Grade 12, University College Preparation
Prerequisite: Visual Arts Grade 11, University/College Preparation or OpenThis course focuses on the refinement of students skills and knowledge in visual arts. Students will analyse art form; use theories of art in analyzing and producing art; and increase their understanding of stylistic changes in modern and contemporary Western art, Canadian (including Native Canadian) art, and art forms from various parts of the world. Students will produce a body of work demonstrating a personal approach.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
LVV4U Classical Civilization, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied, Credit Value 1.0This course allows students to explore the beliefs and achievements of the classical world, which have shaped Western thought and civilization. Students will investigate such aspects of classical culture as its mythology, art, literature, and philosophy, as well as elements of ancient Greek and Latin, through a variety of activities such as dramatizations, audio-visual presentations, and discussions. By reading classical authors in English and examining archaeological evidence, students will enhance both their communication skills and their ability to think critically and creatively.
CGR4M The Environment and Resource Management, (Tentative)
Grade 12, University/College PreparationPrerequisite: Any university, university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English or social sciences and humanities. 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 environment.
CIA4U Analysing Current Economic Issues, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Any university or university/College preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanitiesThis course explores the choices that individuals and societies make about the use of resources in a competitive global economy. Students will use economic concepts and models, as well as methods of economic inquiry, to analyse current economic issues and make informed economic choices based on their analysis.
CHI4U Canadian History, Identity and Culture
Grade 12, University PreparationThis course explores the challenges associated with the formation of a Canadian national identity. Students will examine the social, political, and economic forces that have shaped Canada from the precontact period to the present and will investigate the historical roots of contemporary issues from a variety of perspectives. Students will use critical-thinking and communication skills to consider events and ideas in historical context, debate issues of culture and identity, and present their own views.
CHY4U World History: The West and the World, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanitiesThis course investigates the major trends in Western civilization and world history from the sixteenth century to the present. Students will learn about the interaction between the emerging West and other regions of the world and about the development of modern social, political, and economic systems. The skills and knowledge developed in this course will enable students to understand and appreciate both the character of historical change and the historical roots of contemporary issues.
CLN4U Canadian and International Law, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Any university of university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social studies and humanitiesThis course explores elements of Canadian law and the role of law in social, political, and global contexts. Students will learn about the connections between the historical and philosophical sources of law and issues in contemporary society. They will also learn to analyse legal issues, conduct independent research, and communicate the results of their inquiry in a variety of ways.
CPW4U Canadian and World Politics, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanitiesThis course examines national and international political issues from a variety of perspectives. Students will learn about the rights and responsibilities of individuals, groups, and states within the international community; analyse the different ways in which Canada tries to settle its conflicts with other nations; and evaluate the role of nationalist and internationalist ideologies in shaping relations among states.
CGW4U Canadian and World Issues: A Geographic Analysis Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanitiesThis course draws on geographic concepts, skills, methods and technologies to analyse significant issues facing Canadians as citizens of an interdependent world. Students will examine the challenges of creating a sustainable and equitable future through the study of a range of topics, including economic interdependence, geopolitical conflict, regional disparities in the ability to meet basic human needs, and protection of the planet's life-support system.
HSB4M Challenge and Change in Society
Grade 12, University/College PreparationPrerequisite: Any university, university/college, or college preparation course in social sciences and humanitiers, English, or Canadian and World studies This course examines the theories and methodologies used in anthropology, psychology; and sociology to investigate and explain shifts in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour and their impact on society. Students will analyse cultural, social, and biological patterns in human societies, looking at the ways in which those patterns change over time. Students will also explore the ideas of classical and contemporary social theorists, and will apply those ideas to the analysis of contemporary trends.
SCIENCE
SBI4U Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, Chemistry (SCH3U), Grade 11, Strongly Recommended, University PreparationThis course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge and refined skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.
SCH4U Chemistry, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University PreparationThis course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. Students will further develop problem-solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.
SPH4U Physics, Grade 12, University Preparation
Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, Mathematics (MCB4U), Grade 12 recommended, University PreparationThis course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts and theories of physics. Students will explore further the laws of dynamics and energy transformations, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields; electromagnetic radiation; and the interface between energy and matter. They will further develop inquiry skills, learning, for example, how the interpretation of experimental data can provide indirect evidence to support the development of a scientific model. Students will also consider the impact on society and the environment of technological applications to physics.
