Citizenship As a Core Concept in Social Studies
Citizenship skills enable students to develop good relations with others, to work in cooperative ways toward achieving common goals, and to collaborate with others for the well-being of their communities. These interpersonal skills focus on cooperation, conflict resolution, taking responsibility, accepting differences, building consensus, negotiation, collaborative decision making, and learning to deal with dissent and disagreement.
Role of Citizenship in Social Studies
Citizenship is the core concept that provides the learning focus for social studies at all grades. To identify the skills, knowledge, and values that students will need as active democratic citizens, social studies must take into account the society in which students live and anticipate the challenges they will face in the future. Citizenship is a fluid concept that changes over time: its meaning is often contested, and it is subject to interpretation and continuing debate. Achievement of the learning outcomes identified in this Framework will prepare students to participate in the public dialogue that characterizes any democracy and that plays an important role in Canadian society. As students engage in this dialogue, they will enhance their understanding of citizenship in Canada and the world, and will be better prepared to become active participants in their communities, locally, nationally, and globally. Rationale for Citizenship Education Citizenship education is fundamental to living in a democratic society. The concept of citizenship takes on meaning in specific contexts and is determined by time and place. Diverse notions of citizenship have been used in the past and are being used in the present, for both good and ill. Throughout much of history, citizenship has been exclusionary, class-based, racist, and sexist. In Canada, for instance, First Nations parents were forced to send their children to residential schools in the interests of citizenship. The concept of citizenship must be considered within the context of democracy, human rights, and public debate. Social studies provides opportunities for students to explore the complexities of citizenship.
Active Democratic Citizenship in Canada
Since citizenship issues are rooted in the past, Canadian history occupies an important place in the social studies curriculum. Canada is regionally diverse and geographically expansive. It is organized as a federal parliamentary monarchy, with a mixed, although largely capitalist, economy. It is a bilingual and multicultural country committed to pluralism, human rights, and democracy. Canada is regarded as one of the most prosperous, peaceful, and democratic countries in the world, although it still has its share of economic and social injustices and inequities. Canada is a complex country that requires special qualities in its citizens. These citizenship qualities include:
Canadian Citizenship for the Future
For the foreseeable future, Canadian citizens will likely continue to face issues such as
Citizenship in the Global Context
Canada does not exist in isolation; it is part of a global community that is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent. Many of the most serious problems facing the world must be dealt with on a global basis. The nation-state—including Canada—is under increasing challenge, externally from the forces of globalization, and internally from demands for more local or regional autonomy. The world also continues to be characterized by severe disparities between rich and poor countries. This disparity violates the basic principles of social justice and human dignity, and, at the same time, gives rise to dangerous tensions and rivalries. War and violence continue to be a common means of addressing internal and international disputes, and, because of developments in weapons technology, are becoming ever more destructive. In these circumstances, Canadian citizens need to think and act globally as well as nationally.
Environmental Citizenship
Underlying both national and global realities, and the responsibilities they impose on citizens, is the increasing fragility of the natural environment. Quality of life depends upon the sustainability of the environment. This places a particularly important responsibility on citizens, who must ultimately balance the demands of economic growth and high living standards against respect for the environment and the needs of future generations.
Students will explore concepts of identity, culture, and community in relation to individuals, societies, and nations.
Many factors influence identity and life in communities, including culture, language, history, and shared beliefs and values. Identity is subject to time and place, and is shaped by a multiplicity of personal, social, and economic factors. A critical consideration of identity, culture, and community provides students with opportunities to explore the symbols and expressions of their own and others’ cultural and social groups. Through a study of the ways in which people live together and express themselves in communities, societies, and nations, students enhance their understanding of diverse perspectives and develop their competencies as social beings. This process enables them to reflect upon their roles as individuals and citizens so as to become contributing members of their groups and communities.
The specific learning outcomes within Identity, Culture, and Community include concepts such as human interaction and interdependence, cultural diversity, national identities, and pluralism.
Students will explore the dynamic relationships of people with the land, places, and environments.
People exist in dynamic relationships with the land. The exploration of people’s relationships with places and environments creates an understanding of human dependence and impact upon the natural environment. Students explore how spatial and physical characteristics of the environment affect human life, cultures, and societies. They consider how connections to the land influence their identities and define their roles and responsibilities as citizens, locally, nationally, and globally.
The specific learning outcomes within The Land: Places and People focus on geographic understanding and skills, and concepts such as sustainability, stewardship, and the relationship between people and the land.
Students will explore how people, events, and ideas of the past shape the present and influence the future.
The past shapes who we are. An exploration of Canadian and world history enables students to acquire knowledge and appreciation of the past, to understand the present, and to live with regard for the future. An important aspect of this process is the disciplined investigation and interpretation of history. Students learn to think historically as they explore people, events, ideas, and evidence of the past. As they reflect upon diverse perspectives, personal narratives, parallel accounts, and oral and social histories, students develop the historical understanding that provides a foundation for active democratic citizenship.
The specific learning outcomes within Historical Connections enable students to develop an interest in the past, and focus on chronological thinking, historical understanding, and concepts such as progress, decline, continuity, and change.
Students will explore the global interdependence of people, communities, societies, nations, and environments.
People, communities, societies, nations, and environments are interdependent. An exploration of this interdependence enhances students’ global consciousness and helps them develop empathy with respect to the human condition. Students critically consider diverse perspectives as they examine the connections that link local, national, and global communities. Consideration of global connections enables students to expand their knowledge of the world in which they live and to engage in active democratic citizenship.
The specific learning outcomes within Global Interdependence focus on human rights and responsibilities, diversity and commonality, quality of life and equity, globalization, international cooperation and conflict, and global environmental concerns.
Students will explore the processes and structures of power and authority, and their implications for individuals, relationships, communities, and nations.
Power and authority influence all human relationships. Students critically examine the distribution, exercise, and implications of power and authority in everyday life and in formal settings. They consider diverse forms of governance and leadership, and inquire into issues of fairness and equity. This exploration helps students develop a sense of personal empowerment as active democratic citizens.
The specific learning outcomes within Power and Authority include concepts such as political structures and decision making, governance, justice, rules and laws, conflict and conflict resolution, and war and peace.
Students will explore the distribution of resources and wealth in relation to individuals, communities, and nations.
The management and distribution of resources and wealth have a direct impact on human societies and quality of life. Students explore the effects of economic interdependence on individuals, communities, and nations in the global context. They examine economic factors that affect decision making, the use of resources, and the development of technologies. As students explore diverse perspectives regarding human needs, wants, and quality of life, they critically consider the social and environmental implications of the distribution of resources and technologies, locally, nationally, and globally.
The specific learning outcomes within Economics and Resources include concepts such as trade, commerce, and industry, access to resources, economic disparities, economic systems, and globalization.
Information-management skills enable students to access, select, organize, and record information and ideas using a variety of sources, tools, and technologies. These skills include inquiry and research skills that enhance historical and geographical thinking.
Critical and creative thinking skills enable students to make observations and decisions, to solve problems, and to devise forward-thinking strategies. These skills involve making connections among concepts and applying a variety of tools. Critical thinking involves the use of criteria and evidence to make reasoned judgements.
These judgements include distinguishing fact from opinion and interpretation, evaluating information and ideas, identifying perspectives and bias, and considering the consequences of decisions and actions. Creative thinking emphasizes divergent thinking, the generation of ideas and possibilities, and the exploration of diverse approaches to questions.
Communication skills enable students to interpret and express ideas clearly and purposefully using a variety of media. These skills include the development of oral, visual, print, and media literacy, and the use of information and communication technologies for the exchange of information and ideas.
Students explore what makes them unique, considering their abilities and interests, and identify groups and places that are important to them. They also examine rules and responsibilities and study basic needs.
Students identify the people who care for them and influence their lives. They explore different ways of cooperating, communicating, and solving problems in order to live and work together with others. Students also begin to examine time by investigating recurring events in their lives.
Students study the world around them, exploring the physical environment of their local neighbourhood and learning that they live in a country called Canada. They learn that although all people have the same basic needs, they have different ways of meeting those needs.
Students explore their environment. They study maps and globes, locate themselves in their community, in Manitoba, and in Canada, and discover various aspects of their community, including the natural environment and important landmarks and places. They also explore the national aspects of official languages and Canada's national anthem. In addition, students distinguish between needs and wants, and explore how the media influence choices.
Students explore their responsibilities and rights as members of communities and learn various ways people help and depend upon one another. They consider diverse and similar ways people live, meet their needs, express themselves, and influence each other. They also explore the purpose of rules and the causes of and solutions to conflict.
Students focus on various aspects of communities. They locate their local communities on a map and explore the influence of the natural environment, important people and leaders, and cultural groups in their communities. Through stories of their local community, past and present, students become aware of their identity and heritage. They also consider their personal contributions to leadership and peaceful conflict resolution.
Students enhance their awareness of the cultural and geographic diversity of Canada through the study of one Aboriginal community and one other Canadian community. They explore natural and constructed features of communities and examine concepts related to natural resources, work, goods, and services, and how these factors shape life in communities. They also discover how communities have changed over time.
Students explore different aspects of Canada, including national symbols, the origins of place names, and the presence and influence of diverse languages and cultural communities. They examine the diverse yet similar aspects of the Canadian community and how people in communities meet their needs. They also locate Canada on a map and consider connections that link Canada to other countries.
Students examine the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens and explore their connections with other Canadians. This includes a focus on Canada's national anthem and Remembrance Day. Students also consider community influences and interactions related to identity, leadership, and decision-making, and explore ways of dealing with conflict and bullying.
Students are introduced to world geography and the use of maps and images to represent geographic concepts such as borders, hemispheres, and the equator. They explore common concerns and connections between world communities. They also examine human rights, the role of community services, and the effects of personal decisions.
Students enrich their appreciation of global diversity as they explore communities and cultures in other places of the world. Students explore the elements that constitute a culture and examine the physical, social, and cultural characteristics of two contemporary communities of the world, one of which is an indigenous community.
Students explore life in one ancient society selected from a choice of Egypt, China, Japan, the Vikings, Incas, Mayas, or Aztecs. They consider various aspects of that society, including its ways of life, cultural expressions, customs and traditions, and enduring contributions.
Students study the physical geography of Manitoba and Canada, including the political boundaries and geographic regions of Canada.
Students enhance their awareness of Canada by examining various aspects of government, leadership, and power, including concepts related to citizenship and democracy. This study includes a focus on national, provincial, and territorial symbols, monuments, and commemorative days.
Students explore the physical and natural environment, people, places, and communities of Manitoba. They also consider Manitoba's contributions and links to the rest of the world.
Students explore important events and individuals from Manitoba's past. This study includes a focus on early settlement, contributions of diverse cultural communities, and ways in which life in Manitoba has changed over time.
Students explore one of Canada's northern territories. They consider the physical and human geography of the territory studied, which includes a focus on stories, traditions, and changes in ways of life in Canada's North. Students examine Aboriginal contributions, as well as the contribution of the North to the Canadian community.
Students explore First Peoples' ways of life before and during their early contact with Europeans, which includes a focus on the daily life, leadership, culture, and beliefs of First Peoples communities. Students also consider traditional territories of First Peoples and their connections with the natural environment.
Students examine causes and consequences of European exploration and settlement in early Canada. This study includes a focus on individuals and places of the period, as well as daily life of French and British colonists and their relationships with First Peoples. Students explore the influence of the environment, resources, trade, and conflict during the establishment of the French and British colonial empires. They also study the Acadian deportation, settlement of Nouvelle-France, and the British conquest of Nouvelle-France.
Students explore the influence of the fur trade on the exploration, westward and northward expansion, and historical development of Canada. This study includes a focus on explorers and other groups associated with the fur trade, social and economic aspects of the fur trade, rivalry between the Hudson's Bay Company and North West Company, the rise of the Métis Nation, and settlement of the Red River colony.
Students examine life and citizenship in British North America. This study includes a focus on the United Empire Loyalists, War of 1812, Selkirk Settlement, 1837 to 1838 Rebellions, and the people, issues, and events surrounding the origins of Canadian Confederation. Students explore cultural diversity in early Canada, including relationships between Europeans, First Peoples, and Métis people. They also consider issues related to traditional Métis lands and communities, immigration, culture, and identity.
Students examine life in post-Confederation Canada. They explore the expansion of Canada through the addition of new provinces and territories, including the influence of individuals and events of this time. Students focus on the entry of Manitoba into Confederation, establishment of treaties and reserves, building of railroads, role of the North West Mounted Police, the 1885 Resistance, and the gold rushes. Students consider the impact of immigration and hardships faced by new settlers. They also study cultural diversity, including the evolving relationships between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and the Canadian government, and relationships between anglophones and francophones.
Students examine Canada as a newly emerging nation. This study includes a focus on the Winnipeg General Strike, the Depression, the causes and events of the two World Wars, and Canada's involvement in these wars. Students explore social, political, and economic changes that occurred during this period, such as women's suffrage, urbanization, and technological developments.
Students explore factors that have shaped contemporary Canadian life. This study includes a focus on the impact of global events and forces, Canadian involvement in international organizations and world conflicts, and the impact of technological and industrial advancements. Students also study developments regarding Aboriginal rights and the evolution of Canada as a bilingual and multicultural nation.
Students explore Canadian governance, citizenship, and identity, and the ideals, responsibilities, and rights of democracy. This study includes a focus on electoral processes, as well as federal, provincial, First Nations, and municipal governments, and the responsibilities of elected representatives. Students examine issues related to the protection and expression of culture and identity and the role of various groups and organizations in the promotion of identity and democratic rights. Students also consider the influence of the natural environment, as well as the contributions of past generations in shaping modern-day Canada.
Students examine human and physical geography and their connections. This study includes a focus on maps and mapping, population clusters, principal regions, bodies of water, vegetation and climatic zones, more and less developed nations, and time zones.
Students examine environmental, social, and cultural factors that affect quality of life for people in Canada and other places in the world. This study includes a focus on concepts related to universal human rights, diverse cultural perspectives, citizenship and democracy, identity, and discrimination. Students examine the role of international agencies and global cooperation, the relationship between wealth, resources, and power, as well as the impact of their personal actions on quality of life for people in other places.
Students examine how various factors shape ways of life in one contemporary society, selected from a choice of Asia, Africa, or Australasia. This study includes a focus on environmental, historical, social, political, and cultural issues, as well as a focus on indigenous peoples. Students also explore economic activities, including work and trade, and consider the impact of technological change, urbanization, industrialization, and westernization within the selected society.
Students examine the impact of human activities in one contemporary society, selected from a choice of Europe or the Americas. This study includes a focus on environmental, social, political, cultural, and economic issues. Students explore historical events, climate change, technological development and urbanization, use of natural resources, food production and distribution, and consumerism. They also consider concepts related to sustainable development. Finally, as students assess the consequences of their personal actions and choices, they come to understand their roles as citizens in an increasingly interdependent world.
In Cluster 1, students explore concepts related to society, civilization, and world view. This study includes a focus on stories and theories of the origin and development of human life and the transition from hunter-gatherer to agrarian ways of life. In addition, students examine ways in which societies change or remain the same, how they organize and perpetuate themselves, and how the natural environment influences their development. Students also study various sources of historical knowledge and consider the importance of knowing and understanding the past.
Cluster 2 begins with a brief world overview, focusing on Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China from about 3500 to 500 BCE. Students then explore life in one early society, selected from a choice of Mesopotamia, Egypt, or the Indus Valley. This comprehensive study includes a focus on the physical environment and the social, political, technological, and cultural aspects of the selected society.
Cluster 3 begins with a brief world overview, focusing on China, Greece, Rome, Persia, and the Mayas from about 500 BCE to 500 CE. This overview includes a consideration of world religions that emerged during this time period. Students then explore life in ancient societies of both Greece and Rome. This comprehensive study focuses on the physical environment and the social, cultural, political, economic, and technological issues of these societies. Students consider the enduring qualities of the art, architecture, science, and ideas of ancient Greece and Rome, and explore their influence on the contemporary world.
Cluster 4 has a global perspective. It begins with a brief world overview, focusing on China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from about 500 to 1400. Students then explore individuals and events in selected places in the world during this time period. This study includes a focus on the impact of the fall of Rome, the rise of Islam, Arab conquests and Viking invasions, life in medieval Europe, and the expansion of the Mongol and Ottoman Empires. Students examine the significance and impact of technological development and the spread of ideas during this period.
Cluster 5 begins with a brief world overview, focusing on Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas from about 1400 to 1850. Students then explore individuals, ideas, and events related to the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, global exploration, and the Industrial Revolution. Students also focus on the impact of changing social and political ideas and advances in science and technology.