Grade 11 - Social Studies 20-4 (2007) - Key Issues

Social Studies

Should we embrace nationalism?

Should nation be the foundation of identity? 

 Should nations pursue the national interest? 

Should internationalism be pursued?

Should individuals and groups in Canada embrace a national identity? 

appreciate that understandings of identity, nation and nationalism continue to evolve

appreciate the existence of alternative viewpoints on the meaning of nation

appreciate how the forces of nationalism have shaped, and continue to shape, Canada and the world

appreciate why peoples seek to promote their identity through nationalism 

explore a range of expressions of nationalism

develop understandings of nation and nationalism; e.g., relationship to land, geographic, collective, civic, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, political, religious

examine relationships among nations, states and nation–states 

examine nationalism as an internalized feeling, collective consciousness and/or identity shared by a people; e.g., Canadian nationalism, Québécois nationalism, First Nations and Métis nationalism, Inuit perspectives

examine the relative importance of reconciling contending nationalist loyalties; e.g., First Nations and Métis nationalism, Inuit perspectives, ethnic nationalism in Canada, Canadian nationalism

appreciate that nations and states pursue the national interest 

appreciate multiple perspectives related to the pursuit of the national interest

explore a range of expressions of national interest

explore the relationship between nationalism and the pursuit of the national interest 

examine similarities and differences between nationalism and ultranationalism

identify the effects of nationalism and ultranationalism during times of conflict; e.g., examples of nationalism and ultranationalism from the First and Second World Wars, internments in Canada

examine ultranationalism as a cause of genocide; e.g., the Holocaust

examine the relationship between nationalism and national self-determination; e.g., Québécois nationalism and the sovereignty movement; First Nations, Métis and Inuit self-government; contemporary examples 

express an interest in current events and world affairs 

appreciate the relationships among human beings in an interdependent world

demonstrate understanding of a global consciousness of the human condition and world affairs

explore understandings of internationalism

explore the motives of nation- and state-involvement in international affairs; e.g., economic stability, self-determination, peace, security and humanitarianism

explore how internationalism can be promoted by foreign policy; e.g., peacekeeping, foreign aid

examine the extent to which organizations promote internationalism; e.g., United Nations, World Council of Indigenous Peoples, European Union, l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie

examine how the pursuit of internationalism impacts attempts to address contemporary issues; e.g., conflict, poverty, environment, human rights

appreciate historical and contemporary attempts to develop a national identity

appreciate contrasting historical and contemporary narratives associated with national identity

respect the views of others on alternative visions of national identity

explore multiple perspectives on national identity in Canada

explore methods used by individuals, groups and governments in Canada to promote a national identity; e.g., national symbols, institutions, government programs

identify historical perspectives of Canada as a nation; e.g., Fathers of Confederation, First Nations treaties and the Indian Act, Métis and Inuit self-governance, Pierre Trudeau

explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the promotion of Canadian national unity; e.g., Québec sovereignty, federal–provincial–territorial relations, Aboriginal selfdetermination and land claims, bilingualism and multiculturalism

examine various perspectives on future visions of Canada; e.g., pluralism, multination model, separatism, global leader, Aboriginal self-determination, North American integration

develop personal and collective visions of national identity