Page 509 - THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | Canadian and World Studies

INTRODUCTION
Politics involves the study of how societies are governed, how public policy is developed, and how power is distributed. It also concerns how citizens take public action, working for the common good within communities at the local, national, and/or global level. Political inquiry involves the exploration of political concepts, processes, practices, issues, and trends, and the development of an understanding of the importance of political engagement and how and why the interests and perspectives of stakeholders may differ. Through such inquiry, students clarify and generate support for their own positions on a variety
of issues. The study of politics also enables students to develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities and to explore various elements of the citizenship education framework.
Strands
The Grade 11 politics course has four strands, while the Grade 12 politics course has five strands. In both courses, strand A, Political Inquiry and Skill Development, is followed by content strands, which are organized thematically.
Citizenship Education
The expectations in the Grade 11 and 12 politics courses provide opportunities for students to explore a number of concepts connected to the citizenship education framework (see page 13).
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POLITICS