Page 340 - Social Sciences Humanities - The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12 - 2013

Grade 12, University Preparation
A1. Exploring: explore topics related to philosophy, and formulate questions to guide their research;
A2. Investigating: create research plans, and locate and select information relevant to their chosen
topics, using appropriate philosophical research and inquiry methods;
A3. Processing Information: assess, record, analyse, and synthesize information gathered through research and inquiry;
A4. Communicating and Reflecting: communicate the results of their research and inquiry clearly and effectively, and reflect on and evaluate their research, inquiry, and communication skills.
A1. Exploring A2. Investigating
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 9–12 | Social Sciences and Humanities
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
Throughout this course, students will:
A1.1 explore a variety of topics related to philoso­ phy (e.g., the relationship between body and mind; the existence of an afterlife; the nature of a just society; the basis for moral behaviour; the nature and reliability of perception; the relationship between science and metaphysics; the nature of human rights; the rela­ tionship of humankind to other animals and the environment; the relationship between religious
and secular authority in politics; the function of art) to identify topics for research and inquiry
A1.2 identify key concepts (e.g., through discussion, brainstorming, use of visual organizers) related to their selected topics
A1.3 formulate effective questions to guide their research and inquiry
Teacher prompt: “Which philosophical ideas
and problems are you going to examine? What opposing theories should you focus on with respect to these ideas and problems?”
Throughout this course, students will:
A2.1 create appropriate research plans to investi­ gate their selected topics (e.g., outline their pur­ pose, identify sources of information, describe their method – critical reading, argument, explanation)
A2.2 locate and select information relevant to their investigations from a variety of primary sources (e.g., original documents in print or other media, interviews) and secondary sources (e.g., book reviews, textbooks, critical analysis in journals)
A2.3 based on preliminary research, formulate arguments and anticipate counter-arguments
Teacher prompts: “What are the strongest ideas that are emerging from your initial investigation?” “Can you identify a core concept that you could support or prove?” “Can you formulate enough support to defend your point of view effectively?” “Have you found compelling counter-arguments or evi­ dence that would weaken your position?
Is your own support strong enough to refute the counter-arguments?”
A. RESEARCHANDINQUIRYSKILLS∗ OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
Throughout this course, students will:
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∗ In conducting philosophical investigation and argumentation, students develop and apply the research and inquiry skills that are the focus of Strand A as well as the philosophical reasoning and critical thinking skills that are addressed in Strand B. These skills are interconnected and must be developed and applied in conjunction with each other within the context of the expectations in the core and supplementary topic strands of this course.