Welcome to Grade 8 Individuals and Societies
Individuals and Societies 8 is a survey of Japan’s place in the world, which will include an investigation on its geography, economics, politics and government and history.
This course will challenge you and develop critical thought and extended thinking. You will improve your skills applicable to Social Studies such as historical understanding, inquiry, conducting research, analysis of texts, understanding historical and geographical documents such as diagrams, maps, photographs, and videos.
Assessment
In a typical quarter students will have two major assessments, two quizzes and be graded on their binder and class participation.
LATE POLICY: All assignments are due on the assigned day. Any assignments submitted after the due date will be penalized a 2% deduction per day including weekends.
The course is divided into 4 units:
Assessment
LATE POLICY: All assignments are due on the assigned day. Any assignments submitted after the due date will be penalized a 2% deduction per day including weekends.
The course is divided into 4 units:
Quarter 1: What is Japan like? (8 weeks)
This unit begins by looking at Japan’s main physical features and how the Japanese have responded to it's natural hazards. We will look at how and why Japan has changed over time through its interactions with other cultures and its belief systems. We will explore the location of industry in Japan and how rapid economic development in the 20th Century has affected the environment. Finally students will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Japan as being a prominent member of an interdependent global society.
Quarter 2: How are societies governed: Case Study - Japan (8 weeks)
‘Politics’ is a word of Greek origin that refers to the systems of governance used to run a society. In this unit we will find out about different systems of governance that are used to run societies. We explore case studies of countries that use monarchy, democracy and dictatorship including those that overlap, for example a constitutional monarchy which is in place in Japan. Students will have to prepare for an in class debate on, ‘Is monarchy a fair system of governance?’ During their studies the students will examine differences in how Japan has been governed over time.
Quarter 3: Patterns of Interaction and Japan (8 weeks)
In this unit we will seek an understanding of, well, the history of Japan. Our goals will be to better appreciate the relevance of the past in shaping modern Japan. Our study will be focused on how trade, migration, westernization, the spread of religions and conflict have shaped Japan and its culture over time. In addition to learning the said content, we will also seek to improve writing, speaking, and critical and analytical thinking skills.
Quarter 4: Japan’s economic miracle (8 weeks)
In the final quarter of the year we will investigate Japan’s economy post World War II up until the present day. Students will analyse reasons for its rapid growth and compare its economy to other Asian Tigers such as Singapore and South Korea. Within this unit students will be exposed to different types of economies and will be able to identify and explain their characteristics as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
This course will challenge you and develop critical thought and extended thinking. You will improve your skills applicable to Social Studies such as historical understanding, inquiry, conducting research, analysis of texts, understanding historical and geographical documents such as diagrams, maps, photographs, and videos.
Assessment
In a typical quarter students will have two major assessments, two quizzes and be graded on their binder and class participation.
LATE POLICY: All assignments are due on the assigned day. Any assignments submitted after the due date will be penalized a 2% deduction per day including weekends.
The course is divided into 4 units:
- Quarter 1: What is Japan like?
- Quarter 2: How are societies governed?: Case Study - Japan
- Quarter 3: Patterns of Interaction and Japan
- Quarter 4:Japan’s Economic Miracle
Assessment
- Quarterly Assessments Breakdown
- Major Assessments 70%
- Quizzes 20%
- Student binder = 10%
LATE POLICY: All assignments are due on the assigned day. Any assignments submitted after the due date will be penalized a 2% deduction per day including weekends.
The course is divided into 4 units:
Quarter 1: What is Japan like? (8 weeks)
This unit begins by looking at Japan’s main physical features and how the Japanese have responded to it's natural hazards. We will look at how and why Japan has changed over time through its interactions with other cultures and its belief systems. We will explore the location of industry in Japan and how rapid economic development in the 20th Century has affected the environment. Finally students will explore the opportunities and challenges facing Japan as being a prominent member of an interdependent global society.
Quarter 2: How are societies governed: Case Study - Japan (8 weeks)
‘Politics’ is a word of Greek origin that refers to the systems of governance used to run a society. In this unit we will find out about different systems of governance that are used to run societies. We explore case studies of countries that use monarchy, democracy and dictatorship including those that overlap, for example a constitutional monarchy which is in place in Japan. Students will have to prepare for an in class debate on, ‘Is monarchy a fair system of governance?’ During their studies the students will examine differences in how Japan has been governed over time.
Quarter 3: Patterns of Interaction and Japan (8 weeks)
In this unit we will seek an understanding of, well, the history of Japan. Our goals will be to better appreciate the relevance of the past in shaping modern Japan. Our study will be focused on how trade, migration, westernization, the spread of religions and conflict have shaped Japan and its culture over time. In addition to learning the said content, we will also seek to improve writing, speaking, and critical and analytical thinking skills.
Quarter 4: Japan’s economic miracle (8 weeks)
In the final quarter of the year we will investigate Japan’s economy post World War II up until the present day. Students will analyse reasons for its rapid growth and compare its economy to other Asian Tigers such as Singapore and South Korea. Within this unit students will be exposed to different types of economies and will be able to identify and explain their characteristics as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
