The 2022-2023 year is off to a strong start in the History/First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies/ Geography/Law/ and Social Studies Department. In addition to our engaging required courses (Gr. 9 Geography and Gr. 10 Canadian History and/or Gr. 10 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada), the Department has many very popular optional senior courses, including:
- Grade 11 Understanding Canadian Law
- Grade 11 American History
- Grade 11 Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology
- Grade 11 World Religions
- Grade 11 Ancient Civilizations
- Grade 12 Deconstructing Anti-Black Racism in a North American Context
- Grade 12 World History: The West and the World – Since the 15th Century
- Grade 12 Canadian and International Law
- Grade 12 Challenge and Change in Society
- Grade 12 Philosophy
The History/First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies/ Geography/Law/ and Social Studies Department also takes a lead role in preparations for the Remembrance Month and the Remembrance Day Assembly. We have also been hosting a Holocaust Assembly, and for 15 years with honoured ESA Community Member, Survivor, award winning author, and Order of Canada recipient, Max Eisen (recently departed). We also prepare for the Black History Month events in February. The rich diversity of courses on offer is indicative of the multi-talented and capable members within the Department. Many department members lead extra-curriculars, individually, and collaboratively, all working to enrich student and staff experience at ESA (an example of this is the work done in conjunction with all majors to put on the annual Because I am a Girl show).
As a Department, we are committed to diversifying our curriculum, helping students to explore leading-edge ideas and social trends through the lenses of equity and inquiry-based learning. Transformative Indigenous studies inclusion, working relationally and responsibly with the TDSBs Urban Indigenous Education Centre, is one such area for collaborative learning and growth. Indigenous Ways of Knowing and testimonies of healing and reconciliation, as part of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, are playing important roles in our classrooms. As co-learners, we are working with students to understand the complexity of this legacy and its meaning for Canada. Additionally, ESA has been fortunate enough to have been part of the inaugural launch of the Grade 12 Deconstructing Anti-Black Racism in a North American Context; a course that has great student interest and attendance.
The History/First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies/ Geography/Law/ and Social Studies Department is also committed to helping students make connections between their courses and the real-world. Guest speakers are a common occurrence in our classrooms so if you have real-world experience in any social justice, history, or social studies areas, please contact christos.vritsios@tdsb.on.ca.
We welcome your input and suggestions. Please contact Christos Vritsios, ACL of History/First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies/ Geography/Law/ and Social Studies Department.at Christos.Vritsios@tdsb.on.ca