Social Studies Report Card

Aislyn’s views and rating of the aspects of socials

 

Subject Skill level Interest Level Notes
History B B Retaining specific historical events in my memory is difficult, but then again for a number of years the only parts of history that were taught were indigenous studies and the very surface of Christopher Columbus and his impacts. However, I find learning more about how we got to where we are intriguing, and also valuable when taught without the traditional angle of static textbooks.
Political Science A A+ I studied political sciences last year and learned quite a bit. Even though I may not agree with every aspect of various political systems, it matters to me how our, and other countries, are run and how that affects each citizen individually.
Economics B B Economics has never really been a large part of my social studies experience, but through watching the news, reading the paper and other activities of the sort I have occasionally seen segments and statistics that I find captivating, or that peak my interest. I have an open mind, economics, wow me.
Sociology

Anthropology

 A A+ Human society has always been an intriguing and rather dystopian concept for me. I certainly don’t love the way it functions, and I am one of the first to pick out its flaws, but that does not halt the level of interest I have for the topic. One of the most interesting parts of sociology for me is the way it changes drastically between different groups of people, depending on location.
Philosophy C A+ I have never really had any experience with philosophy, nor for quite a while a definitive answer to exactly what it is. I think that I will find philosophy a relieving break from logic and static reality. I am intrigued and ready to be engulfed in the study of philosophy.

 

 

Where am I headed? That’s an interesting question.

It is my history for my interest in subjects and certain aspects of those thereof, to be mostly determined by the way they are taught and who they are taught by. I must say that I am very confident that this year will be very productive and inspiring for me.

 

My goal for social studies this year is to get a little taste for many different aspect of the subject, so that I can accurately assess where my interests lie in regards to the topics mentioned in the first question and more. With this knowledge, I will be able to chose where I would like to excel, be it philosophy, political science, or any topics of the sort. I am sure that socials in some respect will be a course I carry with me throughout my education.

 

My interest is peaked by an assortment of aspects of social studies. Some of these include:

 

 

Political Science

The way our country has arrived to where it is, all the conflicts, controversies, policies,  protests, and other means of action that now we see as mere pebbles on the rough and grainy path of canadian history, is a huge part of political science in my eyes. Of course, this ties in to where we are now, how we deal with issues modernly, and how much of a say, and political freedom, is given to people in current diplomatic affairs. Knowing and analyzing what happens currently helps us see into what our future as a nation, and world community, will look like. We can identify patterns and see if perhaps history realistically repeats itself.

 

 

Sociology

Human society is a very complex and intricate system, with many layers of ever changing structures and operations. It differs between people, cultures, and places on this earth. It depends on each individuals and their values, their visions, their aspirations, the people around them, and their sense of individuality, along with many their factors that all play into one main theme of society. Our views of society and the way others perceive our views of society are very different. I see myself as a person who can distance myself from the society that I live in, and have lived in all my life, and assess it critically.

 

 

Philosophy

As I touched on in my ‘socials report card’, I really have had very little experience with philosophy, or at least not that I have realized. I enjoy debates and discussions, sharing opinions collectively or competitively. I always walk in with an open mind and out with a new perspective to consider on the topic. I have strong opinions but also willingness, I am always glad to have respectful conversations. Philosophy is something that i am definitely looking forward to this year.

 

Some challenges I face in regards to social studies include those of storing precise information such as dates and names, and biting off more than I can chew for projects. I must work on being specific and concise for my projects, and find a strategy that will help me effectively remember important particulars. Re-opening my mind after I have not enjoyed a past experience with a subject is definitely something that I will improve and keep in mind this year. This problem is related to what I stated in the ‘Where am I headed?’  question.

 

 

Columbus, the Indians, and Human progress

 

This topic that we investigated in class is a demonstration of history in social studies, and a verification of my struggles and strengths in this area. Doing the reading, annotations, and comprehension assessments has helped me with thinking about answers for these questions by reminding me of what I need to work on and what I advance in. It represents what I spoke about in the first question, under the ‘History’ category;

 

Retaining specific historical events in my memory is difficult, but then again for a number of years the only parts of history that were taught were indigenous studies and the very surface of Christopher Columbus and his impacts. However, I find learning more about how we got to where we are intriguing, and also valuable when taught without the traditional angle of static textbooks.