Complementary Courses
The following is a list of complementary courses available over a three year period. Not all courses are offered every year.
Canadian History 20 (6 Credits – see course descriptions below)
Pre-requisite: None
This course introduces students to the early foundation through to 1815, the emergence from colonialism (1815-1849), creation of a nation (1849-1867), nation building (1867-1896), a maturing nation (1896-1911), a nation in trial, and the modern nation.
Western Canadian History 20 (3 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course covers the following topics: Indian pioneers, fur trade and exploration; impact of United States on Western Canada; settlement and immigration, the Canadian Pacific Railway; responsible government and provincial autonomy, Western alienation, the Depression and Western political response, and the Western Canadian mystique.
Western World History 30 (3 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course covers the following topics: geographic survey of the Western world; the classical heritage; the medieval synthesis and the beginnings of national movements; absolutism; science, technology and progress; equality and revolution; nationalism and imperialism.
Contemporary Western Philosophy 20 (3 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course introduces students to what philosophy is, the need for philosophy, the historical roots of contemporary philosophy, systematic approaches to the traditional problems of philosophy, expressions of a major philosophy, analysis of a major philosophy, the value of philosophical thought as a basis for an individual philosophy.
Origins of Western Philosophy 20 (3 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course introduces students to what philosophy is and the need for philosophy in our society. Units of study include: the need for philosophy, transition from mythological understanding to philosophical reflection, search for an ultimate element, search for a principle or order and harmony, the problems of identity and change, shift of interest from physical speculation toward human life, Plato’s world of ideas, and The Aristotelian universe.
Personal Psychology 20 (3 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course covers the following units of study: introduction to psychology, personality, behaviour, intelligence, heredity and environment, biological influences on behaviour, and understanding perception.
The Human Condition 15 (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: None (grades 9 +)
This course is the introductory level for this progressive Human Rights program. It is an interdisciplinary subject that combines elements of History, Philosophy, Political Science, Law, Religion and Ethics. Units of study include: the evolution of human rights, the theory of human rights in a historical context, human rights in a contemporary context, and a case study of the Holocaust as it pertains to Human Rights. 20 hours of volunteer work with a relevant community group is required to complete this course.
The Human Condition 25 (5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Recommend The Human Condition 15 (grades 10 – 12 only)
This course is the second in the series and is designed to build upon the knowledge obtained in The Human Condition 15 by investigating the key factors that contribute to the human condition in a variety of settings worldwide. Units of study include: modern and post-modern ideologies in the human condition, the impact of social, economic and environmental conditions that affect the human condition in developed and developing nations as well as the advantages and disadvantages of organizations that affect the Human Condition. 20 hours of volunteer work with a relevant community group is required to complete this course.
The Human Condition 35 (grades 11 & 12 only)(5 credits)
Pre-requisite: Recommend The Human Condition 25
This is the final course in the series and further extends the previously presented material to include International relations and cultural influences on humans. Units of study include the complexities in human interactions, the importance of international law, protection systems, politics, and Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s), as well as completing an action plan for future involvement. 20 hours of volunteer work with a relevant community group is required to complete this course.
** Students entering grades 11 or 12 intending to travel internationally with Westmount Charter School should be enrolled in, or have already completed The Human Condition 25 and/or 35.
Speech & Debate 15 (grades 9- 12) (3 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course introduces students to the effective use of language and how it is essential to achieve greater success in all curriculum areas. Units of study include: lifelong application of language skills, the interrelatedness of listening, speaking, reading, writing and viewing, strengthening research skills, development of higher level cognitive skills, as well as strengthening the use of language to communicate understandings, ideas and feelings. These skills assist with the student’s development of social and personal skills. Students will have opportunities to experience language in functional, artistic and pleasurable activities, such as Speech & Debate competitions.
Legal Studies (grades 9-12)(min. 3 credits)
This course presents students with basic and practical information about the law. Students will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to respond appropriately to the affect of law in their daily lives. They will also be equipped with the capabilities and confidence required to participate in the changing of laws. Students will gain an awareness of the many law-related occupational opportunities that are available.
Creative Writing and Publishing 15/25 (6 credits)
Pre-requisite: LA 9
Students will follow their writing interests and passions, writing in a variety of specific creative writing genres. Students will build and manage their own digital portfolios and participate in an actual publishing process. This course is created by, and offered with the permission of, Calgary Board of Education.
Journalism (grade 8 & 9)
In this course students will look at the role journalists play a role in informing society. Students will have the opportunity to develop journalistic skills through research and writing. They will also look at the industry of media and the potential for work in the area.
ENVIRONMENTAL/OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Environmental/Outdoor Education II (grade 8 and 9)
Pre-requisite: at least one year of Environment / Outdoor Education
The second year of the Westmount Outdoor Education program will focus on outdoor recreation end environmental sustainability in a wilderness setting. Calgary’s close proximity to innumerable wilderness options represents a multitude of possible outdoor recreational experiences for students. Having completed one year of EOE, students will be aware of the need for combining responsibility and integrity with any outdoor activity. Moving these to a wilderness setting will require a deeper look into systems and processes both at a recreational and scientific level. Students will take part in various educational and recreational based trips including at least one overnight excursion to a wilderness area. Focus on responsibility, fitness and understanding will be the key.
Environmental/Outdoor Education- III (3 credits)
Pre-requisite: at least one year of Environment / Outdoor Education
The third level of the Westmount Outdoor Education program will focus on outdoor recreation and environmental sustainability as an overall way of looking at our world. The modules for this course represent a different way of looking at the natural world including conservation, economics, sustainability, societal health, tourism and recreation. Combining forestry, wilderness and tourism looks at the outdoor recreation experience from many different and compatible angles. Students will take part in various excursions urban and rural, focusing on responsible wilderness travel and recreation. The culmination of this will be a group appropriate, multi-day wilderness trip.
Physical Education 20/30 (3 credits each)
Pre-requisite: Physical Education 10
This course puts an emphasis on differentiated learning. The students are exposed to aspects of the general outcomes (Activity, Benefits Health, Cooperation and Do It Daily For Life). The course expands from the school environment to introduce students into various community programs. Similar to the PE 10 program, the PE 20 program follows the student-centered wellness/fitness program design: identify physical activity interest, set goals based upon interest, design “in-class” training program with planned assessment methods, experience common community physical activity programs (i.e. yoga, pilates, fitness classes, weight room activities, athletic training, etc.), experience common resistance training methods in typical fitness centers, experience a variety of athletic training methods. Students will also participate in a variety of land or water based activities in alternative environments, such as scuba diving, aqua-aerobics, diving, snorkeling or aquatic games. Students also participate in a wide variety of dance experiences to enhance development of creative, expressive and rhythmical movements. Games designed to develop individual and manipulative skills, techniques, strategies and spatial and teach cooperation, respect for others, fair play and etiquette are taught. Students participate in movement challenges that enable them to develop poise, grace, rhythm, coordination, balance, strength, flexibility and effective body mechanics. Individual activities include running, jumping and throwing activities, individual manipulative, combative or self-defense activities and target activities. All of these phases will represent the hallmark of the student’s PE growth portfolio section. The progression from PE 10 lies in the student’s ability to apply his/her PE 10 knowledge to improve the personal wellness/fitness plan and model positive physical activity behaviours in all environments. One program component that will compliment the positive modeling process is the assistance with elementary students in a variety of physical activity pursuits.
Yoga (grade 8 & 9)
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the ancient eastern practice of Yoga. The course will focus on the history and philosophy of yoga, the eight limbs of Raja yoga, eastern and western anatomy, physical asana (posture) practice, mindfulness meditation and interpretation of Patanjali’s yoga sutras.
Sports Medicine 15 (grades 9 –12) (min. 3 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course is designed to introduce students to medical terminology related to Athletic Therapy. Students will apply their knowledge in a functional approach to anatomical kinesiology, and will analyze structures and functions of the body in motion. Units of study include: basic anatomy, physiology and pathology of the following body systems – respiratory, circulatory, digestive and musculoskeletal. In addition, principles of strength and conditioning will also be addressed from the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology
Medical Studies (min. 3 credits)
Pre-requisite: None
This course introduces students to the required competencies of maintaining good health, strong families, and healthy communities. Units of study include: mental health, sport first aid as well as an in-depth study of body systems. Upon completion of this course, students will be certified in Standard First Aid and Sport First Aid. Students will also explore careers in the health care field, and the National Strength & Conditioning Assoc. perspectives.
Forensic Science 25 (min. 3 credits)
Forensic Science 25 is designed for students who have completed Science 10 or 14.
Content includes the collection and analysis of evidence from crime scenes, the principles of fingerprinting, breathalyzers, polygraphing, and DNA analysis. A major component is an analysis of real crime cases including the Laci Peterson murder, the infamous John Dillinger, the Zodiac killer, the O.J. Simpson case, the Atlanta Child Murders, and the tragic death of Princess Diana.
There is a final exam.
Disclaimer: Due to the graphic nature of the course material and its basis on real events, this course may not be suitable for everyone. This course includes discussions on substance abuse, rape, and semen analysis. It involves experiments using simulated blood made from household materials.
Information Processing (min. 3 credits)
Students are able to build on competencies previously developed and focus on more complex competencies. Students will also have a broader range of related topics to choose from. At least three 1-credit modules will be covered at each level. Examples of modules to be offered are database, spreadsheet, correspondence, software integration, programming and the information highway.
Financial Management I (min. 3 credits)
This introductory course allows students the opportunity to explore introductory accounting. Students are introduced to such concepts as ethics, the economic environment, acquiring and using financial resources and the effects of government legislation on the finances of an individual and a small business. Students have the opportunity to establish a set of books, record business transactions and are introduced to accounting terminology.