Family Studies Department

Welcome to the Family Studies Department at TDSS!​

Family Studies at TDSS encompasses multiple courses focusing on social sciences and the humanities. We offer a range of courses and topics at all grades and levels. From general Family Studies, to Fashion, Philosophy, Raising Healthy Children, and Challenge and Change in Society, every type of learner can find a course that suits them. Many of these courses link directly to the Specialist High Skills Major programs that we offer at TDSS. 

Family Studies courses integrate theory, inquiry skills, and practical skills with the goal that all learners develop the knowledge they need to become responsible citizens in their own communities and in the world. Through various instructional strategies, including critical and creative thinking tasks, all students will develop habits of mind that enrich individual, family, and community well-being. No longer is Family Studies just learning how to cook or sew, it is a platform for becoming a well informed and highly skilled individual.

 

Courses

Exploring Family Studies – Grade 9

Level: Open

Course Code: HIF1O

This course explores, within the context of families, some of the fundamental challenges people face: how to meet basic needs, how to relate to others, how to manage resources, and how to become responsible members of society. Students will explore adolescent development and will have opportunities to develop interpersonal, decision-making, and practical skills related to daily life. They will learn about the diverse ways in which families function in Canada and will use research skills as they explore topics related to individual and family needs and resources.

 

Clothing - Grade 10

Level: Open

Course Code: HNL2O

This course introduces students to the world of clothing. Students will gain knowledge about clothing and demonstrate basic skills associated with various techniques and technologies used to create garments and accessories. Students will learn about the functions of clothing and accessories and what clothing communicates about the wearer. They will learn how to enhance their personal wardrobe by assessing garment quality, developing shopping strategies, and developing an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of various retail formats. Students will develop research skills as they investigate topics related to clothing.

 

Understanding Fashion - Grade 11

Level: College Preparation

Course Code: HNC3C

This course introduces students to the world of fashion. Students will gain an understanding of theories related to fashion trends and of how culture, media, fashion cycles, retailing, and social and environmental factors influence fashion trends and consumer behaviour. Students will use various tools, technologies, and techniques safely and correctly to create fashion items. In addition, students will apply knowledge of fibres, fabrics, and the elements and principles of design when creating and assessing fashion-related products. Students will develop research skills as they investigate topics related to fashion.

 

Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology - Grade 11

Level: University Preparation

Course Code: HSP3U

Prerequisite: The Grade 10 academic course in English, or the Grade 10 academic history course (Canadian and world studies)

This course provides students with opportunities to think critically about theories, questions, and issues related to anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students will develop an understanding of the approaches and research methods used by social scientists. They will be given opportunities to explore theories from a variety of perspectives, to conduct social science research, and to become familiar with current thinking on a range of issues within the three disciplines.

 

Working with Infants and Young Children - Grade 11

Level: College Preparation

Course Code: HPW3C

This course prepares students for occupations involving children from birth to six years of age. Students will study theories about child behaviour and development, and will have opportunities for research and observation and for practical experiences with young children. Students will become familiar with occupational opportunities and requirements related to working with infants and young children. They will also have opportunities to develop research and critical-thinking skills as they investigate and evaluate current research about early childhood education.

 

Challenge and Change in Society - Grade 12

Level: University Preparation

Course Code: HSB4U

Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

This course focuses on the use of social science theories, perspectives, and methodologies to investigate and explain shifts in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour and their impact on society. Students will critically analyse how and why cultural, social, and behavioural patterns change over time. They will explore the ideas of social theorists and use those ideas to analyse causes of and responses to challenges such as technological change, deviance, and global inequalities. Students will explore ways in which social science research methods can be used to study social change.

 

Human Development throughout the Lifespan - Grade 12

Level: University/College Preparation

Course: HHG4M

Prerequisite: Any university, college, or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human development throughout the lifespan. Students will learn about a range of theoretical perspectives on human development. They will examine threats to healthy development as well as protective factors that promote resilience. Students will learn about physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development from the prenatal period through old age and will develop their research and inquiry skills by investigating issues related to human development.​ 

 

Health and Nutrition – Grade 12

Level: University Preparation

Course: HFA 4U

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies

This course examines the relationships between food, energy balance, and nutritional status; the nutritional needs of individuals at different stages of life; and the role of nutrition in health and disease. Students will evaluate nutrition-related trends and will determine how food choices can promote food security and environmental responsibility. Students will learn about healthy eating, expand their repertoire of food-preparation techniques, and develop their social science research skills by investigating issues related to nutrition and health.