Interdisciplinary Studies (IDC4U): Student Council Leadership Course
Centre Wellington DHS
Gr. 12 University Preparation Course
Instructor: Ms. Erica Parker
Phone: 519-843-2500 ext. 548
email: ,
course website: /a/ugcloud.ca/parkerclass/
Overview: What is an interdisciplinary course?
This course combines the expectations for Interdisciplinary Studies, Grade 12, University Preparation (IDC4U) with selections from Business Leadership (BOH4M), Philosophy: Questions and Theories (HZT4U), and Individuals and Families in a Diverse Society (HHS4U).
This course examines methods of event planning within the student government of Student’s Council. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine the philosophy and organizational structure of the student government and school. Using diverse resources, students will explore how individuals become leaders in their communities, how to incorporate teambuilding strategies, as well critical thinking and conflict management tactics. Students will plan, organize, communicate, and implement an event in the school community, applying their theoretical foundation and skills to real-life situations.
Units of Study: What Will I learn?
Unit 1: Planning and Strategic Thinking
4 weeks / Ø demonstrate an understanding of the main areas of philosophy, periods of philosophical development, and the differences between philosophy and other areas of study
Ø demonstrate an understanding of philosophical reasoning and critical thinking skills, including skills required to identify and avoid common fallacies of reasoning, and demonstrate the ability to apply these skills
Ø analyse the importance of planning to the success of an organization
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the main questions in epistemology, and of the positions of major philosophers and schools of philosophy
Ø demonstrate the skills and strategies used to develop interdisciplinary products and activities
Ø assess the importance of control in management
Ø analyse how companies respond to internal and external pressures for change
Ø demonstrate an understanding of appropriate planning tools and techniques in a variety of situations
Ø analyse the relationship between strategic planning and the success of an organization
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the key ideas and issues related to each of the subjects studied
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the different perspectives and approaches used in each of the subjects
Ø be able to access appropriate resources, using a variety of research strategies and technologies
Ø be able to process information, using a variety of research strategies and technologies
Ø analyse how companies respond to internal and external pressures for change
Ø demonstrate an understanding of connections between epistemology, other subject areas, including everyday life
Ø use philosophical reasoning skills to develop, communicate, and defend their own responses to epistemological questions
Ø demonstrate the skills and strategies used to develop interdisciplinary products and activities
Ø implement and communicate information about interdisciplinary endeavors, using a variety of methods and strategies
Ø evaluate the quality of interdisciplinary endeavours, using a variety of strategies / Unit Test
Team Event Planner
Unit 2: Managing People in a Community
3 weeks / Ø demonstrate an understanding of the main questions in social philosophy, and of the positions of major philosophers and schools of philosophy
Ø compare theories of how to motivate individuals and teams in a productive work environment
Ø evaluate the role of human resources within an organization
Ø demonstrate an understanding of group dynamics
Ø evaluate the quality of interdisciplinary endeavours, using a variety of strategies
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the communication process within the workplace
Ø demonstrate an understanding of connections between social philosophy, other subject areas, including everyday life
Ø use philosophical reasoning skills to develop, communicate, and defend their own responses to questions in social philosophy
Ø analyse and describe the impact on society of interdisciplinary approaches and solutions to real-life situations
Ø implement and communicate information about interdisciplinary endeavours, using a variety of methods and strategies
Ø be able to process information, using a variety of research strategies and technologies / Unit Test
Journal on Team Role and Organizational Leadership
Team Presentation on Social Philosophical School of Thought
Unit 3:
Foundations of Leadership
4 weeks / Ø demonstrate an understanding of the main questions in metaphysics, and of the positions of major philosophers and schools of philosophy
Ø demonstrate an understanding of connections between metaphysics, other subject areas, including everyday life
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the different perspectives and approaches used in each of the subjects or disciplines studied
Ø demonstrate an understanding of proper leadership techniques in a variety of situations
Ø demonstrate an understanding of theoretical perspectives and research on various aspects of individual development
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the impact of norms, roles, and social institutions on individuals throughout the lifespan
Ø demonstrate an understanding of demographic trends related to the family and to parent-child relationships, and of the impact of social issues and challenges on family development.
Ø demonstrate an understanding of factors that can affect decisions about whether to have and how to care for children, and of the impact of norms, roles, and social institutions on family and parent-child relationships
Ø analyse and describe the impact on society of interdisciplinary approaches and solutions to real-life situations
Ø apply an understanding of human behaviour to explain how individuals and groups function in the workplace
Ø be able to process information, using a variety of research strategies and technologies / Unit Test
Personal Leadership Portfolio
Unit 4:
The Student Government Organization
2 weeks / Ø demonstrate an understanding of the main questions in political philosophy, and of the positions of major philosophers and schools of philosophy
Ø demonstrate an understanding of connections between political philosophy and other subject areas, including everyday life
Ø use philosophical reasoning skills to develop, communicate, and defend their own responses to questions in political philosophy
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the various organizational structures used to manage the workforce effectively
Ø demonstrate the skills and strategies used to develop interdisciplinary products and activities.
Ø be able to plan for research, using a variety of strategies and technologies
Ø be able to assess and extend their research skills to present their findings and solve problems. / What Needs to Change: Formal Philosophical Debate
Unit Test
Unit 5:
Critical Thinking and Conflict Resolution
4 weeks / Ø demonstrate an understanding of the main questions, concepts, and theories of ethics
Ø demonstrate an understanding of theories in ethics, and evaluate responses to some of the main questions in ethics by major philosophers and schools of philosophy
Ø demonstrate an understanding of connections between ethics and other subject areas, including everyday life
Ø evaluate the strategies used by individuals and organizations to manage stress and conflict
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the impact of norms, roles, and social institutions on individuals throughout the lifespan
Ø demonstrate an understanding of demographic trends related to the lives of individuals and of the impact of social issues and challenges on individual development
Ø demonstrate an understanding of demographic trends related to the family and to parent-child relationships and of the impact of social issues and challenges on family development
Ø demonstrate an understanding of factors that can affect decisions about whether to have and how to care for children, and of the impact of norms, roles, and social institutions on family and parent-child relationships
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the key ideas and issues related to each of the subjects studied
Ø demonstrate an understanding of the different perspectives and approaches used in each of the subjects studied
Ø be able to access appropriate resources, using a variety of research strategies and technologies
Ø implement and communicate information about interdisciplinary endeavours, using a variety of methods and strategies
Ø analyse and describe the impact on society of interdisciplinary approaches and solutions to real-life situations
Ø use philosophical reasoning skills to develop, communicate, and defend their own responses to philosophical questions in ethics / Independent Research Project: Social Impacts and their Effects on the Individual
Conflict Resolution Scenario
Unit 6:
Leadership After High School
1 week / Ø create research plans, and locate and select information relevant to their chosen topics, using appropriate social science research and inquiry methods
Ø assess, record, analyse, and synthesize information gathered through research and inquiry
Ø analyse and describe how interdisciplinary skills relate to personal development and careers
Ø be able to assess and extend their research skills to present their findings and solve problems / Journal: My Leadership Path
Culminating 30% / Ø Team Leading a Major School Event (10%)
Ø A Report on the School Event Outcome and Leadership Style (5%)
Ø Exam (15%)
Expectations: What am I responsible for?
Events: Student Council is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading many of the social events at Centre Wellington District High School, including: school assemblies, dances, Semiformal, food drives, talent shows, Battle of the Bands, and fundraisers. Every member of the Student Council Executive has the opportunity to lead one of the school events. Events are generally held at lunchtime or on weekday evenings.
Executive Roles: Each member of student council executive has a specific role that they successfully interviewed for. Each executive member has specific responsibilities they must meet.
Communications / Morning announcements, represent Student Council in the media
Spirit / Spirit weeks, appreciation events, teambuilding activities, and spirit wear
Social Convener / Organize and plan school dances, including Semiformal. Head the Prom committee.
Secretary / Record each topic addressed at Student Council meetings. Keep minutes and post online for future reference. Be responsible for all written correspondence between Student Council and other groups, including thank you cards.
Clubs / Act as a liaison between Student Council and all other clubs. Attend at least one of each club’s meetings. Organize Clubs Day.
Advertising / Design and create advertisements for student council events. Including TV screens, banners, announcements, etc.
Arts / A liaison between Student Council and music, drama, and visual arts departments. Responsible for wall murals and organizing and arts show. Keep an inventory of Student Council supplies.
Treasurer / Responsible for cheque requests and communication with the staff advisor managing the Student Council account. Be available to count funds after an event is complete and ensure appropriate accounting of monies. Complete fundraising forms. Lead the yearly budget meeting.
Grad / Organize and head the grad committee that will run events such as Bye-Bye Blackbird and Senior Survivor. Be an active participant in the Prom Committee.
Athletics / Be a liaison between Student Council and Athletics Council. Help promote sporting events to the school community.
Meetings: In order for these events to be successful, regular attendance in class and Student Council meetings are mandatory. Meetings take place daily at 9:00am, Tuesdays at 12:00, and Wednesdays after school. Students are expected to attend every meeting on time unless otherwise mentioned or due to special circumstances.
Fieldtrips: There are several opportunities to attend teambuilding and leadership conference fieldtrips. These educational excursions are excellent opportunities to be inspired by some of the best leadership facilitators in North America. Students are expected to participate. There will be a compulsory alternate assignment provided for students who do not attend. Please see the teacher if financial assistance is required, as it will not prevent a student from participating in experiential learning.
Chicopee Adventure Centre: Teambuilding challenges. Kitchener, Ontario. September, 2013.
OSLC: Ontario Student Leadership Conference 2013, Niagara Falls, ON. November 10th -12th. Price includes workshops and hotel. Meals are extra.
Materials: Come to class prepared with supplies such as pencils, pens, paper, and a binder. Students must have a calendar/organizer. The school offers calendars for purchase, or students may use an app on their ipod/phone/multimedia device.
Assessment and Evaluation: How will my grade be calculated?
The course will include summative assignments and unit tests that will account for 70% of the term work. Students’ grades will be based on most recent and consistent levels of achievement. Essential summative assignments must be handed in to earn a credit. The final 30% will comprise of a culminating activity and final exam, each worth 15%.
Knowledge and Understanding
-facts , terms, principles, theories, and the relationship between concepts
-comprehension of meaning and significance / 17.5%
Thinking
-critical thinking (analysis and detecting bias), creative thinking (problem solving), processing (formulating questions and conducting research), and planning skills / 17.5%
Communication
-organizing the use of visuals, technology, oral and written communication forms
-proper use of vocabulary, terminology, and communication for different audiences / 17.5%
Application
-transfer of concepts, skills, and procedures to new issues and situations
-making logical conclusions, predictions, and planning responses / 17.5%
Culminating Activity
-Running a major school event as well as a report on that event
-utilizes all categories of evaluation / 15%
Culminating Exam
-formal examination of material from each unit of study / 15%
Total / 100%
** All unit tests and summative assignments must be completed to obtain this credit.
Learning Skills and Work Habits
The development of learning skills and work habits is an integral part of a student’s learning. These skills are evaluated separately from the student’s grade. Assessment will be based on six categories: responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation.
Comments or Questions
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Signature from Parent/Guardian AND Student
Parent/Guardian (if Student is not yet 18 years or older): ______
Signature from Student: ______