Canadian Civics- Intro CHV20

Mr. Townley
Ms Levy Mother Teressa Catholic High School

What does it mean to be an active citizen?

Definition of citizen: a native or naturalized member of a
state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection. - dictonary.com KEY OBJECTIVE OF THIS COURSE: Learning how we can make changes to things we dont like about our democratic society. Here is how:
1. Be informed 2. Be purposeful 3. Be active

BE INFORMED
What does it mean to be informed?
Learn the rules and procedures for collective decision making Find out your responsibilities and rights as a valued member of a group or community Know and understand who has power to make changes.

BE PURPOSEFUL
How to be purposeful?
Be clear about what you believe would make things better. Learn how to convince others that what you would like to see happen is a good thing for the community. Communicate this information to the right people, people can help you get the job done.

BE ACTIVE

Roll up your sleeves and work at making good things happen! Network with others who support your cause.

Different levels for these goals

Throughout this course we will examine these 3 goals on a:
Local Regional Provincial National and, Global level

Keys to success in this course:

Be Informed:
Listen to myself
reflect on your gut feelings, and what you are thinking

Listen to your peers

ask yourself; does that make sense? If not why?

Listen to your parents

(Yes, Really) ask for their opinion about different subjects...listen, take notes you do NOT have to agree

Listen to community members etc.

what is or was their life experience about as subject? Example: war vets...Afgahnistan

Keys to success in this course:

Question, Question, Question What is being said? Who is delivering the message? All media has embedded values...points of view How does this affect my community, province, country and the world? Why? So that you are able to contribute an intelligent argument and provide information to support your point of view to persuade

Keys to success in this course:

Question, Question, Question!!!
What weve got to say! Challenge the assumptions
An assumption is something that you assume to be the case, even without proof. For example, people might make the assumption that you're a nerd if you wear glasses, even though that's not true. Or very nice.

So that you are able to contribute an intelligent argument and supported information.

Keys to success in this course:

Watch the news or vodcasts Read the newspaper, online or ezines etc. Listen to the radio, podcasts

Inference: to derive as a conclusion from facts or premises <we see smoke and infer fire L. A. White> compare

Keys to success in this course:

Purposeful- reflect on what you learn and be critical when forming an opinion. Try to understand where your opinion is coming from (social deconstruction) and be open minded to what others think and feel. Stand up for what you believe in and help others understand and support your cause.

Keys to success in this course:

Active- PARTICIPATE! It will be very hard to do so without being informed and purposeful. Class discussions, debates, assignments, community events etc- get involved!