The assumptions behind our models, therefore, reflect what we want to believe. Challenging the assumptions is an admission that our models may be failures. In this unit students will have the opportunity to look at some of the major economic development models that are being used and advocated within Canada. The intent is that students should learn to ask themselves what assumptions are being made, why those assumptions are acceptable, and what the consequences of the model have been or will be. Because assumptions come out of the dominant worldview and are essentially what people consider to be common sense, students need to be helped to realize that checking assumptions is a difficult and often unpopular process.
Core material appears in bold type on the pages that follow.
The optional material should be seen as an opportunity to individualize instruction for students with different levels of intellectual ability and motivation. Teachers may also choose to substitute locally-developed material in optional areas where it is appropriate. Such material should reflect community interests and must also meet the skills, values, and concept objectives of the course. Knowledge - Know that people understand a segment of reality by selecting what they believe to be its critical factors and vary them to learn how these factors affect reality. Know that the standard of living is a set of criteria which defines human well-being, and if the criteria change, then the definition of standard of living changes.