Definitions

=Glossary of Terms and Concepts - Grade 8=

The following terms and concepts are contained within the general and specific outcomes in the grade. The derinitions are provided to facilitate a better understanding and more effective application of the social studies concepts presented.


 * adaptation**: Changing attitudes and behaviours to suit a new situation.


 * contact**: Connection or interaction, communication, association or relationship.


 * expansionist**: Political attitude and actions of a country whose goal is to expand its power and/or its territory, usually by force.


 * humanist**: Pertaining to humanism: a system of thought that centres on humans and their values, capacitites and worth; concern with the interests, needs and welfare of humans.


 * imperialism**: Policy of a country or empire to extend its authority or domiation by political, economic or military means; policy of a state/government whose goal is for another state/government to become dependent on it politically or economically.


 * intercultural**: Or, relating to, involving or representing different cultures.


 * isolation:** Relating to isolationism: foreign policy whereby a nation resists participating in the affairs of the international community by abstaining from any international, political or economic relationship.


 * Renaissance:** The humanistic revival of classical art, architecture, literature and learning that originated in Italy in the 14th century.


 * social structures:** Organization models within a society that reflect the values and interests of that society's members.


 * society:** Group of persons linked by common activities or interests and sharing public space.


 * worldview:** A collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or group; the lens through which the world is viewed by an individual or group; the overall perspecttive from which the world is interpreted.

(Alberta Education, 2007, Grade 8 Social Studies, p. 9)