CPW4U – Grade 12 Canadian and International Politics
Explore Canadian and global political issues, government decision-making, international relations, and the role of political institutions while developing critical-thinking, research, and political inquiry skills through flexible online learning at Ontario International School.
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CPW4U Introduction
CPW4U Grade 12 Canadian and International Politics is a university preparation course that examines political issues, decision-making processes, and relationships within Canada and the international community.
Students investigate how governments, political institutions, international organizations, businesses, and citizens respond to political challenges. They explore competing perspectives on domestic and international issues and examine the influence of political power, rights, and responsibilities.
At Ontario International School (OIS), students can study CPW4U online through flexible learning supported by academic guidance and resources aligned with the Ontario curriculum.
CPW4U Course Information
- Course Name: Canadian and International Politics
- Course Code: CPW4U
- Grade: 12
- Course Type: University Preparation
- Credit Value: 1.0 OSSD Credit
- Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and World Studies, English, or Social Sciences and Humanities
- Curriculum: The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Canadian and World Studies, 2015 (Revised)
- Instructional Time: 110 Hours
- Delivery: Online
- OSSD Pathway: Grade 12 Canadian and World Studies credit toward OSSD graduation requirements
About CPW4U – Grade 12 Canadian and International Politics
CPW4U is Ontario’s Grade 12 university preparation Canadian and International Politics course. It explores political issues, decision-making, and the ways political institutions and individuals influence developments at the national and international levels.
The course examines different political perspectives, the distribution and exercise of power, the role of governments, and the relationships between states and international organizations. Students consider issues involving democracy, human rights, security, political participation, and global cooperation.
Students develop political inquiry, research, critical-thinking, and communication skills. They evaluate political arguments, investigate current and historical developments, and examine how political decisions affect communities and societies.
Successful completion of CPW4U earns one credit toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and can support preparation for university programs in political science, international relations, public policy, global studies, and related fields, subject to individual admission requirements.
What Will Students Learn in CPW4U?
By the end of the course, students will have opportunities to:
Investigate political issues and developments affecting Canada and the international community.
Examine different political perspectives, values, and ideologies.
Analyse how political power and influence operate within and between societies.
Explore political decision-making processes at national and international levels.
Investigate the roles of governments, political institutions, and international organizations.
Examine the influence of non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, and interest groups.
Analyse political participation, citizenship, democracy, and public engagement.
Explore issues involving human rights, international security, conflict, and cooperation.
Evaluate different approaches to resolving political disputes and global challenges.
Investigate Canada’s relationships with other countries and international institutions.
Assess the credibility, reliability, and perspectives of political information and sources.
Apply the concepts of political thinking and the political inquiry process to research contemporary issues.
Develop evidence-based arguments and communicate informed opinions about political questions.
CPW4U Course Content: Ontario Curriculum Strands
CPW4U follows The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Canadian and World Studies, 2015 (Revised).
The course includes four subject-specific strands, with Strand A: Political Inquiry and Skill Development integrated throughout the curriculum. Students apply political thinking, research, source evaluation, and communication skills while examining Canadian and international political issues.
Strand B: Political Foundations
Students investigate political ideologies, theories, and concepts and examine how they influence political decisions and relationships between countries.
They explore the evolution of modern politics, including diplomacy, conflict, decolonization, and international cooperation. Students also analyse how social, economic, cultural, and geographic factors influence contemporary political issues and international relations.
Strand C: Governments and Canadian and International Politics
Students examine the role of governments in domestic and international politics and investigate how countries influence one another through foreign policy, diplomacy, economic relationships, and other strategies.
They explore intergovernmental cooperation, the role of international organizations, and Canada’s participation in global affairs. Students also analyse the objectives and influences shaping Canadian foreign policy.
Strand D: Non-governmental Action on Canadian and International Political Issues
Students investigate how individuals, community organizations, advocacy groups, and non-governmental organizations influence political issues at national and international levels.
They examine civic engagement, political activism, public awareness, and the strategies used to address social, political, and humanitarian challenges. Students assess the contributions and effectiveness of non-governmental stakeholders in responding to global issues.
Strand E: Rights and Power in the International Community
Students examine how political power is distributed and exercised within Canada and around the world.
They investigate the influence of globalization, technology, economic relationships, and international institutions on political decision-making. Students also explore human rights issues, violations of rights, and the roles of laws, institutions, and organizations in protecting human rights.
Assessment and Evaluation in CPW4U
Assessment and evaluation in CPW4U are designed to measure students’ achievement of the knowledge and skills outlined in The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Canadian and World Studies, 2015 (Revised).
Students demonstrate their learning through political inquiry assignments, research projects, source analyses, written responses, discussions, tests, and other assessments aligned with the course expectations.
Evaluation considers four categories of achievement:
Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating knowledge of political concepts, institutions, ideologies, terminology, and relationships.
Thinking: Applying political inquiry, critical thinking, research, evidence evaluation, and analytical reasoning skills.
Communication: Communicating political ideas and arguments through appropriate terminology, written explanations, presentations, and research reports.
Application: Applying political concepts and inquiry skills to Canadian and international issues, contemporary developments, and unfamiliar contexts.
Final Grade Breakdown
| Assessment Component | Weight |
|---|---|
|
Coursework completed throughout the course |
65% |
|
Written final examination |
15% |
|
Culminating task |
10% |
|
Attendance and participation |
10% |
|
Total |
100% |
The culminating task allows students to demonstrate their political knowledge, inquiry skills, and ability to evaluate evidence and develop informed conclusions.
Final Examination and Proctoring
Ontario International School (OIS) administers its final examinations through the school’s established examination and proctoring procedures.
Students completing CPW4U must write a final examination under the supervision of an approved, impartial proctor.
Students are responsible for arranging a qualified proctor and submitting the Exam Proctoring Application Form at least three weeks before their intended examination date. All proctors must be approved by the OIS principal.
For proctor eligibility requirements, application instructions, and examination arrangements, please review our Final Examination and Proctoring Procedures page.
Learning Accommodations
Ontario International School (OIS) recognizes that students have different learning needs. Students who require learning accommodations are encouraged to contact OIS to discuss their individual circumstances and available academic support options.
Where applicable, accommodations are considered in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Education policies and the student’s documented learning needs.
Who Should Take CPW4U?
CPW4U is suitable for:
Students who have completed an eligible prerequisite course and want to study Canadian and International Politics at the Grade 12 university preparation level.
Canadian and international students working toward the OSSD.
Students interested in government, political systems, democracy, and international relations.
Students preparing for university programs in political science, international relations, public policy, or related disciplines.
Learners interested in diplomacy, global affairs, international organizations, and political decision-making.
Students seeking to understand human rights, political participation, and contemporary global challenges.
Students who want to strengthen their research, critical-thinking, analytical writing, and communication skills.
Students interested in examining political issues from multiple perspectives.
Students seeking an additional Grade 12 credit toward their OSSD or postsecondary admission requirements.
Students seeking the flexibility of studying Canadian and International Politics online.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and World Studies, English, or Social Sciences and Humanities.
How Does CPW4U Contribute to the OSSD?
CPW4U is a one-credit Grade 12 university preparation course in Canadian and World Studies that can contribute toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Depending on the student’s graduation cohort and outstanding requirements, CPW4U may satisfy an applicable compulsory-credit group requirement or count as an optional credit. Students must also complete all other OSSD graduation requirements applicable to their academic pathway.
Completing CPW4U can support students preparing for postsecondary studies that value political knowledge, research, critical thinking, and communication. University admission requirements vary by institution and program.
What Course Comes After CPW4U?
CPW4U is a Grade 12 university preparation course designed to support students transitioning to postsecondary studies in politics, international relations, social sciences, and related fields.
Political Science and Government
Students interested in political institutions, government systems, elections, and public administration may consider university programs in political science or related disciplines.
International Relations and Global Studies
Students interested in diplomacy, international cooperation, global security, and international organizations may explore programs in international relations, global studies, or related fields.
Public Policy, Law, and Social Sciences
Students interested in human rights, public policy, governance, and social change may consider programs in public policy, sociology, international development, or law-related undergraduate pathways.
Students should select their next academic courses or postsecondary programs based on their educational goals, admission requirements, and intended career pathways.
OIS academic advisors can help students review their options and plan their next steps.
Study CPW4U Online at Ontario International School
Ontario International School (OIS) is a Ministry-inspected Ontario online private high school (BSID 881793) offering Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) courses and academic pathways to students in Canada and internationally.
Online Course Delivery
CPW4U is delivered online, allowing students to access Canadian and International Politics coursework remotely while completing political investigations, research assignments, learning activities, and evaluations required for the course.
Academic Support and Guidance
OIS provides online academic support and advising to help students understand course requirements, monitor their academic progress, and plan their future studies and broader OSSD pathway.
Ontario Curriculum Alignment
CPW4U follows The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Canadian and World Studies, 2015 (Revised), covering political foundations, governments and international relations, non-governmental political action, and rights and power in the international community.
Individual Credits and OSSD Planning
Students may take CPW4U as an individual Ontario secondary school credit or as part of a broader OSSD plan, depending on their academic history and remaining graduation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
CPW4U is Ontario’s Grade 12 Canadian and International Politics course at the university preparation level. It examines political issues, institutions, decision-making, and relationships within Canada and the international community.
CPW4U is not universally required for OSSD graduation. Depending on a student’s graduation cohort and outstanding requirements, it may satisfy an applicable compulsory-credit group requirement or count as an optional credit.
Students must have completed any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and World Studies, English, or Social Sciences and Humanities.
No. CPC3O – Politics in Action: Making Change is not a required prerequisite for CPW4U. Students must meet the official prerequisite through an eligible university or university/college preparation course in one of the specified subject areas.
CPW4U is worth one Ontario secondary school credit upon successful completion.
CPW4U covers political ideologies, government decision-making, international relations, diplomacy, political participation, non-governmental organizations, human rights, globalization, and political power.
Yes. Eligible international students who meet the prerequisite requirements can study CPW4U online through Ontario International School.
Yes. CPW4U is a Grade 12 university preparation course that can support students planning postsecondary studies in political science, international relations, public policy, and related fields.
Yes. Under Ontario’s updated 2026–2027 assessment policy, Grade 12 Canadian and World Studies courses require a written final examination worth 15% of the final grade and a culminating task worth 10%.
Yes. Eligible students who meet the prerequisite requirements may take CPW4U as an individual Grade 12 credit through OIS.
CPW4U can support preparation for university programs in political science, international relations, public policy, global studies, sociology, and related disciplines, subject to individual program admission requirements.
Enroll in CPW4U at Ontario International School
Develop political knowledge, research skills, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of Canadian and international affairs while taking the next step toward your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and future academic goals with Ontario International School.
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