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Who should take HSB4U online?
HSB4U supports more than one pathway. Whether you are heading to university, college, an apprenticeship or the skilled trades, or straight into the workplace, this credit counts toward your OSSD.
- Students planning university studies in sociology, psychology, anthropology, social work, criminology or education
- Students heading to college programs in social services, justice studies or community work who want to understand social change and inequality
- Students interested in how and why social patterns, attitudes and behaviours change over time
- Students who need a Grade 12 university preparation credit for their OSSD or university average
- Graduates and mature students adding a Grade 12 university course
- Student-athletes, homeschooled students and international students who need a flexible schedule
What you will learn
- Social science research methods: Learn how social science research methods can be used to study social change.
- Theories of social change: Explore the ideas of social theorists and how they explain shifts in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.
- Social trends and patterns: Analyze how and why cultural, social and behavioural patterns change over time.
- Challenges in society: Examine causes of and responses to challenges such as technological change and deviance.
- Global inequalities: Investigate global inequalities and the ways societies respond to them.
Official Ontario course description
Challenge and Change in Society, Grade 12, University (HSB4U)
This course focuses on the use of social science theories, perspectives, and methodologies to investigate and explain shifts in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour and their impact on society. Students will critically analyse how and why cultural, social, and behavioural patterns change over time. They will explore the ideas of social theorists and use those ideas to analyse causes of and responses to challenges such as technological change, deviance, and global inequalities. Students will explore ways in which social science research methods can be used to study social change.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies
Source: Ontario Ministry of Education, Curriculum and Resources.
How the online course works
- Register online and receive access to your course in Google Classroom.
- Learn at your pace with lessons and assignments. Your teacher returns feedback and grades, usually within 3 to 5 business days.
- Complete your assessments as you finish each unit, with support from your teacher along the way.
- Receive your credit. We send your final mark to your home school and submit it to OUAC.
Need it sooner? Add Fast Track for priority grading when you have an application deadline.
HSB4U frequently asked questions
What is the prerequisite for HSB4U?
The Ontario prerequisite is any university or university/college preparation course in social sciences and humanities, English, or Canadian and world studies.
Do I need HSB4U for university?
HSB4U can support applications to many social science, social work and education programs, although requirements vary. Check the admission requirements for each program you are applying to.
What topics does HSB4U cover?
You will use social science theories and research methods to study social change, including technological change, deviance and global inequalities.
How long does HSB4U take online?
The course has 110 hours of lessons. You have 4 months from enrollment, and extensions are available up to 12 months in total. Many students finish sooner because the course is self-paced.
Will my HSB4U mark be accepted?
Yes. Aubrey Academy is Ministry-inspected, and we submit your final grade directly to OUAC and send your report card to your home school.
I already took HSB4U. Can I raise my mark?
Yes. Our Mark Upgrade option builds on the work you already completed instead of retaking the full course.