Courses

GEN2000: Multiculturalism in Film

Official policy in Canada since 1971, multiculturalism remains controversial in many sectors of Canadian life. Through viewing and reflecting on a series of films, learners enhance their understanding of multiculturalism, as well as the values and representations of multiculturalism, both positive and negative, that the films present. Among the issues covered are immigration, refugees, ethnic enclaves, the “Quebec question”, indigenous relations, racism and ethnic violence.

Theme 3: Social and Cultural Understanding

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GEN1957: Science Fiction

Science fiction is both a genre of popular entertainment and a mode of social commentary. Students explore the formal conventions and the history of the genre, consume and analyze a representative range of science fiction, and strive to heighten their critical appreciation of the role and place of science fiction in society. Students also have an opportunity to create their own piece of science fiction.

Theme 1: Arts in Society

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GED6022: A Sense of Humour

Humour is a universal tool of communication and social influence. Students survey the development, use and value of humour in Canadian visual and creative arts. Varieties of humour, such as irony, satire and farce, are positioned in the context of Canadian culture to enhance the student’s appreciation of humour and self-awareness.

Theme 1: Arts in Society

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GED5300: The Science of Everyday Life

The mysteries of science surround us constantly and play a significant role in everyone’s daily life regardless of their level of awareness. Familiarity with the basic concepts of science in disciplines, such as biology, physics, and chemistry, helps students better understand the world in which they live, the attitudes and opinions of those with whom they interact, and the reasons why many things happen. By examining everyday occurrences, students are introduced to scientific ways of thought and to problem-solving methods used by scientists. A background in science and math is not required.

Theme 5: Science and Technology

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GED5200: Learning Disabilities, The Invisible Disability

Students increase their awareness of, and sensitivity to, persons with learning disabilities in social, educational and work settings. The field of learning disabilities is introduced through an historical overview, definitions, characteristics, and various models of the causes of learning disabilities. Students learn about the impact learning disabilities have on people’s day-to-day lives and the strategies that may be used to compensate for them. Activities include group work, independent research, reflection and case studies. Students are encouraged to share personal experience and knowledge.

Theme 4: Personal Understanding

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GED5009: Digging into Ancestral Roots

Students are encouraged to become amateur genealogists, recording their past for future generations using the modern tools of science and technology. Students examine how scientists use DNA evidence to trace one’s origins back to the beginning of humankind’s existence, and to determine how contemporary individuals might be related to one another. By examining microfilm technology and computer databases that store and retrieve data about their ancestors, students uncover data, such as birth, death, marriage records and land transactions. Through discussion forum activities and individual research, students retrieve family records and examine privacy issues associated with putting one’s family tree online. The final product is a four-generational family tree supported by genealogical evidence.

Theme 5: Science and Technology

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GED5006: World Religions

In Canada, society embraces people from many cultures of the world. By exploring different religious beliefs about the world, the individual, the meaning of life and death, and how individuals are encouraged to conduct themselves, students begin to appreciate the underlying forces that shape followers’ lives. Students explore the history and basic teachings of six of the major religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Baha’i Faith. Each religion’s distinctive features are highlighted, while their similarities and shared values are examined. Students have the opportunity to broaden their worldview through an exposure to divergent religious traditions.

Theme 3: Social & Cultural Understanding

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GED5005: Greek Mythology

Students explore intriguing characters, important places and famous myths of Classical Greece. By examining a variety of popular myths, students discover how the Ancient Greeks crafted narratives of gods, goddesses, monsters, and heroic figures to make sense of their lives and the world around them. Using examples from art, science, and industry, students examine how these epic stories from oral tradition have endured and continue to influence contemporary society.

Theme 1: Arts in Society

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GED5004: Living Green

The need to lead healthy, environmentally conscious lives is increasingly important. Students acquire the practical knowledge and skills required to explore current environmental challenges and identify personal plans for living in an environmentally responsible manner. Students investigate the history and development of current environmental concerns, the environmental impact of our choices and behaviours, and the strategies involved in living green.

Theme 5: Science and Technology

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GED5002: Victimology

An increased awareness of the ripple effect of crime has given rise to victimology as a significant field of study. Students investigate victims of crime and the impact that crime has on their lives, their families and society by studying the history of victimology and the victims’ movement, the nature and extent of victimization, its emerging theories and resulting legislation. In addition victims’ services, accessibility to services, rights of the victim and the victim in the criminal justice system are examined. Students also learn about crime in the workplace, schools, and campuses and the importance of recognizing those at risk.

Theme 2: Civic Life

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