Course Offerings – Winter 2025

Symbols and text are used to express, evoke, and manipulate an entire range of human emotions and reactions. In this interactive, discussion-based course, students will explore historical and contemporary approaches to using symbols, text, and language in conceptual and contemporary art, graphic design and advertising, poetry and lyrics, and in online technology. Through discussion, analysis, informal debate, and critical thinking, students will explore how symbols and text influence individuals, society and culture.

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.

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.

Science fiction is both a major genre of popular entertainment and an effective mode of social commentary. Students explore the formal conventions and the history of the genre, analyze a representative range of science fiction, and develop their critical appreciation of the role and place of science fiction in society. In addition to writing reflective and analytical assignments, students have an opportunity to create their own piece of science fiction.

Visual communications and graphic design have played a key role in the evolution of communication through a number of historical and social art movements. Graphic design has had a major impact on civilizations over the ages. Students explore graphic design’s many influences, including the invention of writing and alphabets, the origins of printing and typography, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Modern Art, and Postmodern design, to the present-day computer revolution and its influence on the many forms of contemporary visual communication that surround us every day.

All forms of art have a powerful influence on our perceptions. Students describe and explore through case studies a range of disabilities and their unique features. Using arts, enquiry and discussion, students critique historical and modern-day portrayals of individuals with disabilities. Students consider the attitudes and social barriers that individuals with disabilities face, and focus on the link between the formation of cultural identity and the arts.

Reading gives us knowledge and new ideas to draw from in the future. It tones the mind in ways similar to the way exercise tones the body. As a result, time spent in reading for recreation has benefits beyond the immediate appreciation of the text. Students examine appeal factors of various genres of fiction and non-fiction by reviewing the history and classics of each genre, considering the therapeutic values of reading, and examining recent trends in online reading and publishing.

Volunteerism not only benefits a community; it can broaden the worldview of the volunteer. Students who give their time and energy to an approved community partner gain an opportunity to reflect on the value of the volunteer in contemporary society. Through research and discussion, students consider different types of volunteer settings, trace the history of volunteer organizations, examine the various roles volunteers play within society and reflect on ethical issues.

Environmental citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility.

This course will allow students to explore social media and its effects on free speech and public discourse in contemporary society. It will cover the philosophical foundations of free speech, the legal and institutional expressions of free speech in modern democracies, the characteristics of social media infrastructure, how our society’s free speech is being influenced if not transformed by this infrastructure, and perspectives on the need, or not, for “regulatory fixes” advanced from different viewpoints.

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. Students raise personal awareness through the study of 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 explore crime in the workplace, schools, and campuses and the importance of recognizing those at risk.

Though death is an immutable consequence of life, society’s attitudes and reactions to it have been ever-changing. The viewpoint that life is sacrosanct, to be protected at all costs, is now being challenged by individuals demanding greater control of their quality of life, including the right to die. An historical overview of attitudes towards death will be examined, with a focus on the growing acceptability of medical assistance in dying (MAID), and the reasons behind this movement (demographics, economics, medicine). This course, through discussion of differing social perspectives, government legislation, case studies, research, images and videos will provide students a greater understanding of society’s past and present approaches to death.

The effects of transatlantic slavery, which began in the 15th century and was not abolished until the 19th, are still present in contemporary social, political and economic systems. In this course, students are provided with a chronological understanding of the transatlantic slave trade that charts: 1) its creation and its economic underpinnings in European and American power and wealth; 2) the resistance to slavery and its eventual abolition; and 3) the afterlife of slavery in the present day. Through class discussion, examination of academic and non-academic literature, and analysis of images and videos, students will be introduced to the history and continuing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

An understanding of culture can be discovered by exploring eating and drinking customs. Students experience a virtual global tour, exploring culture, history and traditions through the lens of wine and food. Students acquire a sense of the customs of their culture and those of others. Through comparison, observation, discussion, and reflection, students discover something found in all cultures: the importance of food and drink.

Table manners are as unique to a culture as the foods they eat – how people eat varies widely from country to country. Participants in this course explore the culture and customs of international dining practices. Through investigation, discussion and reflection, participants have the opportunity to raise their own and each other’s awareness and sensitivity to different cultural behaviours and customs. Over scheduled lunches and dinners, participants consider the influence of culture, society, religion, geography and history on dining practices around the world.

In today’s culture of work, every employee needs to be knowledgeable about current trends and issues in the workplace. Students explore emerging issues facing employees in today’s technology-driven workplace and investigate the realities of social networking, diversity in the workplace, and work mobility.

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.

One dictionary definition of popular culture is the “totality of socially transmitted behaviour patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.” This definition allows us great freedom and scope. Students examine recent North American popular culture including trends, fads, styles, theories and the cult of the new. By exploring our perceptions of culture and the trivialization of society, students begin to appreciate how the media has relentlessly helped to shape today’s values. Through online research, assigned readings, and participation in self-directed learning, students critique popular culture’s place in North American society, concentrating on their decade of choice.

When the mighty Roman Empire began to collapse, it was attacked from all directions by Barbarian armies. The resulting turmoil caused Europe to sink into a period of social and political upheaval known as The Dark Ages. However, during these troubled times, extraordinary warriors and missionaries emerged whose profound influence has played a vital role in shaping what has become our modern world. Students examine the social, political, intellectual, and economic history of this era and explore its enduring impact on modern Western society.

Students explore the social, economic, political, and environmental impact of the automobile on North American lives. Through a combination of assignments, discussion boards, and quiz work, students study the history of the automobile, from its introduction to the present day. Doing so allows students to track the changes the car has introduced to manufacturing, lifestyles, design principles, transportation systems, the environment, labour-management negotiation, and economic organization.

The rapid growth of the global economy raises fundamental questions: How do trade and politics affect development and the environment? What are the effects of free trade and the rise of multi-national corporations on local cultures? What are the effects of the “clash of cultures” produced by international travel, migration, and new social, collaborative technologies that send film, books, television, music and other “proprietary” content spinning around the world instantly? Is globalization environmentally sustainable? Students examine these and other questions and analyze the day-to-day choices raised by globalization in an increasingly interconnected world.

Establishing and maintaining healthy personal financial affairs are important steps towards overall success in life. Through self-study of text material, review questions, self-test quizzes, assignments and a final examination, students acquire knowledge and skills concerning credit and debt, home ownership and mortgages, the savings challenge, government programs to encourage saving, fixed-income and equity investments, mutual funds, budgeting and financial planning, retirement strategies, public and private pensions, business ownership and insurance.

While fulfillment and well-being mark some people’s lives, many others remain dissatisfied with life. Positive Psychology is concerned with explaining how individuals and communities flourish through the scientific exploration of happiness, optimal human functioning, and civic engagement. The field of Positive Psychology has the objective of making life more satisfying and meaningful through interventions that promote and develop qualities such as self-knowledge, learned optimism, gratitude, mindfulness, resilience, and community connection. Students participate in both interactive lectures and on-line discussions, maintain weekly journals, and develop personal strengths through direct engagement with well-being initiatives.

Students gain an awareness of learning differences in various contexts including social, educational, and work settings. The field of learning differences is presented through various lenses including an historical overview, legislative policies, and perspectives on etiology. Evidenced-based support services and strategies are also analyzed. Course learning activities include assignments, discussion forums, and quizzes.

Are you eating healthy foods? Do you exercise regularly? Do you know how to prevent injuries and disease? These are some of the skills necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. Through self-evaluation, weekly journals, and hands-on exercises students assess their personal lifestyles and learn how to improve them.

Students study human sexuality through an interdisciplinary approach. Students gain a basic understanding of human sexuality through an investigation of history, culture, physiology, sexual development, sexual behaviours, sexually transmitted diseases, attitudes, sex, deviance and sexual relationships.

In today’s society there is increasingly more attention focused on questions of right or wrong, good or evil. Ethical issues relating to a wide variety of concerns are examined. Students clarify their own moral values and explore how these values impact the course of their lives. Students practise using tools and decision-making models to deal with personal and professional dilemmas.

Toys and games, key components of play, have evolved from homemade trinkets to highly engineered items in a multi-billion-dollar industry. Students explore the connections between technology and play, specifically the benefits, drawbacks and ethical implications of toy and game design. Case studies allow students to consider familial, cultural, sociological, and other influences upon toy and game design over the last century. Through discussion, analysis and workshops, students move towards designing their own toy or game, or modifying an existing one.

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. Through a combination of assignments, discussion boards, and quiz work, students investigate the history and development of current environmental concerns, the environmental impact of our choices and behaviours, and strategies involved in living green.

Understanding fungi is critical for a more complete picture of both natural history, as well as historical and current human affairs. Students learn the major groups of fungi most of which are beneficial to humans. Students learn the influence of fungi on historical and cultural activities including art and food. Students also examine the direct involvement of fungi on industrial processes and current medical and biotechnological processes. Students explore the role of fungi as it relates to soil fertility and best practices in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Students will connect fungi to the world around them.

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.

Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for students to have a greater understanding and respect for others by being more globally and culturally aware. The transformation of Earth as we know it has been a 4.5 billion year marvel in the making. The ever-changing continents, oceans, seas, and geographic landforms continue to reshape our world. Through the exploration of the unique landscapes of Earth and the examination of the geographic distribution of populations, countries, and regions of the world, students will use virtual field trips, case studies, and web quests to enhance their sense of global community.

DNA is the recipe book for all living things. This small molecule can tell us about our past, present, and future. It is what makes us all unique and what ties us together. DNA can answer some of life’s biggest questions: Where do we come from? How are we made? Can we cure disease? Can we predict the future or change the outcome? In this course, we will examine the spectacular DNA molecule and how it works. Through contemporary articles, research, images, and videos, we will investigate ways in which DNA can be used to predict traits, detect disease, discover ancestry and engineer babies. We will look at DNA’s involvement in our evolution, and how we can harness its powers to create superfoods, change a wolf into a pug or clone extinct species. Through a combination of discussion boards, quizzes and assignments, students will discuss DNA history, technology and social attitudes, providing them with a greater understanding of their genetic make-up, both on a personal and global level.

What can the sky tell us about our place in the universe, and how life began? This introductory course to astronomy will teach students indigenous and Western constellations in the sky, as well as introduce them to the major planets. Students will act as beginning astronomers and engineers by performing sketches, doing research on astronomy topics, and learning about missions to Mars that are on the hunt for signs of life.

Ontario continues to generate more and more waste; historically, three quarters of this waste has been discarded. In this course, learners are introduced to the tremendous environmental and economic opportunities that exist to embrace resource conservation ideology and a circular economy – a system in which products are never discarded, but reused, recycled and reintroduced into new products. With interactive activities, videos, and gaming; learners identify concepts and technologies to make informed decisions regarding waste management. Learners reflect on material learned, connect it to their own personalized industry or interest, and locate innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Logic and critical-thinking skills play an important role in both daily life and ongoing academic studies. As foundational skills, they support both the development and assessment of ideas, concepts and courses of action that are presented on a daily basis. Approaching the subject from both a practical and theoretical perspective, students hone their skills in analysis, argumentation, reasoning, and persuasion. A range of topics and thinkers provide material with which students can exercise and apply their skills.

Effectively communicating with others, both professionally and personally, is an art that requires conscious development. Students address the techniques related to interpersonal communication challenges in the diverse workplace. Focus is on communication barriers, verbal and non-verbal communication, listening, team work and relational dynamics. Through role-play, analysis, and case studies, students engage in simulated and authentic interpersonal communication situations.

Pre-requisite: ENL1100 Communications and Academic Writing

The workplace benefits from having professionals with knowledge of the French language. Students with basic knowledge of French gain more control over forms and structures to interact and communicate in a simple way with French speakers. Class instruction and practice, repeated feedback, and exposure to a variety of language samples provide students with opportunities to enhance their basic oral expression and comprehension using simple phrases that further develop vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. Students deepen their knowledge of cultural and linguistic differences of French in the workplace.

The workplace benefits from having professionals with knowledge of the Spanish language. Students with basic knowledge of Spanish gain more control over forms and structures to interact and communicate in a simple way with Spanish speakers. Class instruction and practice, repeated feedback, and exposure to a variety of language samples provide students with opportunities to enhance their basic oral expression and comprehension using simple phrases that further develop vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. Students deepen their knowledge of cultural and linguistic differences of Spanish in the workplace.

A developed knowledge of government and politics is key to an effective participation in public life. Drawing on current events, students explore the societal, cultural and constitutional context along with the major political parties and institutions that shape the Canadian political landscape. Students develop skills and techniques that allow them to position politicians, parties, and policies, past and present, on the spectrum of political ideology and Canadian political traditions. Working together and individually, students analyze issues from the perspective of various political approaches.

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study of how the earth works, human interaction with the earth and how to address the existing environmental problems. Students explore natural capital and the degradation. Students engage in case studies, critical thinking and analysis of alternatives in exploring solutions and trade-offs in trying to address degradation.

When working with individuals and groups it is important to understand both the background and influences present. Students develop a familiarity with sociological theories and methodological approaches used to study individual and group behaviours. Students also examine variables that include culture, social class, race, and gender and how these variables may impact work with diverse individuals and groups.

Historically, Indigenous peoples and their cultures have been dramatically misrepresented and stereotyped in Canadian literature, music, visual arts, film, and television as a result of ongoing attempts to colonize, marginalize, romanticize, and assimilate them. Starting with an historical overview of the oppressive act of misrepresenting, appropriating, and stereotyping Indigenous peoples and their cultures in Canada, students explore how contemporary Indigenous artists have responded to these misrepresentations by subverting, critiquing, challenging, and changing the representations of Indigenous peoples and their cultures in their own artistic works. Significant works of contemporary literature, music, visual arts, film, and television created by contemporary Indigenous artists who give voice to their experiences in Canada serve as the basis for critical analysis and creative reflection on the processes of self-representation and cultural reclamation of Indigenous voices and identity in Canada.

Anti-racism is the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviours that perpetuate systemic racism. Students explore concepts of anti-oppressive practice, anti-racist pedagogy, diversity, and inclusion at the personal, societal, and institutional levels. Students develop an understanding of historical and present-day groups and figures that challenge oppressive structures in Canadian society. Through various learning activities and discussion boards, students will develop the necessary knowledge, attitude, and skills to become an authentic ally within society.

Students explore fundamental statistical concepts and use statistical software to summarize, analyze and present both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include central tendency, variation, probability, central limit theorem, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing and simple regression and correlation. These theoretical concepts are explained through practical examples from various sectors. Students develop the required background for further study related to research.

Academic research requires students to possess a fundamental knowledge of accepted methodologies and practices. An overview of the research process and tools prepares students to engage in scholarly work. Emphasis is on evaluation, selection and documentation of primary and secondary sources, as well as the development of a research project.

Exposure to broad sources of literature promotes an open-minded perspective on today’s global society Students explore key texts from world literature. Students explore themes, styles and writers from a variety of cultures. Critical analysis of texts supports the development of arguments related to the assigned readings.

Pre-requisite: ENL1100 – Communications and Academic Writing

Whether for personal or public consumption, many people enjoy writing short fiction to express their creative energy while improving upon their overall writing abilities. Working with professional short stories as models, students examine the stylistic components that contribute to the excitement, atmosphere and overall readability of short fiction. Students share their work and provide formal feedback on the work of others.

Pre-requisite: ENL1100 – Communications and Academic Writing

Speculative fiction gathers together all those works of fiction in which new worlds or alternative realities are envisioned. Within this category of prose, students have the opportunity to explore the various sub-genres that present readers with new ways of thinking about some of the issues that face society. Students also develop skills in critical analysis using a variety of approaches and methodologies from literary studies.

Many facets of today’s popular culture engage, directly or indirectly, with the concerns of a variety of philosophical traditions. Drawing on a number of examples, students explore both the way popular culture permeates and spreads through society and the way it interprets and presents philosophical questions. Students develop skills and techniques for assessing the soundness and validity of thought experiments.

Love and sex are central to the human condition, and have been topics of academic inquiry and controversy throughout history. Various practices surrounding love and sex are celebrated in Western culture, such as monogamy and marriage, while other practices, such as polygamy and pedophilia, are condemned. Why is this? Students critically explore these and other issues surrounding love and sex using examples from popular music, movies and literature, framing those issues with the help of historical and contemporary philosophical theories and arguments. Students engage in various peer-oriented learning activities throughout the course.

Environmental issues have come to occupy a central place in the marketplace, politics, policy, and society at large. Owing largely to the many environmental consequences that have accompanied industrialization, we humans have been forced to rethink the complex relationship between technology, society and the environment. Students investigate philosophical concepts and theories surrounding technology, society and the environment including: the “naturalness” of technology, sustainability and animal rights. Students critically examine course material by focusing on questions such as: What is nature, and what role do/should humans occupy in it? What do we owe non-human organisms? What do we owe future generations? Students engage in various peer-oriented learning activities throughout the course.

The dynamic and exciting field of Cosmology outlines our current understanding of the Universe from its start, at the so called Big Bang, through the ensuing 13 plus billion years to the present and beyond. Students learn how to discuss our present understanding of the three phases of the Universe as well as its five part make up, with matter making up only 4% of the whole. Students explain our knowledge of the various phases of evolution of the Cosmos and also the latest theories and experiments that are trying to address our uncertainties. Throughout the course, students evaluate and debate many of today’s ideas and concepts revolving around cosmology.

The interdisciplinary study of social science examining the individual and social aspects of crime is known as criminology. Students work through an introduction to the social science perspective on crime. Presentations, discussions, and assignments allow students to investigate the various theoretical positions related to crime and criminal behaviour. Working forward from the types and definitions of crime, students trace some of the links between government policy and the impacts of these policies on both society and the individual.

Pre-requisite: SOC2000 – Sociology

Sociology, through its exploration of the organization of society and the connections between people and their surroundings, provides new ways of looking at the world. Using fundamental knowledge in the field of sociology, students analyze globalization and its impact on Canadian society. Students take opposing views to debate the opportunities and challenges that come with globalization.

Pre-requisite: SOC2000 – Sociology