COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ENL1962 English Fundamentals

Students develop language skills necessary to promote success in program courses and, ultimately, business careers. Students achieve correctness and mastery in writing sentences appropriate to a business environment through the study of English language usage, grammar, mechanics, and style. Skills acquired in these areas enable students to demonstrate competence in composing, editing, and proofreading written messages.

OFF2326 Digital WorkspACE Applications

In our rapidly evolving workspace environment, efficient use of computers and office productivity tools is essential for the timely completion of assigned tasks. Beginning with the operating system, students develop a range of valuable skills to manage daily work-flow including file management, digital communication tools, calendar management, and a variety of collaboration applications.

OFF2335 Presentation Applications

Efficient use of presentation applications is vital in today's workplace. Students develop presentation software skills through a series of activities and practical tests, increasing abilities with presentation software. Emphasis is placed on following instructions, proofreading, and using software functions correctly.

OFF2339 Document Production and Keyboarding 1

The ability to produce documents that meet acceptable Canadian business standards is an essential skill in today's office environment. Applying ergonomic techniques, students develop touch keyboarding skills creating and formatting documents for business-related correspondence. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, ability to follow instructions, proofreading and editing, and the correct use of software functions. Students learn to touch-key the alphabet and numbers, developing keyboarding accuracy and speed to meet productivity standards.

OFF2338 Administrative Skills and Procedures

Although tools and techniques may change, the role of the administrative professional remains a valuable asset in all types of organizations. With the increase in technology, the human touch remains a cornerstone of business interactions and achievement of goals. Topics explored include support staff responsibilities, time management, front-line reception and public relations, cultural diversity, records management, postal and courier services, reference sources, office organization and layout, ergonomics, time, work, and resource management, teamwork and problem solving, telecommunication techniques, services and equipment. Practical assignments and case studies examine both the organization and dissemination of oral and written communication.

QUA2227 Business Math Foundations

Students review the essentials of business mathematics. Ratio, proportion and percent are covered. Students also study payroll-type applications. Students study mark-up and mark-downs, cost-volume-profit analysis, simple and compound interest, compute measures of central tendency and dispersion.

ACC2207 Bookkeeping

The ability to accurately record day-to-day transactions is an essential skill for bookkeepers and office administration staff. Students complete the full accounting cycle from identifying and recording business transactions through to the preparation of financial statements using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Activities focus on the manual preparation of accounting records.

ENL1813B Communications I

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students develop stronger grammar and business-writing skills to become effective business communicators. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.

OFF2300 Advanced Word Processing

Efficient use of computers and office productivity tools is essential for the timely completion of assigned tasks in the workplace. Students continue to develop their skills with office productivity tools. Through a series of activities and practical tests, students enhance their abilities with advanced word processing functions, ensuring that they are following instructions, proofreading and using software functions correctly.

OFF2340 Document Production and Keyboarding 2

Business documents represent proof of an organization's communications and transactions and, as such, must be produced in an efficient and consistent manner. Students further develop productivity rates with an emphasis on following instructions, proofreading and editing, and correct use of software functions. Students create, edit, and format formal reports and more complex business correspondence. Students continue to build on the keyboarding skills developed in level 1, increasing their accuracy and speed using an automated software application to meet productivity standards.

Pre-requisites: OFF2339

OFF2395 Spreadsheet Applications (Oa)

A spreadsheet application's ability to automate mathematical calculations has ensured it is one of the most popular types of business applications in the modern office. Students produce and format professional looking spreadsheets that include basic and complex mathematical formulas. In addition, the data in these spreadsheets are transformed into charts and tables in order to summarize, analyze, manipulate, and share spreadsheet data more effectively.

AST2000 Introduction to Astronomy

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.

COR1737 Psychopathology - an Introduction to Mental Illnesses

Emphasis is on the study of signs and symptoms of the major mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders. Additionally, there are discussions about eating and sleeping disorders, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder.

DSN2100 Design Thinking

Design Thinking uses a designer mindset to produce business innovations in products and services, with a focus on deep understanding of and empathy with the people who use them. Following a holistic innovation process for an area of interest or organization, students build an initial business case and apply design thinking and creative problem-solving strategies to make innovation a sustainable practice.

ENL0009 Introduction to Children's Literature

This course introduces students to various texts and sources in the domain of Children's Literature, and gives students the opportunity to discuss the many genres, issues and theories that pervade the field, while simultaneously helping them gain practice analyzing literature for children with various critical literary elements in mind.

ENL0010 Science Fiction

Science fiction addresses key concerns that are not restricted to the imaginative worlds depicted in fiction; rather, science fiction uses alien settings, strange worlds, alternate timelines, or virtual environments as a way of exploring contemporary issues. Over the course of exploring the various issues contained in these fictions, the various movements of science fiction will be explored to provide a broader sense of the genre's development from its earliest to its most current forms; in addition, terminology will be introduced so, by the end of the course, students will have a broader understanding of science fiction's historical and thematic terrain.

ENV5004 Waste-Free Ontario

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.

FAM1003 Psychology of Learning

Students explore how individuals acquire knowledge and skills and how environments influence the learning process. Through examination of different theories from both historical and current perspectives, students develop an understanding of how learning is influenced by developmental, psychological and social elements. Students use real life experiences to identify how these theories can be used to support learning and development within continuously changing environments.

GED0021 Disability in Arts: Portrayals and Identity

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.

GED0022 Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-Being

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.

GED2200 Free Speech and the Challenge of Social Media

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.

GED5007 Transatlantic Slavery and Its Abolition

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.

GED5010 The Fungus Among Us

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.

GED5301 On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)

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.

GED7105 Professionalism and Ethics

Professionalism and ethics are the foundation for those preparing for leadership roles in the workplace, community and educational settings. By exploring the different facets of leadership theory and ethical dilemmas, students develop decision making, judgment, and personal value positions that form the basis for the examination of professional conduct and personal accountability.

GEO0012 Foreign Landscapes and Their Inhabitants

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.

MGT2346 Introduction to E-Business

Students are provided with tools, skills, an understanding of technology, business concepts and issues that surround the emergence of electronic business. Emphasis is on that part of the Internet known as the World Wide Web (WWW), where such tools as browsers are used. In addition to acquiring basic skills for navigating the Internet, students develop an understanding of the current practices and opportunities in electronic publishing, electronic shopping, electronic distribution and electronic collaboration. Students also explore several of the problems surrounding electronic business and commerce, such as security, authentication, privacy, encryption, safeguarding of intellectual property rights, acceptable use policies and legal liabilities.

PSI1702 Government of Canada

Students explore the Canadian governmental system and consider key principles of democracy and federalism. In addition, students analyze the impact of government on the lives of its citizens, as well as the ways in which citizens and communities affect the government. Finally, students examine the diverse political, national and ideological dynamics of Canadian politics.

PSY0007 Cults and Terrorism

In this course, students will explore the historical evolution and social impact of cults and terrorist groups. Students will learn ways to identify and define cults. Using discussions and active learning approaches, students will examine what motivates cults and terrorist groups with a specific lens towards violent activity. The impact of media and globalization will also be discussed. Students will advance their social and cultural understanding and gain awareness of cults in contemporary society. Students in this course will discuss the validity of historical evidence and research historical interpretations of events using relevant and recent sources.

PSY0014 Learning, Thinking and Problem Solving

Psychology is an academic discipline that is concerned with all aspects of human existence, focusing in particular upon human thought, emotion and action. Psychology combines the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes with the development of therapeutic and practical approaches to human problems and concerns. Psychology is, in addition, a major contributor to the ongoing development of our understanding of human nature more generally. After a brief historical overview, this subject examines psychology as a science. Psychological research and theory making facilitates our understanding of ourselves as individuals and as members of social groups by describing, explaining and predicting how we develop and relate in society, how we create ourselves and our world; applied psychology makes its contribution through efforts to enhance individual development and adaptation within society. Students benefit by gaining an introductory knowledge of psychology that can be applied to their daily lives.

PSY1754 Selected Topics in Psychology

In this course, students will learn about some popular topics in psychology including learning, memory, sleep and consciousness, psychological disorders, and social psychology. Through hands-on experiments, case studies, multimedia and demonstrations, students will gain an appreciation for psychology as a social science.

SCI2200 Dynamic Dna: You Are Not Alone

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.

SSC5012 Anti-Racism, Discrimination and Equity

Students learn the definition of racism and discrimination, and will be able to identify the various sources of discrimination and racism resulting from cultural values and physical differences between individuals. By identifying racism and discrimination issues in North American society, students learn how to analyze the sociological factors that cause bias and prejudice to surface in our society. The main objective of this course is to enhance sensitivity to and intolerance of mistreatment based on racial or ethnic background and appearance, and to consider how to handle these issues as professional individuals in a pluralistic Canadian society. Students communicate with one another through electronic discussion and learn to appreciate through various readings and assignments the many facets of racism and discrimination. This course will be of interest to workers in health services, education, human resources and business, and those who want to enhance their knowledge and sensitivity to issues of racism and discrimination particularly when communicating with people from other cultures or with physical appearances that differ from their own.

ACC2208 Accounting Practices

Administrative professionals are often asked to contribute to the accounting process in small offices. Students develop an awareness of the underlying theory and principles of accounting. They acquire skill in analyzing, journalizing and posting financial transactions, and in summarizing these transactions in financial statements. Students also attain proficiency in the control of cash, banking, payroll and reporting procedures. These skills are developed through a series of activities and practical tests using a variety of tools including online tutorials and accounting software.

Pre-requisites: ACC2207

OFF2279 Desktop Publishing

Administrative professionals are often called upon to create unique digital content. Students develop desktop publishing skills using specialized desktop publishing software that integrate design principles and techniques. Students produce professional documents, including brochures, flyers, newsletters, logos and business cards.

Pre-requisites: OFF2300

OFF2291 Database and Project Management

Managing organizational information and project planning are essential in achievement of greater efficiencies in the workplace. Students develop skills in database management through the creation and management of tables, relationships, queries, forms and reports. Project planning, scheduling and resource allocation are explored using project management software. Through a series of hands-on activities, students develop a range of valuable skills for database and project management.

OFF2328 Travel and Meeting Management

Travel planning and meeting management are two key roles of the administrative professional. Students develop domestic and international travel planning skills, including itineraries, travel expense tables, and travel authorizations. Students further develop meeting management skills including arranging, participating, recording and formatting meeting notices, agendas, and minutes. Emphasis is placed on accurate content, proofreading, time management and production.

OFF2319 Simulated Practicum

Authentic work simulations provide students with the opportunity to hone administrative skills, aligning with the trends in today's workplace. Students in the graduating level work within a variety of business environments applying practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Evaluation is based on accuracy of assigned tasks, professionalism, self-assessment and reflection on the experience obtained.

Pre-requisites: OFF2279 AND OFF2291 AND OFF2328 AND OFF2340 AND OFF2395

OFF2331 Portfolio and Career Management

Defining and taking charge of one's own career path is a key skill for success in our ever-changing job market. Students reflect on classroom experiences to assess strengths and weaknesses to develop an individual career path for future professional development. Students are introduced to the concepts of self-marketing and create an employment portfolio. Topics include job search skills, cover letter and resume writing, and effective self-marketing strategies.

OFF2333 Event and Conference Management

With ever-changing organizational needs, administrative professionals are being relied on to provide the essential support that facilitates communication and assist in the planning and coordination of events and conferences. Students plan and execute, from the beginning stages to event completion, with an emphasis on project planning and documentation, while working efficiently in a team environment to meet stakeholder goals and project timelines.

Pre-requisites: OFF2279 AND OFF2291 AND OFF2300 AND OFF2340

OFF2334 Executive Integrated Projects

With ever-changing organizational needs, administrative professionals are being relied on to provide the essential support that facilitates communications and to assist in the planning and coordination of projects. Students undertake a complex project efficiently working in a team environment, and complete all tasks associated with each project component that involve document production and transcribing using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Students consider the impact of management styles, social media, research, and human resources responsibilities throughout the project activities. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, efficiency, collaboration, and project management.

Pre-requisites: OFF2279 AND OFF2291 AND OFF2328 AND OFF2340 AND OFF2395