Degree electives course list

Chinese Language and Culture II

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

CHIN72000 (Section 1)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

This high beginner course reinforces student’s knowledge of the Pinyin system, which will allow them to express themselves more freely. Students will develop academic and professional listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. This course will be taught mostly in English to facilitate learning of Chinese.

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French Language and Culture III

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

FREN73020 (Section 1)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

This intermediate course builds on French Language and Culture II. Students will continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with a focus on academic and professional communication within the French language and workplace cultural context. This course will be taught in French.

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Spanish Language and Culture II

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

SPAN72010 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

This high beginner course reinforces students' knowledge of the Spanish language and reinforces the cultural variety in the Spanish speaking world. Students will develop academic and professional listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. This course will be taught mostly in Spanish with English used to facilitate learning in Spanish.

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Why Normal Sucks

Theme

Social Science

Course Code

DIS71000 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

Are you normal? Who hasn't, for many reasons, asked themselves this question at some point, or many points, in their lives? “Am I normal?” seems to be a defining question in modern Western culture, across every area of human life and experience, in health and illness. But has this always been the case? And who gets to say what’s normal anyway? Psychiatrists, psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists have all been eager to have their say on this matter. This course will examine various Historical Approaches to People with Disabilities and the concepts of normal/abnormal that have emerged. We will challenge the whole idea of what is “normal” and we will attempt to demonstrate that normality is a problem to be struggled with, to be resisted, and ultimately, an idea to be rejected and replaced.

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French Language and Culture IV

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

FREN74020 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

This high intermediate course builds on French Language III. Students will refine French language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing with a focus on academic and professional communication. This course will be taught in French.

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German Language and Culture III

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

GERM73010 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

This intermediate course builds on German Language and Culture II. Students will continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with a focus on academic and professional communication within the German language and workplace cultural context. This course will be taught in German.

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Religions of the World: Western Traditions

Theme

Humanities

Course Code

RELS73200 (Section 1)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

Western Religions continue to hold a dynamic position in the lives of many people in the world today. This course will expose students to the traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (with a small study of Zoroastrianism). We will evaluate each of these religions in terms of their historical emergence, doctrinal development, and interaction with various world cultures. We will also briefly analyze a selection of alternative Western religions. In addition, the method of learning in this course is participatory; students will select, explore and report on specific theoretical issues. The issues examined will be gender and the role of women, sexuality, religious violence and non-violence, diaspora, the modern atheistic critique of religion, globalization and the effects of modernity, religious plurality, environmental and technological concerns.

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Introduction to Sociology

Theme

Social Science

Course Code

SOC71250 (Section TBD)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

This course involves the systematic study of human interaction. Sociology offers a unique perspective for examining social issues, understanding cultural diversity and the way socialization shapes personality. The student will also investigate areas such as deviant behaviour, the nature of social change, family structure and social organization. The course will analyze Canadian social institutions,emphasizing the pluralistic nature of Canadian society.

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Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

CHIN71000 (Section 1)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

This beginner course introduces students to the Chinese language and culture. Students will develop reading, listening, speaking, writing, and cultural awareness. Students will also learn the fundamentals of Chinese character writing. This course will be taught in both Chinese and English to facilitate learning of Chinese.

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Introduction to Spanish Language and Culture

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

SPAN71010 (Section 1)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

The method of leaning in this course is designed to be highly participatory and self-reflective, combining individual and group work with in-class discussion and on-site observation opportunities. Students will apply theories and concepts gained through lectures to practical interpretations of real-world planning conditions and local policies and applications.

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Spanish Language and Culture III

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

SPAN73010 (Section 1)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

This intermediate course builds on Spanish Language and Culture II. Students will continue to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with a focus on academic and professional communication within the Spanish language and workplace cultural context. This course will be taught in Spanish.

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World Cultures

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

CLTR72000 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

World cultures both broadly and deeply affect and are affected by globalization in ways that unify and divide as well as produce equities and inequalities among people and nations. In this course, students will focus on topics pertaining to similarities and differences in world cultures and societies. Incorporating varying perspectives on diversity, students develop an understanding of the impacted groups, develop strategies that demonstrate respect for diversity, and critically examine social change performed on a world stage.

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World Cultures

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

CLTR72000 (Section 2)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

World cultures both broadly and deeply affect and are affected by globalization in ways that unify and divide as well as produce equities and inequalities among people and nations. In this course, students will focus on topics pertaining to similarities and differences in world cultures and societies. Incorporating varying perspectives on diversity, students develop an understanding of the impacted groups, develop strategies that demonstrate respect for diversity, and critically examine social change performed on a world stage.

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Classical Mythology

Theme

Humanities

Course Code

CLSC73030 (Section 2)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

This course provides students with an exciting exploration of the universe of mythological thinking from Mediterranean prehistoric times through the Classical Greco-Roman tradition down to its reception in the present day. Emphasis will be placed on ancient literary and visual narratives conveying messages on universal human themes such as creation and fertility, friendship and trust, love and sexuality, heroism and violence, death and the afterlife. Students will explore the historical meaning and cultural significance of some of the most popular symbols, archetypal images, and compelling mythical narratives in their authentic contexts through discoveries in archaeology, ancient history, religious studies, cultural anthropology, psychology, and natural sciences. Examining the Classical canon of mythological thinking, the course aims at a deep understanding of the universal appeal of myth to contemporary society, along with enduring insights into the way we conceptualize and explain our human condition, social and the natural environment through art, literature, and scholarly study.

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Classical Mythology

Theme

Humanities

Course Code

CLSC73030 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

This course provides students with an exciting exploration of the universe of mythological thinking from Mediterranean prehistoric times through the Classical Greco-Roman tradition down to its reception in the present day. Emphasis will be placed on ancient literary and visual narratives conveying messages on universal human themes such as creation and fertility, friendship and trust, love and sexuality, heroism and violence, death and the afterlife. Students will explore the historical meaning and cultural significance of some of the most popular symbols, archetypal images, and compelling mythical narratives in their authentic contexts through discoveries in archaeology, ancient history, religious studies, cultural anthropology, psychology, and natural sciences. Examining the Classical canon of mythological thinking, the course aims at a deep understanding of the universal appeal of myth to contemporary society, along with enduring insights into the way we conceptualize and explain our human condition, social and the natural environment through art, literature, and scholarly study.

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Critical and Creative Thinking

Theme

Humanities

Course Code

PHIL72700 (Section 1)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

This course examines the essential elements of both critical and creative thinking, with their application to the solution of problems. It describes the nature of evidence, sound arguments and valid conclusions, faulty reasoning, convergent and divergent thinking, and the creative process. Critical and creative thinking are then applied to problem solving, and both the discussion of ideas and the presentation of information to an audience.

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Principles of Ethical Reasoning

Theme

Humanities

Course Code

PHIL72900 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

This course is intended to acquaint students with the intellectual tradition of moral philosophy and help them develop practical analytic and critical skills through reading, writing, and discussion. This course focuses on ethical issues faced by individuals in Canadian society. It helps students to clarify their values and establish a framework for ethical decision making. Students will explore a variety of moral issues such as euthanasia, abortion, minority rights, racism, bio-medical technology, capital punishment, pornography, discrimination, poverty, environment and war. These questions do not admit of easy answers, because there are often plausible-sounding moral reasons to be given on each side of the matter. In part because of this, there is a tendency to want to set them aside as unanswerable, as just a matter of opinion. Yet they cannot be ignored. Rather, these questions require that we think hard about them and address them carefully, and that we explore various underlying presuppositions that we often accept uncritically. As a result, this is a course in which we will focus on and practice the skill of critical thinking, and learn to express carefully, verbally and in writing, our reasoning for a given position.

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World Literature

Theme

Humanities

Course Code

ENGL71020 (Section 1)

Delivery

In person

Status

Description

This course will survey world literature in the modern period (19th - 21st century). We will explore how to read and enjoy a broad range of modern and contemporary authors from around the globe, as they wrestle with the reality of colonization in the 19th century, the violence and horrors of the 20th century, and the postmodern world. Plays, poetry, short and long fiction, as well as a variety of literary expression – including popular culture, global music, and the influence of the world wide web will be discussed. We will sample from all of the continents. Some theoretical texts will be read to establish some tools for analysis.

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Examining Social Problems in Canadian Society

Theme

Social Science

Course Code

SOC73030 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Synchronous

Status

Description

This seminar style course is designed to facilitate critical discussion of the social construction, causes, and consequences of a range of social problems in Canadian society, and evaluate the policy responses, or lack thereof. The course includes the application and integration of sociological theories. Students will learn to use the sociological imagination, how to analyse social problems systematically, and will explore whether individual or societal solutions are needed. The topics will provide opportunities to challenge hidden assumptions, and includes focus on the significance of age, class, gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Problems will include alcohol and drug abuse, family problems, poverty, education, health and illness, work, and the urban environment.

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Introduction to French Language and Culture

Theme

Global Cultures

Course Code

FREN71020 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Asynchronous

Status

Description

This beginner course introduces students to standard French as well as Canadian French nuances. It is designed for students to develop basic French skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will also study French culture in various contexts around the world. This course will be taught in both English and French to facilitate learning in French.

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Classical Civilization and the Global Present

Theme

Humanities

Course Code

CLSC72000 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Asynchronous

Status

Description

This course will trace the modern world (including current events and social and cultural problems) by examining the foundation of Western civilization by ancient Greek and Roman explorers, colonists, political leaders, conquerors, scholars, playwrights, artists, and artisans. Located at the crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa, ancient Mediterranean civilizations; created fundamental drivers of world history and left a legacy of important ideas, practices, and deeply-rooted values that have lasted for more than 3500 years. Emphasis will be on ethnic migrations, social movements, political reforms, economic upturns, geographical discoveries, and pivotal military conflicts in Antiquity; influenced hybridization and globalization in cultural tradition, materiality of life, and intellectual advancement. Also, priority will be given to mnemonic hands-on activities, problem-solving case studies, debates, reflective narratives, as well as to relevant approaches for tackling primary sources, such as ancient poetry and prose, epigraphic documents, maps, numismatic and archaeological materials.

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Postmodern Identity in Popular Culture: Avatars, Humans, and Vampires

Theme

Humanities

Course Code

ENGL71040 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Asynchronous

Status

Description

The stories we tell and the stories we make popular say much about who we think we are - what makes us human, what makes us individuals, and what gives us value. Postmodern narratives demonstrate an interesting shift in the ideas about what it means to be human. Students in this course will learn to describe postmodernism, understand a variety of psychological and sociological theories about identity, and recognize changes to how humans value themselves and their qualities. Within this postmodern historical context, students will analyze how human identity is constructed and presented in narratives. The narratives chosen will provide a survey of different media, from short stories to graphic novels to film and television. In each medium, fictional identities such as gaming avatars, ghosts, vampires, and werewolves will provide clues to the puzzle of what it means to be human.

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Environmental Science

Theme

Science

Course Code

SCIE72000 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Asynchronous

Status

Description

This course will argue for the interconnectedness of the world's systems, linking Earth's large-scale processes to specific environmental phenomenon. Topics include our use and allocation of energy and mineral resources; urban environmental management, human population growth and its effects on food accessibility, desertification and loss of biodiversity. We will also analyze new and emerging environmental toxins and how they are impacting our ability to ensure clean water and soils for future generations. Research will be focused on understanding specific method for understanding scientific and policy literature, problem solving with an eye on all potential stakeholders.

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Canadian Multiculturalism

Theme

Social Science

Course Code

SOC73140 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Asynchronous

Status

Description

This course examines the ethnic and multicultural diversity of Canadian society including a historical look at immigration and how the Canadian government has treated its inhabitants. Integral to the course is an overview of the emergence of Canada as a model of cultural pluralism. Students will also explore how Canada and more specifically Ontario, has attempted to protect the rights of its citizens. In addition, attention is paid to the challenges that are faced by newcomers and Aboriginal people. This course also provides an opportunity for students to look at a variety of different world religions and to share their own experiences.

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Introduction to Media Studies

Theme

Social Science

Course Code

MDIA72280 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Asynchronous

Status

Description

This course provides an introductory overview of the role of the major news/information media within a democratic society and their impact upon the ability of its citizens to make informed decisions. It considers the historical context of journalism in Canada, the major influences affecting the function of the news media and their evolution in a digital age. The course is also designed to enable the student to recognize bias in the news and evaluate news as a social construction.

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Psychology: Basic Processes of Behaviour

Theme

Social Science

Course Code

PSYC71240 (Section 1)

Delivery

Online - Asynchronous

Status

Description

Psychology is the scientific study of human thought processes, emotions and behaviour. Topics of interest to psychologists include all aspects of everyday life, from simple to complex thought processes to behaviours that might surprise us. This course introduces students to the basic processes of human behaviour. The course begins with a brief history of psychology and its emergence as a science. Areas of study include the biological bases of behaviour; memory consciousness; social psychology; emotion; personality and psychological disorders and their treatment.

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