Diploma Students: Part-time & Overload — All Courses

Location: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, Ontario

ENGL-1030-60PT Mystery & Suspense 

This course surveys the development of the mystery and suspense genre through a variety of short stories, television episodes, and films. We focus on historical context, characteristics and dominant themes of popular mystery and suspense genres from the late 19th century to modern day in exploring the enduring appeal of this genre. In addition to completing quizzes, students will also engage in creative assignments and write analytically about some of the texts in this course.

FILM-1020-60PT Intro to Film Genres

This course is designed to develop a critical approach to the medium of film by looking specifically at the genres that have developed over the 20th Century; to examine individual creative expression in the films of important directors from Hollywood, with emphasis on cinematic history and theory; to develop the ability to identify technical aspects of film and to discern mediocre and excellent use of film making technique.

HIST-1009-60PT Contemporary History

Only by knowing where we came from can we begin to know where we are going. This course explores the important events of the 20th century or what has been referred to as the 'revolutionary century'. Through a global perspective, we will examine such monumental events as the First and Second World Wars, the Russian Revolution, the rise of Fascism, the Cold War and how they shaped the world today. The course will also focus on the economic, political, and cultural significance of these events globally, focusing on several different countries.

POLI-1026-60PT Canadian Politics

This political science course will explore the fundamental ideas and concepts that shape Canada's governing institutions. Students will explore the significance of federalism, the Constitution, political parties, and the electoral system in Canada. Electoral behaviour and public opinion will also be examined.

INDS-1081-60PT Personal Wellness

This course introduces students to the concept of wellness. Students develop strategies for a healthy lifestyle in all aspect of their lives. Through traditional lectures and learning activities, they learn through both individual and group processes. They investigate wellness as it applies to mindfulness, self-responsibility, social/emotional development, stress-management, physical activity, spirituality, substance abuse, nutrition, and complementary health. This course provides the opportunity for students to evaluate their present lifestyle, identify successes, and develop areas requiring personal growth. 

SOCI-1048-60PT The Meaning of Sex

Although we often think of sex and sexuality as natural processes, social influences also affect sexual attitudes and behaviours. This course will examine sexuality from a sociological perspective, examining how interactions, culture, and institutions affect this important dimension of human life. Ranging in topics as diverse as sexualized media to prostitution, the course will examine the impact of sexual culture, norms, and institutions in the modern world. 

SOCI-1103-60PT Gender Identity 

This course moves beyond the binary to explore gender as a spectrum. Prioritizing gender diverse people's perspectives and experiences, we will study how people develop, embody, and affirm their gender. We will also analyze how society oppresses gender diverse people. By engaging with contentious issues like transgender and non-binary athletes in sports, children, and youth's access to gender affirming healthcare, and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive sex education, we will explore ways to support gender diverse people at individual and societal levels.

PSYC-1078-60PT Digging Up Death

The intention of this course is to broaden your knowledge of death by examining topics including historical/cultural practices, near death experiences, suicide, the undead, and violent death and by calling on experiences, insights and knowledge from many perspectives. 

Location: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, Ontario

ENGL-1047-60PT Intro to Children's Literature

This course offers an introduction to literature for children from toddlers to young adults, including traditional classics and modern favourites. Required readings will include picture books, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and excerpts from longer works. The focus will be on the critical appreciation of the meaning, theme, style, and appeal of each selection. The course will end in a culminating final project; please note there is no final exam.

FILM-1003-60PT Film Genre - War

This is a course for movie lovers who want to study the various depictions of war on the silver screen. An analysis of different filmmaking techniques will show how audience interpretation is shaped by a director. We will also study the ways in which real life history can be rewritten by Hollywood. Students will be required to watch one weekly film outside of class hours. Some of the films which we will study are Inglourious Bastards, The Hurt Locker, The Dark Knight, and Braveheart. 

INDG-3003-60PT Indigenous Traditional Knowledge 

Students engage directly with the traditional Indigenous knowledge of Southwestern Ontario through the words of local Elders and community-recognized knowledgeable community members. Through exposure to traditional knowledge through first-hand experience, which continue to guide Indigenous people both locally and globally, a sense of community and respect for culture and identity will be fostered. Originating through local community members input, this course provides students with an introduction to customary Indigenous knowledge which is the foundation for First Nations Studies. Please note that this course incorporates mandatory experiential learning activities. Students will be required to participate in activities that occur outside of the regularly scheduled lecture hours and/or on weekends. This applies to in-class sections of this course only.

INDS-1013-60PT Perspectives on Hockey

For many Canadians, hockey is more than a sport: it is a passion. Through hockey literature (fiction and non-fiction), multimedia presentations (radio and television broadcasts, feature films, and documentaries), and discussion, students will gain an understanding of how hockey has shaped Canadian culture, and how politics, economics, the media, and society have shaped a national passion.

INDS-1092-60PT It's About Time

Many people find themselves obsessed with something they can't actually explain - Time! There have been great movies and TV shows with time as a focus of the story - but where did the writers get their ideas? This course will help students develop an understanding of time by looking at some of those stories (anything from The Time Machine to the time loop-comedy Groundhog Day) while exploring the scientific (does time exist), philosophical (how time progresses) and psychological (objective vs. subjective experiences) theories of time shaping those stories. Students will also be introduced to various time management strategies in order to spend the time they have effectively.

PHYS-1028-60PT Astronomy

Astronomy is the study of things in the universe and how they fit together on a large scale. In this course, an exclusively scientific survey of modern astronomy is presented, from cosmology and galaxies, to stars, planets and atoms. The impact of astronomical developments on history and culture is discussed, and an appreciation for astronomy in daily life is encouraged.

SOCI-1102-60PT Sociology of Advertising

The average person encounters over 3,000 advertisements a day. How do the advertisements we see impact us and our society? This course will explore the topic of advertising through a sociological perspective. It will focus on the representation of gender, sexuality, and race in advertising. This course will explore how advertising has reflected and reproduced societal issues like racism and sexism. A historical perspective of advertising will also address how advertising has developed alongside human history, from prehistory to the present age of social media. Advertising techniques and methods will be discussed and critically evaluated.

PSYC-1067-60PT A Culture of Addictions

As an introductory and interdisciplinary survey of the role of addiction in human cultures, this course is designed to expose students to how narcotic as well as non-narcotic-related addiction manifest themselves within various individual and institutional practices. In particular, students will explore the major biological, psychological and social/cultural theories applied to addiction. Focus is given to the nature of drug use, conceptions of 'the addict,' how drugs impact the brain, the impact on family, and consequences for changing social drug behaviors. This course also explores current theoretical and practical treatment approaches and education and prevention strategies. Emphasis will be given to special issues and hot topics in drug addiction, including youth, women, media portrayal of drug use and current debates on the war on drugs. Finally, understanding common perspectives on treatment and prevention strategies related to drug dependence and education will be studied.

Location: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, Ontario

INDS-1111-60PT Weeding Through Cannabis

Since its legalization on October 17th, 2018, there has been a great deal of public interest in recreational & medicinal cannabis use. After decades of prohibition, there are many questions that need to be answered: What are the benefits of cannabis use? The risks? Why was it illegal in the first place? Although cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years, it feels like we are just beginning to understand its effects. This introductory course surveys the history and culture of cannabis production and prohibition, through current understandings of its medical, sociocultural, psychological, and spiritual aspects.

INDS-1059-60PT Myth, Folktale & Fairytale

This course will examine a selection of myths and legends from Ancient Greece, Continental Europe, and Britain. We will look at how these stories have evolved over time from sacred tales to secular stories. The course will also explore the important role that folktales and fairy tales have played in shaping the culture of the people who told these stories. Our goals will be to discover connections among the stories, seek out similar themes and characters across cultures and time periods, and explain the enduring popularity of these stories to this day. 

INDS-1081-61PT Personal Wellness

This course introduces students to the concept of wellness. Students develop strategies for a healthy lifestyle in all aspect of their lives. Through traditional lectures and learning activities, they learn through both individual and group processes. They investigate wellness as it applies to mindfulness, self responsibility, social/emotional development, stress-management, physical activity, spirituality, substance abuse, nutrition, and complementary health. This course provides the opportunity for students to evaluate their present lifestyle, identify successes, and develop areas requiring personal growth.

PHIL-1024-60PT Searching for Reality 

What exists, and how can we know it? Metaphysics and epistemology are the two branches of philosophy devoted to asking these questions, and this course is a historical examination of these two areas in Western philosophy. Each historical era will be viewed through the lens of a guiding question that frames metaphysical and epistemological investigation. Along the way we will discuss classical philosophical issues such as free will, the existence of God, the nature of consciousness, and the limits of science.

PSYC-1105-60PT Community Psychology

What communities do you belong to? Belonging to a family, neighbourhood, religious organization, sports team, etc., provides us with valuable social relationships and human connection. Community psychology examines how various aspects of belonging to a community can impact our psychological, social, and physical well-being. In this course we will explore several fascinating topics, including the relationship between stress, social support, and sense of community; the impact of discrimination on individual and community well-being; the importance of diversity, empowerment, prevention, and health promotion; the history of self-help and community mental health; the role of community-based, qualitative research methods; as well as the significance of community development and organization with the goal of understanding how to create a more socially responsible and healthy society for all. 

PSYC-1079-60PT Forensic Psychology

We're excited to be offering this class as a Super Class!

How have TV dramas, movies, and documentaries such as CSI and "Making a Murderer" influenced the jury and our understanding of criminals? What characteristics make up a psychopath? Why is there an overwhelming number of lone wolf terrorists in North America, and how is this affecting our safety? In this course, we will examine the many violent expressions of power, revenge, terror, greed, and loyalty, as well as the biological and environmental contributions. We will examine sexual sadists, serial killers, and mass murder cases such as Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo, James Holmes, Ed Gein, Charles Manson, and Mark Lepine. Topics discussed in this course include multiple murder in popular culture, psychopathy, criminal responsibility, sexual sadism, terrorism, eyewitness memory, and psychological profiling. Finally, we will debate sentencing and punishment from across the world.

SOSC-1012-60PT Discovering Social Sciences

This course connects the exciting world of social science to our everyday experiences. By highlighting discipline specific tools and concepts used by anthropologists, psychologists, and sociologists, students gain insight into how people function and how relationships develop between individuals, society, and the global world. Discussions focus on current and controversial topics that deal with individual, social, and global concerns, allowing us to understand the origins and consequences for some of life's most pressing issues. This interdisciplinary approach leads to a better understanding of social science and gives students the foundation for future learning in all areas of study.

Location: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, Ontario

ANTH-1010-60PT The Human Condition

People are fascinating! It is the goal of cultural anthropologists to increase our understanding of humanity, especially the diversity and complexity of human life and cultures. This course introduces students to the study and research methods of cultural anthropology. Students will study small-scale, prestate societies, including bands and tribes. Examining the consequences of globalization for the inhabitants of the underdeveloped world will comprise a significant portion of this course. Students will investigate how anthropological principles and knowledge can be applied towards the solution of global problems. 

ENGL-1063-60PT Themes in Science Fiction & Fantasy 

This course introduces students to the tropes and conventions of science fiction and fantasy, exploring such themes as "progress," Otherness, the ethics of bioengineering, the conflict between good and evil, fate and free will, and the quest. Students will explore the history of the two genres, including various subgenres such as first contact stories, cyberpunk, dystopian literature, portal fantasy, high and low fantasy, and urban fantasy

HIST-1050-60PT Modern History

This course surveys the significant political, economic, cultural, and diplomatic developments that define the period between 1914 and 1945. Special emphasis is placed on the First and Second World Wars as well as the development of political ideologies like fascism, communism, and socialism during the interwar years.  

INDS-1033-60PT Video Game Theory

This course will analyze the cultural and artistic significance of video games, and the ways gaming reflects our larger relationships with technology. This course aims to discuss the relationship between video games and other media; gamers and the gaming community; and the important sociological, cultural, industrial, and economic issues that surround gaming. 

INDS-1076-60PT Say What!? 

This course will look at language use in its social context.  Why do we speak the way we do, and why does that vary across regions and social situations?  With a focus on English language use, we will look at gender and racial differences, as well as geographical and context differences. We will discuss how to gather and interpret linguistic information.  Finally, we will look at how language use has changed over time, and how (and why) it continues to evolve. 

INDS-1132-60PT Stay Sexy & Solve Stuff

For many, "true crime" has been a longtime guilty pleasure.  But where did this fascination come from - and is it okay to enjoy this sort of thing? This course will attempt to make sense of our collective interest in the macabre of real life by examining the growth of the true crime genre across two centuries to the present day, with is "murderinos", true crime conventions, and even the occasional unravelling of unsolved cases by so-called "citizen detectives." We'll also explore the way gender, race, and class frequently impact how the story is told, all with the aim of trying to understand how representations of criminality serve, in their own twisted way, to define culture.

PYSC-1132-60PT Exploring Trauma & Violence

Many, even most, people you come across will have lived through and may still be experiencing traumatic or violent events or living conditions. This course focuses on learning about the impact of trauma and violence on people and how to create physical, cultural, and emotional safety for everyone. Trauma and violence informed principles could be practiced on the macro level in health and social services, schools, and colleges and the micro level in interaction with our family and friends. Trauma and violence informed principles encourage a universal approach to collective care and wellness. Please be advised that the content of this course could be triggering for individuals with post traumatic stress disorder/complex trauma background.

SOSC-1034-60PT Pop Girl Feminism

Words like "feminist" and "girl boss" are popular terms that are ascribed to many female pop-icons. Super-stars Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have had their own unique (and controversial) journeys with feminism and feminist branding. What does it mean to be a feminist in 2024? Can pop-icons and billionaires really be feminists? Does being a 'girl boss' obscure the goals of feminism? Or is this modern female empowerment? In this course, we will learn the basics of feminist theory through a sociological lens. Taking this feminist theory as our sociological toolkit, we will examine how we can understand super-stars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, and their influence on feminism today. 

Location: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, Ontario

ENGL-1062-60PT Beyond Superheroes: Comic/Graphic Novels

This course explores the story of comics and how comics tell stories: we will investigate the development of comics as a medium as we apply the techniques of literary analysis to the course texts. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in literary and artistic analysis through the careful reading of texts, and by writing about and discussing these texts. 

FILM-1029-60PT Film Genres – Science Fiction

This course traces the emergence of science-fiction in film and other audiovisual media. The course pays special attention to the oscillations of the genre's status, from respectable work of the imagination ("speculative fiction") to despised escapist entertainment ("pulp") and back, before becoming a spectrum of subgenres (cyberpunk, weird, "literary," etc.). The interpretation of science fiction films is set within the history of science fiction readers, publishers, writers, from the earliest SF pulps to massive "convergence culture" science fiction that straddles books, film, TV, and internet fandom.

HIST-1031-60PT The Century of Genocide

Genocide -- the targeting of a group for destruction -- was so prevalent during the 20th Century that the period has been dubbed 'The Century of Genocide'. This course will examine genocide during the 20th Century with the purpose of helping students better understand what genocide is and the magnitude of genocide, what causes genocide, and how, if at all, genocide can be prevented or at least stopped. This course will examine what are considered to be the three seminal cases of genocide during the 20th Century: the Armenian Genocide (1915), the Holocaust (1933-1945), and the Rwandan Genocide (1994). This course will begin with an examination of what has unfolded in Darfur since 2003. Is Darfur the first genocide of the 21st Century?

INDG-1012-60PT Minobiimaadzawin: Good Life     

Minobiimaadzawin (Good Life) is a goal that all people seek throughout their lives. Prior to contact, this concept was taught from the onset of life and was an important aspect of indigenous culture. In this course, students will learn directly from North American (NA) Original Peoples instructors regarding life practices exploring the many methods of self-care. There will be experiential learning opportunities that will enhance student understanding of well-being along with contemporary methods of well-being to balance their learning experience. These learning experiences will take place within the contemporary learning setting as well as in a natural environment. Students will learn how the NA Original People's way of learning took place throughout their lives and how it relates to all four components of their self: spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

INDS-1081-62PT Personal Wellness     

This course introduces students to the concept of wellness. Students develop strategies for a healthy lifestyle in all aspect of their lives. Through traditional lectures and learning activities, they learn through both individual and group processes. They investigate wellness as it applies to mindfulness, self-responsibility, social/emotional development, stress-management, physical activity, spirituality, substance abuse, nutrition, and complementary health. This course provides the opportunity for students to evaluate their present lifestyle, identify successes, and develop areas requiring personal growth. \

INDS-1126-60PT From Slavery to Freedom: An Intro to Black Studies     

Want to know more about the history, culture, key figures and leaders, and major struggles of the black experience in North America? Can you see the overt oppression of the black subject that started 400 years ago still operating covertly today? How does popular culture (sports, music, film) combat or, more troublingly, reinforce the oppression of the black person? This introductory course will explore key moments in black studies including the slave trade, the middle passage, the black military experience, the civil rights and black power movements, the blues, jazz, and hip-hop, blaxploitation, and the black is beautiful movement. Throughout the semester you will discover if you are simply not-racist or are actively anti-racist, whether you believe in Martin Luther King's non-violence or Malcolm X's militant resistance, and whether the cycle of oppression has begun to be resolved or if we are simply seeing a disturbing continuation of that oppression, a move from the plantation to the penitentiary.

POLI-1018-60PT Pirates, Smuggling & Underground Economics   

Not just confined to legend and cinema, modern-day pirates pose increasing problems for world leaders. Human trafficking, information piracy, corporate fraud, and weapons smuggling drain precious resources from governments. As international law struggles to keep up, kleptocratic dictators and white collar criminals continue to amass illicit fortunes. This course looks at various types of piracy, its impact on government and individuals, and possible solutions to combat piracy at all levels.

PSYC-1055-60PT Positive Psychology

This course explores the nature of well-being, happiness and the good life. Course content includes a sampling of psychological theories, research and measures of personal strengths that impact well-being. We will examine ways to enhance appreciation of life through mindfulness, gratitude, creativity and flow and apply these experiences in a personal way. Students in this course should expect to learn and participate in personal gratitude and growth, prosocial behaviours and savouring experiences.

Location: 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, Ontario

ENGL-1058-60PT Short, Short Fiction

Think you don't have time to read for pleasure? Think again! This course examines short, short stories that are under 1000 words, yet still manage to pack in complex plots, characters, narrators, settings, themes, and language. Although short short fiction is quick and easy to read (from 1 minute to 15 minutes), the form requires an enormous amount of skill, so we will explore what it takes to create successful short short fiction, and evaluate stories based on common elements.

FILM-1004-60PT Film Genres - Epic  

This course is designed to develop a critical approach to the medium of film and epic films, to examine individual creative expression in the films of important directors within the genre, to develop the ability to identify technical aspects of film, and to discern mediocre and excellent use of filmmaking technique. Students will be required to watch one weekly film outside of class hours. Evaluation will be based on in-class quizzes as well as two essays and a final test. Some of the films which we will study include Collateral, Gladiator, Dances with Wolves, and Marvel's The Avengers.

HIST-1054-60PT The History of Medicine 

We're excited to be offering this class as a Super Class!

This course offers a survey of the history of medicine from antiquity to the present day and introduces students to the most significant characters and cases in medical history. Students will gain an understanding of the social, economic, and political impact of outbreaks such as the plague, small pox, and AIDS as well as significant medical advancements in the conceptualization of disease, health, and medical care. Topics include: Greek, Roman, and Renaissance medicine, the development of anatomy and psychiatry, and modern epidemics.

INDS-1049-60PT Experimental Music       

This course introduces students to the key composers and artists in experimental music from the early 20th century to the present and provides an overview of the central movements in experimental music. Students analyze and evaluate a broad variety of musical compositions and written sources.

INDS-1129-60PT 90's Pop Culture 

The 1990s are sometimes understood as a period of time between major events. Occurring between the end of the decades-long Cold War and prior to the 9/11, retrospective analyses of the 90s often describe it as a decade of relative peace and prosperity; the rise of the Internet ushered in a new era of technological advances while the dot-com bubble enriched many. However, by contextualizing the supposed irreverence of the 90s against Kuwait and the first Gulf War, civil right activism and neoliberal economics in the West, the freeing of Nelson Mandela, the end of apartheid South Africa, and the Bosnia and Rwandan genocides-among others- this course invites students to reconsider this era as a period of formative change with significant reverberations across the 2000s. In this course, students will analyze a range of 90s cultural media including  music videos, TV show episodes, movies and documentaries, songs, magazine articles, and advertisements as they seek to understand why the 1990s were a decade of profound change and how those changes continue to impact popular culture in the 2020s.

PYSC-1047-60PT Human Sexuality  

This course will introduce students to human sexuality with a focus on practical information for everyday living. The course will include a broad knowledge base about sexuality by exploring the biological, social, psychological and historical aspects. The course will encourage an understanding of the various influences on the development of ones sexual knowledge, attitudes, relationships and behaviours.

PYSC-1123-60PT Art of Intelligence 

This course introduces students to the various forms and theories of intelligence. Topics include creativity, emotional intelligence, non-verbal intelligence, social intelligence, mindfulness, learning disabilities and exceptionalities. This course comprehensively examines the role of intelligence fr personal and professional success, as well as the application of both verbal and non-verbal forms..

ENGL-1025-60PT Perspectives on Love

Whats love got to do with it? Why has it become the subject of so much writing throughout history? Why are we still fascinated by the subject of love today? Perspectives on Love proceeds to examine these very questions with a consideration of love in art, literature, and popular culture. Through a thematic exploration of the subject of love, students will identify the ways in which love themes have evolved, persisted, and manifested themselves in various time periods and cultures

HUMA-1024-60PT Scenes of the Apocolypse 

From fringe cults to Hollywood blockbusters, divine judgement to human-caused catastrophe, apocalypticism has been a preoccupation of Western culture since a figure known only as John penned the Book of Revelation nearly two thousand years ago. This course will explore various representations of the end of the world throughout history. Though literally a revelation, apocalypse is often used to describe any narrative depicting a cataclysmic event, and both senses of the term will be examined. We will also investigate what this compulsion to re-destroy the world says about our anxieties concerning the emergence of new sciences and technologies.

INDS-1081-63PT Personal Wellness 

This course introduces students to the concept of wellness. Students develop strategies for a healthy lifestyle in all aspect of their lives. Through traditional lectures and learning activities, they learn through both individual and group processes. They investigate wellness as it applies to mindfulness, self-responsibility, social/emotional development, stress-management, physical activity, spirituality, substance abuse, nutrition, and complementary health. This course provides the opportunity for students to evaluate their present lifestyle, identify successes, and develop areas requiring personal growth.

INDS-1060-60PT Robots, Cyborgs & Androids in Fiction      

From early notions of clockwork humans to contemporary concerns about the possibilities of cloning and artificial intelligence, the idea of mechanically enhanced or replicated human beings has continually challenged the ways we
think about what it means to be human. This course looks at how our hopes and fears of technologically reproducing and enhancing humans have been explored in fiction-short stories, films, and a play-from the 19th century to the present.

ANTH-1005-40PT The Story of Us

Where did humans come from? What is our relationship with the rest of the animal world? How did we become a species that walks upright, and has an unusually large brain? Why are we so diverse today? These are the sorts of questions asked by physical anthropologists, as they seek to understand 'what it means to be human'. This course will introduce this discipline, and assist students in gaining an understanding of: human inheritance; an appreciation of human diversity; primatology; the origins of humanity; and the development of early human culture.

CRIM-3001-40PT Criminology

This course introduces students to the study of crime and delinquency within a Canadian context. Topics included for study are the making of laws, the elements of crime, crime statistics, correlates and theories of crime, specific forms of crime and strategies for crime control.re and repressed beliefs and aspects of the wider genre that remain unknown to the larger public. 

ENGL-1055-40PT Vampires, Wizards, Blood & Magic

This course examines the evolution of literary representations of vampires and wizards by different cultures and communities over time. We will explore the themes of coming of age and the fear of the dark, as well as issues of sexuality, violence, boundary crossing and taboos, power dynamics, and the quest for immortality. Required readings will include short stories, poems, and excerpts from longer works; viewings will include films and TV episodes. The course will end in a culminating final project; please note there is no final exam. 

ENGL-1065-40PT Crime Stories

Stories of crime and detection have been among the most popular narratives produced from the 19th century to the present. While popular crime stories have often been derided as cheap escapism, this course investigates a variety of fictional criminals and crime-fighters to show popular narratives holding up society's moral mirror to dark and horrible deeds and raising questions about the social and individual complexities of guilt, innocence, crime, and the means of punishment.

ENGL-1067-40PT Murder & Mayhem

From Shakespeare's Macbeth and Poe's Tell-Tale Heart to Natural Born Killers, American Psycho, and The Dark Knight, literature and film have frequently explored the notion of the dark side or primitive instincts within us all. Often satirical, occasionally literal, such artistic expressions of our baser natures seem to hold universal appeal. The works studied in this course feature either a crazed killer or an innocent person drawn into a world of mayhem by the madness of society. We will discuss questions like, what circumstances or events lead human beings to abandon the conventional rules of civilization and to follow a more twisted path and how is art particularly well suited to reveal the psychology of misbehaviour? 

ENVR-1038-40PT Climate Change, Adaptation & Innovation

To mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, we must minimize the human activities driving climate change and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Communities must also implement resilient strategies to adapt to the changing climate and impacts already being felt around the world. Covering emerging, innovative solutions in energy, food, agriculture, land use, industry, transportation, buildings, carbon sinks, health, and education, this course invites students to explore creative responses to address climate change and its impacts locally and beyond. All of humanity is predicted to be impacted by climate change, albeit not equally. In this course, students will be encouraged to explore why climate change disproportionally impacts vulnerable communities and how multiple intersecting identity factors influence how individuals are affected by the changing climate. While we have faced, and will continue to face, many challenges to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate, our successes will not only benefit the planet, but our society and economy as well.

FILM-1004-40PT Film Genres: Epic Films

This course is designed to develop a critical approach to the medium of film and epic films, to examine individual creative expression in the films of important directors within the genre, to develop the ability to identify technical aspects of film, and to discern mediocre and excellent use of filmmaking technique. Students will be required to watch one weekly film outside of class hours. Evaluation will be based on in-class quizzes as well as two essays and a final test. Some of the films which we will study include Collateral, Gladiator, Dances with Wolves, and Marvel's The Avengers.

FILM-1007-40PT Hollywood: The Viewer's Perspective

This course explores film from an audience perspective by analyzing both how and why our culture watches movies. The course examines the Hollywood formula and its appealing offer of comfort, closure, and familiarity to viewers. In addition, the degree to which cinematic rules can be bent and/or broken before an audience loses interest is a primary focus of the course. Focusing on four categories of film theory - Character Identification, the Male Gaze, Narrative, and Historical Context- this course examines the way mainstream film has influenced patterns of spectatorship, and promotes critical analysis of contemporary media. 

FILM-1009-40PT Film Genres: Comedy

This course is for movie lovers who want to study the presentation of comedy on the silver screen. An analysis of different approaches to humour will show how audience interpretation is shaped by various directors. We will also study the ways in which comedy reflects the social tastes and anxieties of our times. Students will be required to watch one weekly film outside of class hours. Some of the films which we will study are Horrible Bosses, 21 Jump Street, Bridesmaids, and Groundhog Day. 

FILM-1020-40PT Film Genres: Intro

This course is designed to develop a critical approach to the medium of film by looking specifically at the genres that have developed over the 20th Century; to examine individual creative expression in the films of important directors from Hollywood, with emphasis on cinematic history and theory; to develop the ability to identify technical aspects of film and to discern mediocre and excellent use of film making technique.  

GEOG-1007-40PT Environmental Geography

This geography and sustainability course is designed to offer students an introduction to issues of environmental science and human activities that affect the wellbeing of the planet as a whole. Current and problematic issues will be explored through time and across space using case studies from both Canadian and global locations. The course will examine these issues from environmental, economic, and social perspectives in an attempt to better understand them and to recommend individual lifestyle choices to encourage positive change. Specific subjects to be investigated will include ecosystems and biodiversity, climate change, renewable energy resources, air and water pollution, food production, globalization, recycling and waste, and sustainable cities.  

HIST-1037-40PT A History of the World in 15 Machines

This course examines the history of technology by surveying some of the most significant inventions in human history. Students learn not only about the machines themselves, but also about the inventors responsible for their creation. Topics include the invention of the printing press, telescope, plow, cotton gin, automobile, and computer. By placing these inventions in their historical contexts, students gain an understanding of the social, economic, and political impact of each invention.

HIST-1052-40PT The Ancient World

This course focuses on the history of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Rome. Emphasis is placed on the growth and decline of ancient societies, as well as on their contributions to the development of social and cultural traditions, many of which have survived into the modern world. 

INDG-1013-40 Indigenous Resistance

Students gain exposure to Indigenous resistance movements across the globe. Within this framework, students learn about the current efforts of Indigenous artists, authors, athletes, photographers, musicians, filmmakers, educators, and language revitalizers who collectively are changing stereotypes about Indigenous populations. Students learn first-hand from guest speakers about ways they can co-facilitate this movement and acquire a deeper knowledge of Indigenous people and their vibrant history, which is reshaping conceptions of the future. 

INDS-1028-40PT Science in the News

Science is everywhere in the news: global warming, pandemics, mental health, the possibility of life on Mars and even new technology like gene editing. These are only a few of the current scientific topics that we find trending on social media. Science is vital in helping us understand the problems we face in our modern world, as well as assisting us to create solutions that lead to a better future! In addition to examining vital issues, we will also cover some fun and unusual topics in science: tiny robots built using frog cells, rats that are trained to drive cars and even people who can remember exactly what they ate for breakfast 30 years ago! Also, a unique feature of the course is that some topics will be based on events and discoveries that are happening and developing the very week we are learning about them! This course is aimed at a general audience and no knowledge of science will be assumed. We will use videos, podcasts, articles, blogs and social media to learn about our amazing world (and beyond!). 

INDS-1033-40PT Video Game Theory

This course will analyze the cultural and artistic significance of video games, and also the ways gaming reflects our larger relationships with technology. This course aims to discuss the relationship between video games and other media; gamers and the gaming community; and the important sociological, cultural, industrial, and economic issues that surround gaming. 

INDS-1035-40PT New Media Culture

This course is designed to focus on the thinking of students interested in the history, nature, and development of new media. The changing nature of media is considered, as are its influences on contemporary journalists and the development of culture in North American society. Students reflect on how media can shape consumers' thinking about current issues and how technological innovations are altering the dissemination of information. Students will participate in a weekly lab hour to facilitate their research and writing. 

INDS-1040-40PT Conspiracy Theories

This course explores the psychological and historical circumstances that have helped popularize conspiracy theories. Through an analysis of issues like the "fake" moon landing, "flat earth," 9/11 Truth, as well as various other conspiracies (some not-so-crazy, some very outlandish!), our course develops a philosophy of clear, rational thinking and then applies it to our contemporary world, asking difficult questions about how to explain, justify, and rationalize the stories we believe. Above all else, this course is about engaging intelligently, logically, and skeptically with stories presented to us, and it does so by teaching strategies for living skeptically with both the world and, more importantly, with ourselves. 

INDS-1059-40PT Myth, Folktale & Fairytale

This course will examine a selection of myths and legends from Ancient Greece, Continental Europe, and Britain. We will look at how these stories have evolved over time from sacred tales to secular stories. The course will also explore the important role that folktales and fairy tales have played in shaping the culture of the people who told these stories. Our goals will be to discover connections among the stories, seek out similar themes and characters across cultures and time periods, and explain the enduring popularity of these stories to this day. 

INDS-1075-40PT Digital Identity

What is the cultural impact of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter? How important is having an online identity? In this course, students will engage with issues of new media integration and take up questions of online identity. While the digital realm is often complicated and chaotic, this course explores the space(s) that subjectivity takes up and in turn reflects onto broader issues of identity. Beginning with theories originating in the late 19th century, students will consider the online world in and outside of the classroom both on a personal and on a social level. This course aims to help students critically reflect on the ever shrinking line between online and offline identity and its impact on culture at large.  

INDS-1077-40PT Queer as Folk

How does one define sexual desire and/or gender identity, particularly when it differs from that of the majority? This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to the field of sexuality studies specifically, representations of LGBT culture through the lens of literature, film, art, news media, advertising, and television, as well as changing conceptions of gender identity throughout history, and contemporary legal and political issues. Students of all orientations and gender identities will have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted nature of the society within which we live. 

INDS-1081-40/41PT Personal Wellness

This course introduces students to the concept of wellness. Students develop strategies for a healthy lifestyle in all aspect of their lives. Through traditional lectures and learning activities, they learn through both individual and group processes. They investigate wellness as it applies to mindfulness, self-responsibility, social/emotional development, stress-management, physical activity, spirituality, substance abuse, nutrition, and complementary health. This course provides the opportunity for students to evaluate their present lifestyle, identify successes, and develop areas requiring personal growth. 

INDS-1088-40PT The Ever-Changing Workplace

It sometimes seems like the terms "job" and "career" mean the same thing. In fact, they have very different meanings. In this course students will learn the difference between both, culminating in a journey that lasts a lifetime! Students will participate in self-reflection and careers and skills exploration. Furthermore, students will gain an understanding regarding key issues around the new world of work, diversity, communication and workplace expectations and etiquette. This course will give students the opportunity to explore the sociological trends, as well as historical shifts, regarding employment standards and evolution of workplace communication. 

INDS-1093-40PT The Global Drug Trade

This course examines addictive substances as a global commodity, tracing their impact on issues of race, empire, and inequality. Beginning with the opium wars of the nineteenth century and concluding with narco violence in present-day Mexico, students will gain an understanding of the various impacts of the drug trade on the modern world. Beyond simple issues of criminality and policing, transnational flows of licit and illicit drugs shape how societies interact with one another and reveal persistent power imbalances. During the course, students will be introduced to an extensive and surprising cast of characters - from imperial administrators to Colombian drug lords; CIA agents to Central American villagers; mafia dons to pharmaceutical sales reps. 

INDS-1095-40PT History of Rock & Roll - 70's & 80's

This course examines the social, cultural, and musical history of rock and roll in the 70's, 80's, and early 90's. It examines the fragmentation of rock and roll which took place in the 70's and 80's when rock no longer dominated the pop charts. It also examines in detail how punk affected the evolution of rock and roll. 

INDS-1124-40PT The Secret History of Aliens & UFO

It has been over seventy years since U.S. pilot Kenneth Arnold encountered what he described as a string of nine shiny unidentified flying objects flying past Mount Rainier in Washington State, at speeds exceeding 1,930 km/h. Subsequent to the sighting, the press of his day called these unidentified flying objects 'flying saucers.' In response, the general public became captivated with the idea, setting off a wave of reported UFO and extraterrestrial encounters that have persisted up until the present and its recent promises of Governmental Disclosure. Since those early day in the late 1940s, aliens have burned a deep imprint into the collective psyche of our culture at large. This course will examine the forgotten historical and cultural precursors to the phenomenon, the history of its more popular elements, and the many more obscure and repressed beliefs and aspects of the wider genre that remain unknown to the larger public. 

INDS-1130-40PT Disability Studies

Have you ever noticed how many movie villains walk with a limp, have a scar across their face, or are part bionic? Have you ever wanted to know why they do. . . and why our heroes do not? This course explores cultural representations of disabilities. While uncovering a wide range of disabled representations on the page, the stage, and the screen, we will seek to understand the social stigmas surrounding disabled identities. We will also think about how disability as a marker of difference connects to other misunderstood or misrepresented identities by considering markers of race, class, religion, and gender. 

INDS-1131-40PT Canada Eh? 

This is a crash-course in all things Canada - history, politics, food, geography, music, law, and more! Over the semester, we'll look at these topics in depth and think critically about the impact this has on Canadians (both our identity and our view of the world). By the end of the semester, you should have a good grasp of what makes us uniquely Canadian, eh? 

INDS-1133-40PT Korean Culture & It's Global Influence 

This course offers students the opportunity to delve into the impact of Korean popular culture within the social and historical context of contemporary global society. Students will critically analyze the domestic and international effects of Korean Wave (Hallyu), with a particular focus on North America. The course examines K-culture, including language, food, beauty, and entertainment (e.g., music, online games, cinema, TV dramas). By exploring these topics in depth, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of Korean popular culture in today's globalized world. 

PHIL-1006-40PT Great Philosophers Lives & Thoughts

The history of philosophy is full of colourful personalities, thought-provoking propositions, and challenging arguments. This course will introduce students to a wide range of these by discussing and evaluating some of the most prominent Western philosophers of the past three thousand years. Each class will focus on one important idea from a particular philosopher, and we will see how these ideas have changed and developed over time. Most importantly, we will ask whether these ideas are good or bad, right or wrong, and what impact they have, or should have, on our lives. 

POLI-1016-40PT Sport & Public Policy

Sports play a vital role in society.  They help promote a particular values system, shape national identity, and contribute to economic development.   This course will provide each student with an understanding of the relationship between sports, the economy, and the political system. 

POLI-1020-40PT The White House: Corridors of Power

The race for the White House is one of the most intense political contests in the world - and few thought the current occupant stood any chance of winning the presidency. The Oval Office is the locus of power in American politics and the US President is often considered the most powerful man in the world. But is he? This course will explore the myths and men that reside within the walls of the West Wing, where every year is an election year. 

POLI-1024-40PT American Politics 

This course will provide an introduction to the American political system. Beginning with the first colony in Jamestown, we will study the institutions and people that helped transform America into the global superpower it is today. Topics of study include elections, foreign policy, and the bill of rights. Special attention will be given to contemporary political issues and conflicts. 

PSYC-1027-40PT Human Relations

To a very large degree, the satisfaction we experience in life is greatly influenced by the quality of our interpersonal relationships. There are numerous personal and social factors that play a role in shaping our thoughts, feelings and behaviour with others. As such, this course is designed to examine some of the fundamental variables underlying the dynamics of human relations. The particular topics of interest will include culture, socialization, personality, the self-concept, perception, emotions and communication factors. At the end of this course, the successful student will have learned the skills and knowledge essential for both personal and career development. 

PSYC-1055-40PT Positive Psychology

This course explores the nature of well-being, happiness and the good life. Course content includes a sampling of psychological theories, research and measures of personal strengths that impact well-being. We will examine ways to enhance appreciation of life through mindfulness, gratitude, creativity and flow and apply these experiences in a personal way. Students in this course should expect to learn and participate in personal gratitude and growth, prosocial behaviours and savouring experiences. 

PSYC-1067-40PT A Culture of Addictions

As an introductory and interdisciplinary survey of the role of addiction in human cultures, this course is designed to expose students to how narcotic as well as non-narcotic-related addiction manifest themselves within various individual and institutional practices. In particular, students will explore the major biological, psychological and social/cultural theories applied to addiction. Focus is given to the nature of drug use, conceptions of 'the addict,' how drugs impact the brain, the impact on family, and consequences for changing social drug behaviors. This course also explores current theoretical and practical treatment approaches and education and prevention strategies. Emphasis will be given to special issues and hot topics in drug addiction, including youth, women, media portrayal of drug use and current debates on the war on drugs. Finally, understanding common perspectives on treatment and prevention strategies related to drug dependence and education will be studied. 

PSYC-1072-40PT Mind Your Mouse: Psychology of the Internet

In this course we explore psychology in the context of the internet. We examine classic psychological concepts such as impression management and self presentation, helping behaviours, aggression, group dynamics, love and relationships, and online addiction. We form and maintain relationships online, we shop online, we work online, we seek out help online, etc. The internet has become a crucial part of human existence; to fully understand human behaviour we must also be able to understand our online behaviour. 

PSYC-1094-40PT Bring Your A Game: Psychology of Sport

Have you ever wondered why the USA Olympic hockey team was more upset when they received a silver medal than the team who won the bronze? How do athletes maximize performance potential and what are the unwritten rules of retaliation and fighting in sport? This course delves into the principles of psychology that drive emotion, motivation, expectation, self-worth, and relationships of athletes and explores the different aspects of Sport Psychology. 

PSYC-1100-40PT Altered States of Consciousness

The average adult will spend about 600 hours each year dreaming and have more than 100,000 dreams over a typical lifetime. We will spend 25 years of our lives sleeping. Have you ever wondered how consciousness changes while we sleep and dream? Why do some people dream in colour while others dream in black and white? How do hypnosis and medication and drugs alter consciousness? This course will familiarize students with some of the main issues in consciousness. Topics covered will include daydreaming, sleep, dreams, psychedelics, hypnosis, trance and meditation, and death. This is a theory-and research-based course into the world of consciousness, including various theories such as clinical and cognition. 

SOCI-1008-40PT Sociology of Deviance

This introductory level course will involve students in the study of deviant behaviour in its many forms. The course will focus on understanding examples of deviance in both contemporary and recent historical contexts. It will seek to identify deviant careers along with measures of social control that focus on issues of class, age, race, gender, and physical and mental characteristics of targeted groups. Students will be introduced to key theoretical concepts such as labelling and formal and informal control to reflect on their own involvement in processes that lead to the formation of deviant identities.

SOCI-1073-40PT Building Sustainable Societies

The world's population has recently surpassed seven billion, and communities worldwide are facing numerous social, environmental, and economic problems. While gloomy headlines dominate environmental news, there are solutions. Building sustainable societies looks at current problems like urban sprawl, pollution, climate change, and suggests ways to reverse unsustainable trends. From growing food and gardens to developing more efficient transportation, to reducing waste and developing green buildings, sustainable societies move beyond diagnosing the problems to finding solutions. A key part of the course is to give students the insight and confidence to encourage sustainability in their own lives and communities. 

SOCI-1083-40PT Women & Violence

Women and Violence will explore the understandings, forms and impacts of violence against women in a Canadian context. This course will provide an overview of both the theory and practice of anti-violence work and the controversies and debates - among both scholars and practitioners - that continue to surround this issue. Some of the themes covered in this course include: prevalence, forms, and understandings of violence against women; the intersectionality of gender, race, class and sexuality; the role of media; masculinities and violence; and politico-legal and socio-cultural approaches to address violence against women. 

SOCI-1093-40/41PT Homicide

This 'Homicide' course will provide students with definitions of homicide and theoretical explanations from both the sociological and criminological traditions. Homicide can be described as the killing of one person by another. Society generally describes this act as murder. Homicide rates in Canada are reasonably low; however, certain individuals and groups are disproportionately at risk for this violent event. Through a criminology lens, this course aims to understand the relationship between social factors and crime. It combines theoretical perspectives with case studies to uncover who is at risk of being a homicide victim and how their life chances are impacted by social structures and inequality. Throughout the course, we will critically examine concepts including stereotypes, discrimination, rehabilitation, restorative, and social justice. 

SOSC-1012-40/41PT Discovering the Social Sciences

This course connects the exciting world of social science to our everyday experiences. By highlighting discipline-specific tools and concepts used by anthropologists, psychologists, and sociologists, students gain insight into how people function and how relationships develop between individuals, society, and the global world. Discussions focus on current and controversial topics that deal with individual, social, and global concerns, allowing us to understand the origins and consequences for some of life's most pressing issues. This interdisciplinary approach leads to a better understanding of social science and gives students the foundation for future learning in all areas of study. 

ANTH-1005-40PT The Story of Us

Where did humans come from? What is our relationship with the rest of the animal world? How did we become a species that walks upright, and has an unusually large brain? Why are we so diverse today? These are the sorts of questions asked by physical anthropologists, as they seek to understand 'what it means to be human'. This course will introduce this discipline, and assist students in gaining an understanding of: human inheritance; an appreciation of human diversity; primatology; the origins of humanity; and the development of early human culture.

CRIM-3001-40PT Criminology

This course introduces students to the study of crime and delinquency within a Canadian context. Topics included for study are the making of laws, the elements of crime, crime statistics, correlates and theories of crime, specific forms of crime and strategies for crime control.re and repressed beliefs and aspects of the wider genre that remain unknown to the larger public. 

ENGL-1055-40PT Vampires, Wizards, Blood & Magic

This course examines the evolution of literary representations of vampires and wizards by different cultures and communities over time. We will explore the themes of coming of age and the fear of the dark, as well as issues of sexuality, violence, boundary crossing and taboos, power dynamics, and the quest for immortality. Required readings will include short stories, poems, and excerpts from longer works; viewings will include films and TV episodes. The course will end in a culminating final project; please note there is no final exam. 

ENGL-1065-40PT Crime Stories

Stories of crime and detection have been among the most popular narratives produced from the 19th century to the present. While popular crime stories have often been derided as cheap escapism, this course investigates a variety of fictional criminals and crime-fighters to show popular narratives holding up society's moral mirror to dark and horrible deeds and raising questions about the social and individual complexities of guilt, innocence, crime, and the means of punishment.

ENGL-1067-40PT Murder & Mayhem

From Shakespeare's Macbeth and Poe's Tell-Tale Heart to Natural Born Killers, American Psycho, and The Dark Knight, literature and film have frequently explored the notion of the dark side or primitive instincts within us all. Often satirical, occasionally literal, such artistic expressions of our baser natures seem to hold universal appeal. The works studied in this course feature either a crazed killer or an innocent person drawn into a world of mayhem by the madness of society. We will discuss questions like, what circumstances or events lead human beings to abandon the conventional rules of civilization and to follow a more twisted path and how is art particularly well suited to reveal the psychology of misbehaviour? 

ENVR-1038-40PT Climate Change, Adaptation & Innovation

To mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, we must minimize the human activities driving climate change and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Communities must also implement resilient strategies to adapt to the changing climate and impacts already being felt around the world. Covering emerging, innovative solutions in energy, food, agriculture, land use, industry, transportation, buildings, carbon sinks, health, and education, this course invites students to explore creative responses to address climate change and its impacts locally and beyond. All of humanity is predicted to be impacted by climate change, albeit not equally. In this course, students will be encouraged to explore why climate change disproportionally impacts vulnerable communities and how multiple intersecting identity factors influence how individuals are affected by the changing climate. While we have faced, and will continue to face, many challenges to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate, our successes will not only benefit the planet, but our society and economy as well.

FILM-1004-40PT Film Genres: Epic Films

This course is designed to develop a critical approach to the medium of film and epic films, to examine individual creative expression in the films of important directors within the genre, to develop the ability to identify technical aspects of film, and to discern mediocre and excellent use of filmmaking technique. Students will be required to watch one weekly film outside of class hours. Evaluation will be based on in-class quizzes as well as two essays and a final test. Some of the films which we will study include Collateral, Gladiator, Dances with Wolves, and Marvel's The Avengers.

FILM-1007-40PT Hollywood: The Viewer's Perspective

This course explores film from an audience perspective by analyzing both how and why our culture watches movies. The course examines the Hollywood formula and its appealing offer of comfort, closure, and familiarity to viewers. In addition, the degree to which cinematic rules can be bent and/or broken before an audience loses interest is a primary focus of the course. Focusing on four categories of film theory - Character Identification, the Male Gaze, Narrative, and Historical Context- this course examines the way mainstream film has influenced patterns of spectatorship, and promotes critical analysis of contemporary media. 

FILM-1009-40PT Film Genres: Comedy

This course is for movie lovers who want to study the presentation of comedy on the silver screen. An analysis of different approaches to humour will show how audience interpretation is shaped by various directors. We will also study the ways in which comedy reflects the social tastes and anxieties of our times. Students will be required to watch one weekly film outside of class hours. Some of the films which we will study are Horrible Bosses, 21 Jump Street, Bridesmaids, and Groundhog Day. 

FILM-1020-40PT Film Genres: Intro

This course is designed to develop a critical approach to the medium of film by looking specifically at the genres that have developed over the 20th Century; to examine individual creative expression in the films of important directors from Hollywood, with emphasis on cinematic history and theory; to develop the ability to identify technical aspects of film and to discern mediocre and excellent use of film making technique.  

GEOG-1007-40PT Environmental Geography

This geography and sustainability course is designed to offer students an introduction to issues of environmental science and human activities that affect the wellbeing of the planet as a whole. Current and problematic issues will be explored through time and across space using case studies from both Canadian and global locations. The course will examine these issues from environmental, economic, and social perspectives in an attempt to better understand them and to recommend individual lifestyle choices to encourage positive change. Specific subjects to be investigated will include ecosystems and biodiversity, climate change, renewable energy resources, air and water pollution, food production, globalization, recycling and waste, and sustainable cities.  

HIST-1037-40PT A History of the World in 15 Machines

This course examines the history of technology by surveying some of the most significant inventions in human history. Students learn not only about the machines themselves, but also about the inventors responsible for their creation. Topics include the invention of the printing press, telescope, plow, cotton gin, automobile, and computer. By placing these inventions in their historical contexts, students gain an understanding of the social, economic, and political impact of each invention.

HIST-1052-40PT The Ancient World

This course focuses on the history of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Rome. Emphasis is placed on the growth and decline of ancient societies, as well as on their contributions to the development of social and cultural traditions, many of which have survived into the modern world. 

INDG-1013-40 Indigenous Resistance

Students gain exposure to Indigenous resistance movements across the globe. Within this framework, students learn about the current efforts of Indigenous artists, authors, athletes, photographers, musicians, filmmakers, educators, and language revitalizers who collectively are changing stereotypes about Indigenous populations. Students learn first-hand from guest speakers about ways they can co-facilitate this movement and acquire a deeper knowledge of Indigenous people and their vibrant history, which is reshaping conceptions of the future. 

INDS-1028-40PT Science in the News

Science is everywhere in the news: global warming, pandemics, mental health, the possibility of life on Mars and even new technology like gene editing. These are only a few of the current scientific topics that we find trending on social media. Science is vital in helping us understand the problems we face in our modern world, as well as assisting us to create solutions that lead to a better future! In addition to examining vital issues, we will also cover some fun and unusual topics in science: tiny robots built using frog cells, rats that are trained to drive cars and even people who can remember exactly what they ate for breakfast 30 years ago! Also, a unique feature of the course is that some topics will be based on events and discoveries that are happening and developing the very week we are learning about them! This course is aimed at a general audience and no knowledge of science will be assumed. We will use videos, podcasts, articles, blogs and social media to learn about our amazing world (and beyond!). 

INDS-1033-40PT Video Game Theory

This course will analyze the cultural and artistic significance of video games, and also the ways gaming reflects our larger relationships with technology. This course aims to discuss the relationship between video games and other media; gamers and the gaming community; and the important sociological, cultural, industrial, and economic issues that surround gaming. 

INDS-1035-40PT New Media Culture

This course is designed to focus on the thinking of students interested in the history, nature, and development of new media. The changing nature of media is considered, as are its influences on contemporary journalists and the development of culture in North American society. Students reflect on how media can shape consumers' thinking about current issues and how technological innovations are altering the dissemination of information. Students will participate in a weekly lab hour to facilitate their research and writing. 

INDS-1040-40PT Conspiracy Theories

This course explores the psychological and historical circumstances that have helped popularize conspiracy theories. Through an analysis of issues like the "fake" moon landing, "flat earth," 9/11 Truth, as well as various other conspiracies (some not-so-crazy, some very outlandish!), our course develops a philosophy of clear, rational thinking and then applies it to our contemporary world, asking difficult questions about how to explain, justify, and rationalize the stories we believe. Above all else, this course is about engaging intelligently, logically, and skeptically with stories presented to us, and it does so by teaching strategies for living skeptically with both the world and, more importantly, with ourselves. 

INDS-1059-40PT Myth, Folktale & Fairytale

This course will examine a selection of myths and legends from Ancient Greece, Continental Europe, and Britain. We will look at how these stories have evolved over time from sacred tales to secular stories. The course will also explore the important role that folktales and fairy tales have played in shaping the culture of the people who told these stories. Our goals will be to discover connections among the stories, seek out similar themes and characters across cultures and time periods, and explain the enduring popularity of these stories to this day. 

INDS-1075-40PT Digital Identity

What is the cultural impact of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter? How important is having an online identity? In this course, students will engage with issues of new media integration and take up questions of online identity. While the digital realm is often complicated and chaotic, this course explores the space(s) that subjectivity takes up and in turn reflects onto broader issues of identity. Beginning with theories originating in the late 19th century, students will consider the online world in and outside of the classroom both on a personal and on a social level. This course aims to help students critically reflect on the ever shrinking line between online and offline identity and its impact on culture at large.  

INDS-1077-40PT Queer as Folk

How does one define sexual desire and/or gender identity, particularly when it differs from that of the majority? This interdisciplinary course will introduce students to the field of sexuality studies specifically, representations of LGBT culture through the lens of literature, film, art, news media, advertising, and television, as well as changing conceptions of gender identity throughout history, and contemporary legal and political issues. Students of all orientations and gender identities will have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted nature of the society within which we live. 

INDS-1081-40/41PT Personal Wellness

This course introduces students to the concept of wellness. Students develop strategies for a healthy lifestyle in all aspect of their lives. Through traditional lectures and learning activities, they learn through both individual and group processes. They investigate wellness as it applies to mindfulness, self-responsibility, social/emotional development, stress-management, physical activity, spirituality, substance abuse, nutrition, and complementary health. This course provides the opportunity for students to evaluate their present lifestyle, identify successes, and develop areas requiring personal growth. 

INDS-1088-40PT The Ever-Changing Workplace

It sometimes seems like the terms "job" and "career" mean the same thing. In fact, they have very different meanings. In this course students will learn the difference between both, culminating in a journey that lasts a lifetime! Students will participate in self-reflection and careers and skills exploration. Furthermore, students will gain an understanding regarding key issues around the new world of work, diversity, communication and workplace expectations and etiquette. This course will give students the opportunity to explore the sociological trends, as well as historical shifts, regarding employment standards and evolution of workplace communication. 

INDS-1093-40PT The Global Drug Trade

This course examines addictive substances as a global commodity, tracing their impact on issues of race, empire, and inequality. Beginning with the opium wars of the nineteenth century and concluding with narco violence in present-day Mexico, students will gain an understanding of the various impacts of the drug trade on the modern world. Beyond simple issues of criminality and policing, transnational flows of licit and illicit drugs shape how societies interact with one another and reveal persistent power imbalances. During the course, students will be introduced to an extensive and surprising cast of characters - from imperial administrators to Colombian drug lords; CIA agents to Central American villagers; mafia dons to pharmaceutical sales reps. 

INDS-1095-40PT History of Rock & Roll - 70's & 80's

This course examines the social, cultural, and musical history of rock and roll in the 70's, 80's, and early 90's. It examines the fragmentation of rock and roll which took place in the 70's and 80's when rock no longer dominated the pop charts. It also examines in detail how punk affected the evolution of rock and roll. 

INDS-1124-40PT The Secret History of Aliens & UFO

It has been over seventy years since U.S. pilot Kenneth Arnold encountered what he described as a string of nine shiny unidentified flying objects flying past Mount Rainier in Washington State, at speeds exceeding 1,930 km/h. Subsequent to the sighting, the press of his day called these unidentified flying objects 'flying saucers.' In response, the general public became captivated with the idea, setting off a wave of reported UFO and extraterrestrial encounters that have persisted up until the present and its recent promises of Governmental Disclosure. Since those early day in the late 1940s, aliens have burned a deep imprint into the collective psyche of our culture at large. This course will examine the forgotten historical and cultural precursors to the phenomenon, the history of its more popular elements, and the many more obscure and repressed beliefs and aspects of the wider genre that remain unknown to the larger public. 

INDS-1130-40PT Disability Studies

Have you ever noticed how many movie villains walk with a limp, have a scar across their face, or are part bionic? Have you ever wanted to know why they do. . . and why our heroes do not? This course explores cultural representations of disabilities. While uncovering a wide range of disabled representations on the page, the stage, and the screen, we will seek to understand the social stigmas surrounding disabled identities. We will also think about how disability as a marker of difference connects to other misunderstood or misrepresented identities by considering markers of race, class, religion, and gender. 

INDS-1131-40PT Canada Eh? 

This is a crash-course in all things Canada - history, politics, food, geography, music, law, and more! Over the semester, we'll look at these topics in depth and think critically about the impact this has on Canadians (both our identity and our view of the world). By the end of the semester, you should have a good grasp of what makes us uniquely Canadian, eh? 

INDS-1133-40PT Korean Culture & It's Global Influence 

This course offers students the opportunity to delve into the impact of Korean popular culture within the social and historical context of contemporary global society. Students will critically analyze the domestic and international effects of Korean Wave (Hallyu), with a particular focus on North America. The course examines K-culture, including language, food, beauty, and entertainment (e.g., music, online games, cinema, TV dramas). By exploring these topics in depth, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of Korean popular culture in today's globalized world. 

PHIL-1006-40PT Great Philosophers Lives & Thoughts

The history of philosophy is full of colourful personalities, thought-provoking propositions, and challenging arguments. This course will introduce students to a wide range of these by discussing and evaluating some of the most prominent Western philosophers of the past three thousand years. Each class will focus on one important idea from a particular philosopher, and we will see how these ideas have changed and developed over time. Most importantly, we will ask whether these ideas are good or bad, right or wrong, and what impact they have, or should have, on our lives. 

POLI-1016-40PT Sport & Public Policy

Sports play a vital role in society.  They help promote a particular values system, shape national identity, and contribute to economic development.   This course will provide each student with an understanding of the relationship between sports, the economy, and the political system. 

POLI-1020-40PT The White House: Corridors of Power

The race for the White House is one of the most intense political contests in the world - and few thought the current occupant stood any chance of winning the presidency. The Oval Office is the locus of power in American politics and the US President is often considered the most powerful man in the world. But is he? This course will explore the myths and men that reside within the walls of the West Wing, where every year is an election year. 

POLI-1024-40PT American Politics 

This course will provide an introduction to the American political system. Beginning with the first colony in Jamestown, we will study the institutions and people that helped transform America into the global superpower it is today. Topics of study include elections, foreign policy, and the bill of rights. Special attention will be given to contemporary political issues and conflicts. 

PSYC-1027-40PT Human Relations

To a very large degree, the satisfaction we experience in life is greatly influenced by the quality of our interpersonal relationships. There are numerous personal and social factors that play a role in shaping our thoughts, feelings and behaviour with others. As such, this course is designed to examine some of the fundamental variables underlying the dynamics of human relations. The particular topics of interest will include culture, socialization, personality, the self-concept, perception, emotions and communication factors. At the end of this course, the successful student will have learned the skills and knowledge essential for both personal and career development. 

PSYC-1055-40PT Positive Psychology

This course explores the nature of well-being, happiness and the good life. Course content includes a sampling of psychological theories, research and measures of personal strengths that impact well-being. We will examine ways to enhance appreciation of life through mindfulness, gratitude, creativity and flow and apply these experiences in a personal way. Students in this course should expect to learn and participate in personal gratitude and growth, prosocial behaviours and savouring experiences. 

PSYC-1067-40PT A Culture of Addictions

As an introductory and interdisciplinary survey of the role of addiction in human cultures, this course is designed to expose students to how narcotic as well as non-narcotic-related addiction manifest themselves within various individual and institutional practices. In particular, students will explore the major biological, psychological and social/cultural theories applied to addiction. Focus is given to the nature of drug use, conceptions of 'the addict,' how drugs impact the brain, the impact on family, and consequences for changing social drug behaviors. This course also explores current theoretical and practical treatment approaches and education and prevention strategies. Emphasis will be given to special issues and hot topics in drug addiction, including youth, women, media portrayal of drug use and current debates on the war on drugs. Finally, understanding common perspectives on treatment and prevention strategies related to drug dependence and education will be studied. 

PSYC-1072-40PT Mind Your Mouse: Psychology of the Internet

In this course we explore psychology in the context of the internet. We examine classic psychological concepts such as impression management and self presentation, helping behaviours, aggression, group dynamics, love and relationships, and online addiction. We form and maintain relationships online, we shop online, we work online, we seek out help online, etc. The internet has become a crucial part of human existence; to fully understand human behaviour we must also be able to understand our online behaviour. 

PSYC-1094-40PT Bring Your A Game: Psychology of Sport

Have you ever wondered why the USA Olympic hockey team was more upset when they received a silver medal than the team who won the bronze? How do athletes maximize performance potential and what are the unwritten rules of retaliation and fighting in sport? This course delves into the principles of psychology that drive emotion, motivation, expectation, self-worth, and relationships of athletes and explores the different aspects of Sport Psychology. 

PSYC-1100-40PT Altered States of Consciousness

The average adult will spend about 600 hours each year dreaming and have more than 100,000 dreams over a typical lifetime. We will spend 25 years of our lives sleeping. Have you ever wondered how consciousness changes while we sleep and dream? Why do some people dream in colour while others dream in black and white? How do hypnosis and medication and drugs alter consciousness? This course will familiarize students with some of the main issues in consciousness. Topics covered will include daydreaming, sleep, dreams, psychedelics, hypnosis, trance and meditation, and death. This is a theory-and research-based course into the world of consciousness, including various theories such as clinical and cognition. 

SOCI-1008-40PT Sociology of Deviance

This introductory level course will involve students in the study of deviant behaviour in its many forms. The course will focus on understanding examples of deviance in both contemporary and recent historical contexts. It will seek to identify deviant careers along with measures of social control that focus on issues of class, age, race, gender, and physical and mental characteristics of targeted groups. Students will be introduced to key theoretical concepts such as labelling and formal and informal control to reflect on their own involvement in processes that lead to the formation of deviant identities.

SOCI-1073-40PT Building Sustainable Societies

The world's population has recently surpassed seven billion, and communities worldwide are facing numerous social, environmental, and economic problems. While gloomy headlines dominate environmental news, there are solutions. Building sustainable societies looks at current problems like urban sprawl, pollution, climate change, and suggests ways to reverse unsustainable trends. From growing food and gardens to developing more efficient transportation, to reducing waste and developing green buildings, sustainable societies move beyond diagnosing the problems to finding solutions. A key part of the course is to give students the insight and confidence to encourage sustainability in their own lives and communities. 

SOCI-1083-40PT Women & Violence

Women and Violence will explore the understandings, forms and impacts of violence against women in a Canadian context. This course will provide an overview of both the theory and practice of anti-violence work and the controversies and debates - among both scholars and practitioners - that continue to surround this issue. Some of the themes covered in this course include: prevalence, forms, and understandings of violence against women; the intersectionality of gender, race, class and sexuality; the role of media; masculinities and violence; and politico-legal and socio-cultural approaches to address violence against women. 

SOCI-1093-40/41PT Homicide

This 'Homicide' course will provide students with definitions of homicide and theoretical explanations from both the sociological and criminological traditions. Homicide can be described as the killing of one person by another. Society generally describes this act as murder. Homicide rates in Canada are reasonably low; however, certain individuals and groups are disproportionately at risk for this violent event. Through a criminology lens, this course aims to understand the relationship between social factors and crime. It combines theoretical perspectives with case studies to uncover who is at risk of being a homicide victim and how their life chances are impacted by social structures and inequality. Throughout the course, we will critically examine concepts including stereotypes, discrimination, rehabilitation, restorative, and social justice. 

SOSC-1012-40/41PT Discovering the Social Sciences

This course connects the exciting world of social science to our everyday experiences. By highlighting discipline-specific tools and concepts used by anthropologists, psychologists, and sociologists, students gain insight into how people function and how relationships develop between individuals, society, and the global world. Discussions focus on current and controversial topics that deal with individual, social, and global concerns, allowing us to understand the origins and consequences for some of life's most pressing issues. This interdisciplinary approach leads to a better understanding of social science and gives students the foundation for future learning in all areas of study.