Fall 2023 course options
MANY ONLINE OPTIONS ARE FULL. WE ARE WORKING ON ADDING A FEW MORE OPTIONS IN THE COMING DAYS.
Courses are first come, first served—there are no waiting lists for courses that are full! We strongly advise you to register in your General Education course as soon as possible. This list of courses does not update when courses are full. When completing your registration you may need to try several courses before you find one that still has room for you to register.
The following courses are:
Online / Virtual
Unscheduled / No Scheduled Hours / Asynchronous
3hrs per week (3hr online) | 3 credits each
Please note: Course options are subject to change without notice due to changes in planning. Please double-check course lists prior to completing your registration to ensure specific courses are still offered.
ANTH-1005-40 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-3001-40 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.
ENGL-1055-40 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-1067-40 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-1038-40 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.
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ENVR-1038-41 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-1004-40 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-1007-40 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-1009-40 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.
GEOG-1007-40 Environmental Geography-Intro
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-1037-40 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-1052-40 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.
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HUMA-1027-40 Protest Works of Art
This course examines protest works of art, music, and literature from around the world. Some of the most influential protests and revolutions have produced inspiring, creative works of art. Examples include photographs, songs, human rights charters, speeches, poems, street art, social media posts, banners, and paintings. Protest art criticizes something in society by appealing to the audience's sense of justice and, sometimes, sense of humour. These works of art are not only the by-products of social protest movements; they are also the choice weapons.
INDS-1028-40 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-1040-40 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-1058-40 Foodonomics: Starving for the Truth
How can we have an epidemic of obesity when most of the world is starving? How can the very thing that's supposed to bring us strength and longevity make us ill? The answer is simple: Food is big business. In this course we discuss foodonomics or the business of food. We examine what we really know about the food we eat, the way food defines cultures and traditions, the plight of the local farmer, and controversies such as bioengineered and drug crops. We also discuss the validity of the organic and buy local movements, the positive and negative effects of globalization, and how and why our food is making us sick. Finally, we examine the true power of agriculture and why some are starved while others are stuffed.
INDS-1059-40 Myth, Folktale, & Fairy Tale
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-1075-40 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-1077-40 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 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.
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INDS-1081-41 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-1088-40 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-1093-40 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.
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INDS-1101-40 Living Sustainably
This course discusses some of the most important environmental challenges people presently face living in Canada and in the world at large. This course examines the interrelations of nature, technology, and culture by analysing what it means to use oil from Canada's tar sands, to have a daily cup of Tim Horton's coffee, to eat processed foods, to contribute to global warming, to live on a plastic planet, and to be(come) environmentally active at home, at work and beyond. In covering these topics, the course provides the opportunity to explore and answer the question of what it means to live sustainably.
INDS-1110-40 Stranger Things
What lies on the outer recesses of the scientifically known universe? Throughout human history, people have engaged in a wide array of strange and incredulous beliefs and practices. They have sought to find hidden realms, special powers, and concealed entities that evade our day-to-day perceptions and expectations. This course will examine the historical origins, practices, and beliefs of such strange things. Topics covered will include inter-dimensional beings and aliens, cryptozoology, monster hunting, the many expressions of extrasensory perception, psi powers, out of body experiences and dreams, divination practices such as tarot and astrology, ghost-hunting, séances, and many other occult magical beliefs and practices.
INDS-1124-40 The Secret History of Aliens & UFOs
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.
PHIL-1006-40 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.
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PHIL-1013-40 Philosophy & Humour
In this course, students will discover that there is no single or universal theory that can adequately explain the impact humour has on society, culture, or politics. Granted, there are many competing theories that examine the relationship between humour, satire, and laughter. Attempts to adequately understand each one are as old as philosophy itself. In fact, the absence of a single unifying theory underlines the attention that we should give to each of the various theories that view the importance of humour-as-criticism. Once we examine the role of humour as a critical response to social situations, students will be able to answer the quintessential postmodern question: Can we be both humorous and politically correct?
POLI-1016-40 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-1018-40 Pirates, Smuggling & Underground Economies
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-1027-40 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-1055-40 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-1067-40 A Culture of Addictions
This course is a critical and reflective exploration of the social, cultural and psychological factors affecting our understanding of psychoactive substances, use and disorders. Students will explore the social construction of drugs through topics on policies, health, prevention, harm reduction and healing which lead to a holistic and culturally responsive understanding of drugs and treatment. A focus on the psychology of drug use and behaviour can help students identify their own biases. Students will be responsible for learning and applying knowledge from both a personal and an international perspective.
PSYC-1072-40 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-1094-40 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-1100-40 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-1008-40 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-1083-40 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 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 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.
SOSC-1033-40 Mysteries of Sleep
Have you ever wondered why we dream? Why do our eyes sometimes twitch during sleep? What are the consequences of sleep deprivation? Through a variety of learning activities, students will navigate this complex and fascinating topic to uncover some of the mysteries of sleep. Drawing on fields of inquiry including neuroscience, psychology, and sociology, we will investigate some key theories on sleep and dreams and cover topics such as the circadian rhythm, sleep disorders, and sleep across the lifespan. Through self-reflection, students will also examine their own thoughts and behaviours around sleep with the purpose of fostering improved sleep hygiene.