Cross-College General Education
Course Descriptions for Spring/Summer 2012
NOTE: Not all courses will be offered in all Timeblocks.
CULT10001G - Impact of Culture on the Canadian Workplace
This course is designed for newcomers to Canada and for those students who wish to learn more about the cultural milieu of the Canadian workplace. In this course, students investigate personal, Canadian and organizational culture and the ways in which these manifest themselves generally and specifically in occupations and related workplaces. Newcomers to Canadian workplaces examine the impact that language and behaviour have on their ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, managers and clients.
CULT14579G – Intro to Spanish Culture
This course is designed to introduce students to one of the world's richest cultures, through an investigation of important geographic, historical, economic and cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. Through in-class and research activities, students examine similarities and differences among these countries, and acquire greater insight into the variations that exist in Spanish culture to expand the student's understanding. The course provides opportunities to develop the broader understanding necessary for effective intercultural interaction.
CULT15738G – Multicultural Voices: Canadian Immigrant Writers **(DE)
Note: This course is not available to students in the GAS-ESL Program.
This online distance education course focuses on the writing of migrants to Canada. Students consider how migrants have constructed their identities in the hyphenated space between the culture of their homeland and their new country of settlement. Through online course materials, discussions and written assignments, students examine changes in Canadian migration trends and policies which have given rise to diverse voices from outside the literary mainstream. Students demonstrate their learning by researching and posting a presentation on a writer who has migrated to Canada, writing journal responses on the work of select authors and analyzing the story of their family's migration to Canada. This is a web-based course offered online, using WebCT. To take this course, students will need reliable access to the Internet. They should have a basic level of comfort using computers as well as self-discipline to work online.
HEAL13271G - Wellness and Healthy Living
Note: This course is not available to students in the Community & Justice Studies, Cosmetic Techniques & Management, Fundamentals of Fitness Leadership and Personal Support Worker Programs
This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to portray the multiple dimensions of health-related factors that influence individual behaviour. Learning will provide students with a foundation for positive decision-making for lifelong health and wellness.
HEAL13428G – Health Awareness
Note: This course is not available to students in the Community & Justice Studies, Cosmetic Techniques & Mgmt., or Personal Support Worker Programs.
This course provides students with opportunities to research and analyze health-related issues, and make informed decisions about personal wellness. Students are engaged in learning activities that assist them in assessing current health status and planning for, and making changes to, improve personal health. Topics include: weight control and fitness; nutrition, effective food choices and dieting; skin cancer and its prevention; herbal medicines; muscle-building supplements and nutritional supplements; over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs; sexuality; workplace hazards; cosmetic surgery; and the economic and medical implications of certain personal decisions. Students will be involved in a series of activities that include interactive lecture, discussion, presentation, primary and secondary research and writing.
HUMN11713G – Perspectives on World Issues
Note: This course is not available to students in the Tourism & Travel, or Journalism-Broadcast Programs. Journalism-Print students may take this class only in term 4.
Boundaries between local, national and international issues have become increasingly blurred in the age of globalization. Issues such as trade inequities, environmental protection, climate change, the scarcity of resources, poverty and the rise of 'tribalism' and religious fundamentalism transcend national borders. How do we reconcile principles such as sustainable growth, human rights and democracy with the demands of industry, global financial institutions, and the market system as a whole? This discussion-based course will provide you with an overview of the key issues that affect you, your community, Canada, and the world.
HUMN16859G – Living with the Undead: The Construction of the Vampire in Western Culture
This course introduces students to the vampire in myth, literature and film, and examines the ways in which the figure of the vampire has been continuously reshaped by Western society to reflect changing sexual and social values. Through interactive lecture, discussions, seminars and written assignments, students examine and analyze a variety of vampyric characters and track the changing physical and social face of the vampire through 150 years of history.
HUMN18448G – Fantasy and Fairy Tale
In this course, students investigate why fairy tales to which people are exposed as children are retained with such clarity even into adulthood. They examine the history and legacy of stories that have descended from anonymous oral tradition in multiple versions that span cultures. Students also examine original fairy tales written from as early as the second century to contemporary times, in the spirit of the tradition in which they were created. Through interactive lecture, discussion, films, seminars, and written assignments, students assess the interpretations of these magical stories, and draw conclusions about the beliefs, behaviours, and values they reinforce.
HUMN18888G - Aging Matters in a Changing Society **(DE)
Note: This course is not available to GAS ESL students
Students explore the issues related to aging in a changing society. Their study focuses on demographic, institutional and maturational changes related to aging.
LITT14310G – Personal Journeys: Life Writing **(DE)
Note: Journalism-Print students may take this class only in term 4.This class is not available to the GAS-ESL Program.
Whatever we call the form--Life Writing, memoir, personal narrative, journal, diary--telling stories about one's own life is a powerful human need. This distance-education course is designed to examine different forms of life writing. Students consider essential elements of personal narrative to investigate how these elements shape and are shaped by the social and cultural context of the times. Students research issues in life writing and investigate trends by researching and using new media such as webblogs and podcasts to explore contemporary life writing. Through e-learning such as lectures, online discussions, and written assignments, students read, analyze and compare different forms of personal narrative. Students demonstrate their learning by researching and writing responses to the material; creating and analyzing a personal memoir; writing quizzes; and developing a group PowerPoint presentation on a selected memoir and its author.
LITT15436G - Detective Fiction
This course focuses on detective fictions in film and literature. Students identify the characteristics of detective genre and compare the personalities, strengths and idiosyncrasies of a variety of male and female sleuths and the means by which they solve cases.
LITT19798G – Classical Mythology
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to classical mythology with an emphasis on the primary literature. Origins of classical mythology and the cultural influence of the Greeks and Romans on the art of the western world are examined. Specific topics include: the nature of the gods, heroes and mortals as they are celebrated in story, the variety of authors who narrated the myths, and the contexts in which the myths were created. By examining the qualities of myth, students develop an understanding of the timeless and universal appeal of the ancient myths to contemporary society. The canon of stories provides enduring insights into the human condition and our continuing struggle to understand both our environment and our emotions, which are still reflected in the disciplines of art, literature, and psychology today.
MEDA10036G – Documentary Film
Note: This course is not available to students in the Media Arts or Media Fundamentals Program.
Students critically examine documentary films from acclaimed international film-makers as an on-going process - from early achievements to current presentations.
MEDA14099G – Art of the Cinema
Note: This course is not available to students in the Media Arts Program.
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to some of the basic concepts and methods used to examine and analyze films. This includes an introduction to the concepts of film production. Theoretical and historical foundations include topics such as key concepts in the construction of form and aesthetics as well as genre and film production roles. A survey of international and Canadian film and video provides opportunities to understand the role of film culture from a global perspective. Through interactive lecture, discussion, written analysis and selected screenings, students will analyze film styles, narrative structures, genre forms, and thematic expression in the popular media.
MEDA18621G – The Media & Current Events
Note: This course is not available to students in the Journalism-Broadcast or Journalism-Print Programs.
This course provides opportunities for students to acquire foundation knowledge about the mass media and how news is reported and analyzed, focusing on the interplay between current events and the mass media. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to think for themselves and to critically analyze various news items and topics under discussion. Course delivery includes a variety of methodologies from standard lecture format to topical video presentations and group work.
NUTR19207G – Nutrition for Well Being
In this course, students explore how human nutrition affects overall health by examining the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Students also learn how to interpret food labels and create diets that support good health.
PHIL17545G – Philosophy of Love and Sex
In this course, students critically examine a variety of concepts and philosophies about love and sex. In addition, they explore a number of related issues and themes, formulate their own definitions and analyze their personal philosophies and definitions. Topics include the following questions: What is the true significance of marriage? What is the difference between sex and gender? Is love selfish or selfless? What constitutes sexual violence? What is the difference between art and pornography? What makes someone's sexual practices normal or abnormal, and who gets to decide? Most importantly, what do our ideas about love and sex tell us about ourselves and the way in which we relate to other people? What can they tell us about our values and beliefs? Through debate, discussion, interactive lecture, case studies from the media, and selected examples of art, students compare and analyze societal norms and traditions.
PHIL18147G – Philosophy of Religion
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to examine themes central to the philosophy of religion. Using methodologies such as in-class group work, informal presentations, interactive lecture and discussion, and problem-based learning within a philosophical framework, students will examine the complex issues surrounding such religion-based themes as the nature and existence of God(s), the meaning of evil, the value of ethics and morality, the arguments of religion vs. science, the characteristics of miracles and life-after-death, the meaning of religious experience, and concepts of religious pluralism juxtaposed to secularism within contemporary society.
PSYC15065G – Psychology: Core Concepts
Note: This course is not available to students in the Community & Justices Studies, Community Worker, GAS-College, GAS-University, Investigations, Police Foundations, Social Service Worker, or SSW-Gerontology Programs.
This course provides students with an introduction to psychology, the science of behaviour and mental processes. Basic concepts, theories and research findings are examined within biological, behavioural, psychoanalytical, humanistic and cognitive perspectives. Core topics covered include: scientific methodologies; biopsychology; learning; memory and cognition; motivation and emotion; and personality theories. Two optional topics from the following list will also be addressed during the course: sensation, perception, consciousness, development, health, psychological disorders, psychological treatment, and social psychology. Students will have the opportunity to apply psychology to their personal life.
PSYC19599G – Understanding Cults
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the study of cults and cultic behaviour. Students examine the historical development of cults, their place in contemporary society, and the reasons why individuals are attracted to cults. Topics include the phenomenon of brainwashing, social and psychological methods used to recruit and assimilate members, the function of cults in society, and specific cults (e.g. the Church of Scientology, the Solar Temple, Heaven's Gate). Through interactive lecture, in-class activities and research, students explore the impact of cults on society and individuals.
RELG12403G - Paths of Faith
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of major world religions. It will engage students in critical inquiry in order to explore the impact that religions have had on cultures and on the development of their followers' worldviews.
SCIE10003G - Criminalistics & Forensic Science
Note: This course is not available to students in the Community & Justice Studies, Investigations, or Police Foundations Programs.
The proliferation of criminal scene investigation television shows and forensic fiction and non-fiction thrillers has influenced the way people view crimes, criminals and investigators. Contemporary consumers of mass media want to know the details, right down to the hairs and fibers of the crime scene. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to forensic science and how it is used in criminal cases. Students use a science-based approach to investigate matters pertaining to crime scene investitgation.
SCIE10386G – Agony and Ecstasy: Addictions
In this course students use a sociological and science-based approach to explore historical and psychosocial issues related to a variety of common addictions such as smoking, alcohol, gaming and shopping. In addition, students examine addictions to psychoactive drugs. Topics include concepts of addiction, political approaches to substance abuse, and an examination of specific addictions. Through interactive lecture, video, in-class activities, and investigating current trends in addiction research through internet readings and group presentations, students explore the impact of these problems from a societal and biological perspective.
SOCI10264G – Profiles in Crime
Note: This course is not available to students in the Community & Justice Studies, Investigations, or Police Foundations Programs.
Profiles in Crime explores society's reactions to crime, the causes of criminal behavior and the implications for contemporary life through case studies of individuals and groups. Topics include serial killers, organized crime, corporate crime, family and workplace violence, gangs, technology and crime, victims, mental illness, drugs and gambling. Psychological and sociological approaches are used to help explain why some people behave criminally. Through case studies, independent research, in class activities, interactive debates, videos and group led discussions students will develop and enhance their critical thinking skills as they examine issues connected to the Canadian Criminal Justice System.
SOCI13454G – Cybernation **(DE)
Note: This course is not available to students in the GAS-ESL Program.
This course introduces students to developments in technology and to what motivates and drives these developments. It discusses how new technologies influence the way in which we work and live, and how we can understand and manage current technological change. In on-line discussions and through a research project students will debate and analyze the dangers and promises of new technological developments in communications, biomedical applications, environmental and genetic engineering. Cybernation is a Web-based course offered entirely on- line. All the materials needed for the course are available on the course pages and the WWW. To take this course, students will need a reliable access to the Internet and the willingness and self- discipline to work on-line.
SOCI16039G – Introduction to Sociology
Note: This course is not available to students in the Community & Justice Studies, GAS-College, GAS-University, Paralegal, or Police Foundations Programs.
This course is designed to provide students with an introductory overview of sociology in the context of Canadian society. This includes an examination of the complex nature of the social dynamics within our society. Topics include the sociological imagination, sociological perspectives, analysis of culture, interaction in social groups and institutions, crime and deviance and economic and social differences related to access of opportunity. Through interactive lecture, videos, in-class activities, role play, discussion, and small group work, students will develop their understanding of the social world in which they live.
SOCS10206G – Social and Behavioural Sciences
Note: This course is not available to students in the GAS-College or GAS-University Programs.
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to examine the relationship between individuals and their societies. This includes the fundamental principles of social science disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, political science, and the behavioural science discipline of psychology. Students will learn the nature of the various disciplines, specific topics within the disciplines, and the methodologies used to collect data and develop conclusions. Learning will be facilitated through the use of Interactive Lectures, Audio and Video Clips, Demonstrations, Role Plays, Individual and Group Activities, Presentations, and Discussions.
SOCS10261G - Scams, Frauds & Identity Theft **(DE)
Note: This course is not available to students in the Community & Justice Studies, Investigations Public & Private, Police Foundations and GAS-ESL Programs
Students examine crimes of deception involving high and low tech methods. Using a global lens students explore scams, pyramid and Ponzi schemes, telecommunication and financial frauds, counterfeits, piracy, identify theft, legislation and preventative techniques. This course is offered in a traditional classroom format and as an online distance education course.