Course Offerings – Spring 2026

Symbols and text are used to express, evoke, and manipulate an entire range of human emotions and reactions. In this interactive, discussion-based course, students will explore historical and contemporary approaches to using symbols, text, and language in conceptual and contemporary art, graphic design and advertising, poetry and lyrics, and in online technology. Through discussion, analysis, informal debate, and critical thinking, students will explore how symbols and text influence individuals, society and culture.

Students explore intriguing characters, important places and famous myths of Classical Greece. By examining a variety of popular myths, students discover how the Ancient Greeks crafted narratives of gods, goddesses, monsters, and heroic figures to make sense of their lives and the world around them. Using examples from art, science, and industry, students examine how these epic stories from oral tradition have endured and continue to influence contemporary society.

Humour is a universal tool of communication and social influence. Students survey the development, use, and value of humour in Canadian visual and creative arts. Varieties of humour, such as irony, satire and farce are positioned in the context of Canadian culture to enhance the student’s appreciation of humour and self-awareness.

Science fiction is both a major genre of popular entertainment and an effective mode of social commentary. Students explore the formal conventions and the history of the genre, analyze a representative range of science fiction, and develop their critical appreciation of the role and place of science fiction in society. In addition to writing reflective and analytical assignments, students have an opportunity to create their own piece of science fiction.

Visual communications and graphic design have played a key role in the evolution of communication through a number of historical and social art movements. Graphic design has had a major impact on civilizations over the ages. Students explore graphic design’s many influences, including the invention of writing and alphabets, the origins of printing and typography, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Modern Art, and Postmodern design, to the present-day computer revolution and its influence on the many forms of contemporary visual communication that surround us every day.

All forms of art have a powerful influence on our perceptions. Students describe and explore through case studies a range of disabilities and their unique features. Using arts, enquiry and discussion, students critique historical and modern-day portrayals of individuals with disabilities. Students consider the attitudes and social barriers that individuals with disabilities face, and focus on the link between the formation of cultural identity and the arts.

Reading gives us knowledge and new ideas to draw from in the future. It tones the mind in ways similar to the way exercise tones the body. As a result, time spent in reading for recreation has benefits beyond the immediate appreciation of the text. Students examine appeal factors of various genres of fiction and non-fiction by reviewing the history and classics of each genre, considering the therapeutic values of reading, and examining recent trends in online reading and publishing.

Volunteerism not only benefits a community; it can broaden the worldview of the volunteer. Students who give their time and energy to an approved community partner gain an opportunity to reflect on the value of the volunteer in contemporary society. Through research and discussion, students consider different types of volunteer settings, trace the history of volunteer organizations, examine the various roles volunteers play within society and reflect on ethical issues.

Environmental citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility.

This course will allow students to explore social media and its effects on free speech and public discourse in contemporary society. It will cover the philosophical foundations of free speech, the legal and institutional expressions of free speech in modern democracies, the characteristics of social media infrastructure, how our society’s free speech is being influenced if not transformed by this infrastructure, and perspectives on the need, or not, for “regulatory fixes” advanced from different viewpoints.

An increased awareness of the ripple effect of crime has given rise to victimology as a significant field of study. Students investigate victims of crime and the impact that crime has on their lives, their families and society. Students raise personal awareness through the study of history of victimology and the victims’ movement, the nature and extent of victimization, its emerging theories and resulting legislation. In addition, victims’ services, accessibility to services, rights of the victim and the victim in the criminal justice system are examined. Students also explore crime in the workplace, schools, and campuses and the importance of recognizing those at risk.

Though death is an immutable consequence of life, society’s attitudes and reactions to it have been ever-changing. The viewpoint that life is sacrosanct, to be protected at all costs, is now being challenged by individuals demanding greater control of their quality of life, including the right to die. An historical overview of attitudes towards death will be examined, with a focus on the growing acceptability of medical assistance in dying (MAID), and the reasons behind this movement (demographics, economics, medicine). This course, through discussion of differing social perspectives, government legislation, case studies, research, images and videos will provide students a greater understanding of society’s past and present approaches to death.

The effects of transatlantic slavery, which began in the 15th century and was not abolished until the 19th, are still present in contemporary social, political and economic systems. In this course, students are provided with a chronological understanding of the transatlantic slave trade that charts: 1) its creation and its economic underpinnings in European and American power and wealth; 2) the resistance to slavery and its eventual abolition; and 3) the afterlife of slavery in the present day. Through class discussion, examination of academic and non-academic literature, and analysis of images and videos, students will be introduced to the history and continuing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

An understanding of culture can be discovered by exploring eating and drinking customs. Students experience a virtual global tour, exploring culture, history and traditions through the lens of wine and food. Students acquire a sense of the customs of their culture and those of others. Through comparison, observation, discussion, and reflection, students discover something found in all cultures: the importance of food and drink.

Table manners are as unique to a culture as the foods they eat – how people eat varies widely from country to country. Participants in this course explore the culture and customs of international dining practices. Through investigation, discussion and reflection, participants have the opportunity to raise their own and each other’s awareness and sensitivity to different cultural behaviours and customs. Over scheduled lunches and dinners, participants consider the influence of culture, society, religion, geography and history on dining practices around the world.

In today’s culture of work, every employee needs to be knowledgeable about current trends and issues in the workplace. Students explore emerging issues facing employees in today’s technology-driven workplace and investigate the realities of social networking, diversity in the workplace, and work mobility.

In Canada, society embraces people from many cultures of the world. By exploring different religious beliefs about the world, the individual, the meaning of life and death, and how individuals are encouraged to conduct themselves, students begin to appreciate the underlying forces that shape followers’ lives. Students explore the history and basic teachings of six of the major religions of the world: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Baha’i Faith. Each religion’s distinctive features are highlighted, while their similarities and shared values are examined. Students have the opportunity to broaden their worldview through an exposure to divergent religious traditions.

One dictionary definition of popular culture is the “totality of socially transmitted behaviour patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought.” This definition allows us great freedom and scope. Students examine recent North American popular culture including trends, fads, styles, theories and the cult of the new. By exploring our perceptions of culture and the trivialization of society, students begin to appreciate how the media has relentlessly helped to shape today’s values. Through online research, assigned readings, and participation in self-directed learning, students critique popular culture’s place in North American society, concentrating on their decade of choice.

When the mighty Roman Empire began to collapse, it was attacked from all directions by Barbarian armies. The resulting turmoil caused Europe to sink into a period of social and political upheaval known as The Dark Ages. However, during these troubled times, extraordinary warriors and missionaries emerged whose profound influence has played a vital role in shaping what has become our modern world. Students examine the social, political, intellectual, and economic history of this era and explore its enduring impact on modern Western society.

Students explore the social, economic, political, and environmental impact of the automobile on North American lives. Through a combination of assignments, discussion boards, and quiz work, students study the history of the automobile, from its introduction to the present day. Doing so allows students to track the changes the car has introduced to manufacturing, lifestyles, design principles, transportation systems, the environment, labour-management negotiation, and economic organization.

The rapid growth of the global economy raises fundamental questions: How do trade and politics affect development and the environment? What are the effects of free trade and the rise of multi-national corporations on local cultures? What are the effects of the “clash of cultures” produced by international travel, migration, and new social, collaborative technologies that send film, books, television, music and other “proprietary” content spinning around the world instantly? Is globalization environmentally sustainable? Students examine these and other questions and analyze the day-to-day choices raised by globalization in an increasingly interconnected world.

Establishing and maintaining healthy personal financial affairs are important steps towards overall success in life. Through self-study of text material, review questions, self-test quizzes, assignments and a final examination, students acquire knowledge and skills concerning credit and debt, home ownership and mortgages, the savings challenge, government programs to encourage saving, fixed-income and equity investments, mutual funds, budgeting and financial planning, retirement strategies, public and private pensions, business ownership and insurance.

While fulfillment and well-being mark some people’s lives, many others remain dissatisfied with life. Positive Psychology is concerned with explaining how individuals and communities flourish through the scientific exploration of happiness, optimal human functioning, and civic engagement. The field of Positive Psychology has the objective of making life more satisfying and meaningful through interventions that promote and develop qualities such as self-knowledge, learned optimism, gratitude, mindfulness, resilience, and community connection. Students participate in both interactive lectures and on-line discussions, maintain weekly journals, and develop personal strengths through direct engagement with well-being initiatives.

Students gain an awareness of learning differences in various contexts including social, educational, and work settings. The field of learning differences is presented through various lenses including an historical overview, legislative policies, and perspectives on etiology. Evidenced-based support services and strategies are also analyzed. Course learning activities include assignments, discussion forums, and quizzes.

Are you eating healthy foods? Do you exercise regularly? Do you know how to prevent injuries and disease? These are some of the skills necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. Through self-evaluation, weekly journals, and hands-on exercises students assess their personal lifestyles and learn how to improve them.

Students study human sexuality through an interdisciplinary approach. Students gain a basic understanding of human sexuality through an investigation of history, culture, physiology, sexual development, sexual behaviours, sexually transmitted diseases, attitudes, sex, deviance and sexual relationships.

In today’s society there is increasingly more attention focused on questions of right or wrong, good or evil. Ethical issues relating to a wide variety of concerns are examined. Students clarify their own moral values and explore how these values impact the course of their lives. Students practise using tools and decision-making models to deal with personal and professional dilemmas.

Toys and games, key components of play, have evolved from homemade trinkets to highly engineered items in a multi-billion-dollar industry. Students explore the connections between technology and play, specifically the benefits, drawbacks and ethical implications of toy and game design. Case studies allow students to consider familial, cultural, sociological, and other influences upon toy and game design over the last century. Through discussion, analysis and workshops, students move towards designing their own toy or game, or modifying an existing one.

The need to lead healthy, environmentally conscious lives is increasingly important. Students acquire the practical knowledge and skills required to explore current environmental challenges and identify personal plans for living in an environmentally responsible manner. Through a combination of assignments, discussion boards, and quiz work, students investigate the history and development of current environmental concerns, the environmental impact of our choices and behaviours, and strategies involved in living green.

Understanding fungi is critical for a more complete picture of both natural history, as well as historical and current human affairs. Students learn the major groups of fungi most of which are beneficial to humans. Students learn the influence of fungi on historical and cultural activities including art and food. Students also examine the direct involvement of fungi on industrial processes and current medical and biotechnological processes. Students explore the role of fungi as it relates to soil fertility and best practices in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Students will connect fungi to the world around them.

The mysteries of science surround us constantly and play a significant role in everyone’s daily life regardless of their level of awareness. Familiarity with the basic concepts of science in disciplines such as biology, physics, and chemistry, helps students better understand the world in which they live, the attitudes and opinions of those with whom they interact, and the reasons why many things happen. By examining everyday occurrences, students are introduced to scientific ways of thought and to problem-solving methods used by scientists. A background in science and math is not required.

Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for students to have a greater understanding and respect for others by being more globally and culturally aware. The transformation of Earth as we know it has been a 4.5 billion year marvel in the making. The ever-changing continents, oceans, seas, and geographic landforms continue to reshape our world. Through the exploration of the unique landscapes of Earth and the examination of the geographic distribution of populations, countries, and regions of the world, students will use virtual field trips, case studies, and web quests to enhance their sense of global community.

DNA is the recipe book for all living things. This small molecule can tell us about our past, present, and future. It is what makes us all unique and what ties us together. DNA can answer some of life’s biggest questions: Where do we come from? How are we made? Can we cure disease? Can we predict the future or change the outcome? In this course, we will examine the spectacular DNA molecule and how it works. Through contemporary articles, research, images, and videos, we will investigate ways in which DNA can be used to predict traits, detect disease, discover ancestry and engineer babies. We will look at DNA’s involvement in our evolution, and how we can harness its powers to create superfoods, change a wolf into a pug or clone extinct species. Through a combination of discussion boards, quizzes and assignments, students will discuss DNA history, technology and social attitudes, providing them with a greater understanding of their genetic make-up, both on a personal and global level.

What can the sky tell us about our place in the universe, and how life began? This introductory course to astronomy will teach students indigenous and Western constellations in the sky, as well as introduce them to the major planets. Students will act as beginning astronomers and engineers by performing sketches, doing research on astronomy topics, and learning about missions to Mars that are on the hunt for signs of life.

Ontario continues to generate more and more waste; historically, three quarters of this waste has been discarded. In this course, learners are introduced to the tremendous environmental and economic opportunities that exist to embrace resource conservation ideology and a circular economy – a system in which products are never discarded, but reused, recycled and reintroduced into new products. With interactive activities, videos, and gaming; learners identify concepts and technologies to make informed decisions regarding waste management. Learners reflect on material learned, connect it to their own personalized industry or interest, and locate innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Increasingly cities and communities are feeling the pressure of expansion, and people from all walks of life feel disconnected from the processes, procedures, and decisions that are affecting everyday life. Students consider urban transformation with a focus on practicing sustainability by exploring innovations in land use, transportation, resource planning and economic development, resulting in employment opportunities, as well as healthy and vibrant cities. Students use local and regional activities as a starting point for developing a knowledge base for future social and community involvement. Research projects and assignments encourage students to identify the gaps between theoretical approaches to urban planning and the practical applications as evidenced in their local surroundings.

Many facets of today’s popular culture engage, directly or indirectly, with the concerns of a variety of philosophical traditions. Drawing on a number of examples, students explore both the way popular culture permeates and spreads through society and the way it interprets and presents philosophical questions. Students develop skills and techniques for assessing the soundness and validity of thought experiments.

Environmental issues have come to occupy a central place in the marketplace, politics, policy, and society at large. Owing largely to the many environmental consequences that have accompanied industrialization, we humans have been forced to rethink the complex relationship between technology, society and the environment. Students investigate philosophical concepts and theories surrounding technology, society and the environment including: the “naturalness” of technology, sustainability and animal rights. Students critically examine course material by focusing on questions such as: What is nature, and what role do/should humans occupy in it? What do we owe non-human organisms? What do we owe future generations? Students engage in various peer-oriented learning activities throughout the course.

On an almost daily basis, the media, through its various outlets – television, radio, web sites, RSS, and podcasts – reports on issues that address our well-being. Through discussions, readings, and assignments, students enhance their ability to interpret and question information presented by the media by better understanding the inherent risks. Issues like alternative medicine (i.e. vaccinations) and socio-legal issues (i.e. bullying, hacking, surveillance, and privacy) provide grounds for students to use principles from the social science as a means to think critically about real and perceived risks in daily life.

The dynamic and exciting field of Cosmology outlines our current understanding of the Universe from its start, at the so called Big Bang, through the ensuing 13 plus billion years to the present and beyond. Students learn how to discuss our present understanding of the three phases of the Universe as well as its five part make up, with matter making up only 4% of the whole. Students explain our knowledge of the various phases of evolution of the Cosmos and also the latest theories and experiments that are trying to address our uncertainties. Throughout the course, students evaluate and debate many of today’s ideas and concepts revolving around cosmology.

Sociology, through its exploration of the organization of society and the connections between people and their surroundings, provides new ways of looking at the world. Using fundamental knowledge in the field of sociology, students analyze globalization and its impact on Canadian society. Students take opposing views to debate the opportunities and challenges that come with globalization.

Pre-requisite: SOC2000 – Sociology

Informed citizens in today’s world appreciate the meaning of civic life at the local, national and global level. Students reflect on and develop a personal awareness of the meaning of freedoms, rights and obligations in a diverse global community and consider the political, social and economic drivers that influence patterns of human behaviour and the health of the planet. Based on general principles of global citizenship, students look beyond national borders to assess personal responsibilities related to the health and well-being of the planet and inhabitants. Students critically evaluate information related to environmental and social health, equipped with attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental and social responsibility.