Fundamental understanding of research process, including knowledge of theoretical principles, methods and considerations for conducting well-grounded research, is an essential skill for practitioners in social fields of study. Through lectures, discussions and in-class activities, students explore the basics of empirical research design, research ethics, data collection, data analysis and dissemination of findings. Particular attention focuses on developing strong analytical and interpretive skills essential in the evaluation of research findings. Students work collaboratively to critically analyze a given research project.
Professionals in the social sciences evaluate quantitative evidence to make decisions. In this course, students explore descriptive and inferential statistics used in social science research. Descriptive statistics are used to describe the data collected. Inferential statistics are used to determined if the data collected represents a population of interest and whether experimental results are significant and meaningful or simply due to chance. Students develop the skills to determine which statistics should be used with particular data types, analyze fundamental statistical problems, and interpret statistical findings. Individually and in groups, students use statistical software to analyze simulated and actual data sets to answer particular research questions and to report on their findings using standard social science tools. Emphasis is on the development of the critical thinking skills needed to understand and apply statistics for the social sciences.
Biologists with an interest in plant life may choose to specialize in botany. Beginning with the organic features of life, focusing on plants, students investigate the diversity of plant life and the basis for distinction amongst various species. With a deeper knowledge of plant structures and variability, students consider the impact of plants in the modern world, including human interactions such as food production, building materials and medicine.
Effectively communicating with others, both professionally and personally, is an art that requires conscious development. Students address the techniques related to interpersonal communication challenges in the diverse workplace. Focus is on communication barriers, verbal and non-verbal communication, listening, team work and relational dynamics. Through role-play, analysis, and case studies, students engage in simulated and authentic interpersonal communication situations.
Pre-requisite: ENL1100 Communications and Academic Writing
The French language is an asset when communicating in the workplace. Students with no prior knowledge of French acquire basic forms and structures to interact and communicate in a simple way with French speakers. Class instruction and practice, repeated feedback, and exposure to a variety of language samples support students to gain basic oral expression and comprehension using simple phrases that develop vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. Students begin to appreciate cultural and linguistic differences when French is used in the workplace.
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.
The Spanish language is an asset when communicating in the workplace. Students with no prior knowledge of Spanish acquire basic forms and structures to interact and communicate in a simple way with Spanish speakers. Class instruction and practice, repeated feedback, and exposure to a variety of language samples support students to gain basic oral expression and comprehension using simple phrases that develop vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. Students begin to appreciate cultural and linguistic differences when Spanish is used in the workplace.
To avoid potential prosecution, companies and their employees are well-advised to engage in ethical decision making practices in all business situations. Students examine ethical concepts and principles, compare a variety of ethical decision-making models and utilize these principles and models to make ethically sound decisions in a variety of contexts. Students also design a code of ethics, practice making ethically- based decisions and develop the analytical skills required to recognize, evaluate and resolve ethical dilemmas in the workplace.
A developed knowledge of government and politics is key to an effective participation in public life. Drawing on current events, students explore the societal, cultural and constitutional context along with the major political parties and institutions that shape the Canadian political landscape. Students develop skills and techniques that allow them to position politicians, parties, and policies, past and present, on the spectrum of political ideology and Canadian political traditions. Working together and individually, students analyze issues from the perspective of various political approaches.
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary study of how the earth works, human interaction with the earth and how to address the existing environmental problems. Students explore natural capital and the degradation. Students engage in case studies, critical thinking and analysis of alternatives in exploring solutions and trade-offs in trying to address degradation.
When working with individuals and groups it is important to understand both the background and influences present. Students develop a familiarity with sociological theories and methodological approaches used to study individual and group behaviours. Students also examine variables that include culture, social class, race, and gender and how these variables may impact work with diverse individuals and groups.
Historically, Indigenous peoples and their cultures have been dramatically misrepresented and stereotyped in Canadian literature, music, visual arts, film, and television as a result of ongoing attempts to colonize, marginalize, romanticize, and assimilate them. Starting with an historical overview of the oppressive act of misrepresenting, appropriating, and stereotyping Indigenous peoples and their cultures in Canada, students explore how contemporary Indigenous artists have responded to these misrepresentations by subverting, critiquing, challenging, and changing the representations of Indigenous peoples and their cultures in their own artistic works. Significant works of contemporary literature, music, visual arts, film, and television created by contemporary Indigenous artists who give voice to their experiences in Canada serve as the basis for critical analysis and creative reflection on the processes of self-representation and cultural reclamation of Indigenous voices and identity in Canada.
Anti-racism is the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviours that perpetuate systemic racism. Students explore concepts of anti-oppressive practice, anti-racist pedagogy, diversity, and inclusion at the personal, societal, and institutional levels. Students develop an understanding of historical and present-day groups and figures that challenge oppressive structures in Canadian society. Through various learning activities and discussion boards, students will develop the necessary knowledge, attitude, and skills to become an authentic ally within society.
With its applications to behaviour and personality, psychology extends its reach into many aspects of our personal lives. The broad applications of this social science in both an applied and theoretical context are premised on a number of fundamental principles. Students explore historical breakthroughs that define the current boundaries of the discipline and interact with a number of the foundational concepts that resonate throughout daily life and popular culture. Students develop an introductory knowledge in the various schools of thought within the discipline.
Students explore fundamental statistical concepts and use statistical software to summarize, analyze and present both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include central tendency, variation, probability, central limit theorem, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing and simple regression and correlation. These theoretical concepts are explained through practical examples from various sectors. Students develop the required background for further study related to research.
Academic research requires students to possess a fundamental knowledge of accepted methodologies and practices. An overview of the research process and tools prepares students to engage in scholarly work. Emphasis is on evaluation, selection and documentation of primary and secondary sources, as well as the development of a research project.
