Note: This is the 2023鈥�2024 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .
Program Requirements
The B.A.; Honours in Canadian Studies is an interdisciplinary program focused on in-depth multidisciplinary perspectives on Canada and its key institutions, with an emphasis on public affairs as it relates to social and cultural issues and debates in the Canadian context, and the responses and actions taken or needed to be taken. The program draws on interdisciplinary perspectives incorporating research and approaches from both the humanities and the social sciences.
Students with a GPA of 3.30 in their program courses and, in keeping with Faculty regulations, a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in general, are eligible to apply to the Honours program. Application deadlines are December 15 and May 15. Forms are available on the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada (MISC) website.
Required Courses (18 credits)
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CANS 200 Understanding Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Key cultural, economic, social and political institutions and their evolution over time.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Nurse, Jodey (Fall)
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CANS 306 Topics in Indigenous Public Affairs
(3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Past and present achievements and concerns within Indigenous societies across Canada.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Reid, Christopher (Fall)
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken Issues in Native Studies as a CANS topics course.
- CANS 420 Shaping Public Affairs in Canada (3 credits)
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CANS 480 Honours Thesis 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Supervised research for and preparation of the Honours Thesis Proposal.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Restriction: Students in the Honours Program in Canadian Studies.
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CANS 481 Honours Thesis 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Supervised writing of Honours thesis.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisite: CANS 480.
Restriction: Students in the Honours Program in Canadian Studies.
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QCST 200 Introduction to the Study of Quebec (3 credits)
Overview
Quebec Studies : Introduction to the ideas and approaches that scholars have used and developed to study Quebec, including some of the foremost issues that have shaped Quebec historically and continue to influence contemporary life. The changing notions about territory, identity, language, citizenship and belonging, the complexity and diversity of Quebec (11 Aboriginal nations, multilingual, multiethnic and religious communities, minority status within Canada) will also be explored from a comparative perspective to identify characteristics that Quebec shares with other nations and those that are different.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Poutanen, Mary Anne (Fall)
This course offers students the possibility of doing a community engagement internship (or ExCELR option).
Complementary Courses (36 credits)
Note: Students may not choose more than 9 credits in disciplines of their other major or minor concentrations.
200 Level
9 credits selected from:
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ECON 219 Current Economic Problems: Topics (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : This course will deal with topical issues of importance to the Canadian economy.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Horner, Herv茅 Robert; Karaguesian, Julian (Winter)
This course will also be of interest to students outside of Economics
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ENGL 228 Canadian Literature 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A chronological survey of Canadian literature, Part 1.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 229 Canadian Literature 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A chronological survey of Canadian literature, Part 2. A continuation of ENGL 228.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Lecker, Robert; McConkey, Emily (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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FREN 252 Litt茅rature qu茅b茅coise (3 credits)
Overview
French (Arts) : Introduction 脿 la litt茅rature qu茅b茅coise des origines 脿 nos jours.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Bellehumeur, Guillaume (Winter)
Fall, Winter
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HIST 202 Survey: Canada to 1867 (3 credits)
Overview
History : A survey of early Canada, from periods known mainly through archaeological records to the Confederation era. Social, cultural, economic and political themes will be examined.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Nerbas, Don (Fall)
Fall
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HIST 203 Survey: Canada since 1867 (3 credits)
Overview
History : A survey of the development of Canada from Confederation to the present day. Social, economic and political history will be examined in a general way.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Wright, David John; Dunsworth, Edward (Winter)
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INDG 200 Introduction to Indigenous Studies (3 credits)
Overview
INDG : The focus is on Indigenous experience in Canada, but encourages comparative approaches. Introduction to the social, political, economic and cultural dimensions of Indigenous life in Canada.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Marquez, Jimena (Fall)
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POLI 221 Government of Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of the central governmental institutions, including parliament, federalism, and the judiciary.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: B茅land, Daniel (Fall)
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 222 Political Process and Behaviour in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An introduction to contemporary political life in Canada that examines how demands are identified and transmitted through the political systems. Emphasis will be placed on: the Canadian political culture; socialization and political participation; the electoral system; elections and voting; the role and structure of political parties; and the influence of organized interest.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Scholtz, Christa (Winter)
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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SOCI 230 Sociology of Ethnic Relations (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : An introduction to the sociological study of minority groups in Canada. The course will explore the themes of racism, prejudice, and discrimination, ethnic and racial inequalities, cultural identities, multiculturalism, immigration. Theoretical, empirical, and policy issues will be discussed. While the focus will be primarily on Canada, comparisons will be made with the United States.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Marshall, Zachary (Winter)
Prerequisite: SOCI 210 or permission of instructor
300 and 400 levels
9-15 credits in interdisciplinary Canadian Studies (CANS) courses chosen from the following list, of which at least 3 credits have to be at the 400 level.
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CANS 300 Topics in Canadian Studies 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An historical explanation of the Canadian experience of nationalism from the Patriotes to the First Nations, with reference to politics, economics, iconography, ideology and multicultural experience.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Nurse, Jodey (Fall)
Prerequisite: CANS 200 or permission of instructor
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CANS 301 Topics in Canadian Studies 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An interdisciplinary course on a Canadian Studies topic.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Nurse, Jodey (Winter)
Prerequisite: CANS 200 or permission of instructor
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CANS 307 Canada in the World (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Canada's interaction with other countries and regions.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Potter, Jeremy Andrew (Winter)
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CANS 308 Sex and Gender in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Sex and gender in Canada in the past and the present.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Nurse, Jodey (Fall)
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CANS 310 Canadian Cultures: Context and Issues (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : This course traces the history of Canadian cultures from the middle of the 19th century to the present. It focuses on the diversity of Canadian cultural identities through literature, drama, art and the mass media.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken CANS 202
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CANS 311 Topics in Canadian Public Affairs 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An interdisciplinary selected topic dealing with Canadian public affairs.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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CANS 312 Topics in Canadian Public Affairs 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An interdisciplinary selected topic dealing with Canadian public affairs.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Nurse, Jodey (Winter)
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CANS 315 Indigenous Art and Culture (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An examination of the work of selected First Nations, M脙漏tis and Inuit artists in Canada.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Bell, Gloria (Winter)
Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking ARTH 315 or have taken "Aboriginal Art and Culture" as a CANS or ARTH topics course.
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CANS 401 Canadian Studies Seminar 1 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An interdisciplinary seminar on a Canadian Studies topic.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Silva, Derek (Fall)
Topic will vary from year to year depending on staff interests.
Prerequisite: CANS 200 or permission of instructor
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CANS 402 Canadian Studies Seminar 2 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An interdisciplinary seminar on a Canadian Studies topic.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Melan莽on, Rapha毛l (Winter)
Prerequisite: CANS 200 or permission of instructor
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CANS 404 Canadian Studies Seminar 4 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An interdisciplinary seminar on a Canadian Studies topic.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisite: CANS 200 or permission of instructor
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CANS 405 Canadian Studies Seminar 5 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An interdisciplinary seminar on a Canadian Studies topic.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisite: CANS 200 or permission of instructor
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CANS 406 Canadian Studies Seminar 6 (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : An interdisciplinary seminar on a Canadian Studies topic.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: B茅land, Daniel (Winter)
Prerequisite: CANS 200 or permission of instructor.
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CANS 408 Individual Reading Course (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Supervised reading on an explicitly multidisciplinary topic under the direction of a professor working in the field of Canadian Studies.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Restrictions: Reserved for final-year students enrolled in the Canadian Studies major or minor concentration. Permission must be obtained from the Canadian Studies advisor and from the supervising professor before registration.
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CANS 412 Canada and Americas Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Canada and the Americas.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: Cans 200 or permission of the Instructor
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CANS 413 Canada and Quebec Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Comparison of Canada and Quebec.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: MacLeod, Roderick (Winter)
Prerequisites: Cans 200 or permission of the Instructor
Note: A reading knowledge of French is required
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CANS 499 Internship - Canadian Studies (3 credits)
Overview
Canadian Studies : Internship with an approved host institution or organization.
Terms: Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Instructors: Nurse, Jodey (Fall)
12-18 credits chosen from the following list:
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ANTH 338 Indigenous Studies of Anthropology (3 credits)
Overview
Anthropology : Introduction to Native American and Indigenous studies (NAIS) as a means of critically engaging with the discipline of anthropology.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Sabiston, Leslie James (Winter)
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ARTH 302 Aspects of Canadian Art (3 credits)
Overview
Art History : An examination of selected subjects relevant to a specific period of art in Canada.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Bishop-Stall, Reilley (Fall)
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ECON 303 Canadian Economic Policy (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Major theories of how economic policy is made and goes on to use economic tools of analysis to investigate selected policy problems of current interest.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: ECON 208 and ECON 209 or those listed under Prerequisites above.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ECON 303D1/D2 or ECON 403.
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ECON 305 Industrial Organization (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : The course analyzes the structure, conduct, and performance of industries, particularly but not exclusively in Canada. Topics include effects of mergers, barriers to entry, product line and promotion policies, vertical integration, and R & D policies of firms.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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ECON 308 Governmental Policy Towards Business (3 credits)
Overview
Economics (Arts) : Covers the major public policies toward business in Canada, such as competition policy, regulation, public ownership and privatization, industrial policies, and trade policies. Includes comparison with policies of other countries, especially the U.S. Readings will include some legal decisions.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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ENGL 313 Canadian Drama and Theatre (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Dramatic forms and theatrical practices in Canada from beginnings to the present day.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Greenwood, Steven (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 393 Canadian Cinema (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of Canadian cinema.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Van Schaik, Kasia (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
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FREN 315 Cin茅ma qu茅b茅cois (3 credits)
Overview
French (Arts) : 脡tude th茅matique du cin茅ma qu茅b茅cois 脿 travers ses principaux films.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Farah, Alain (Winter)
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HIST 303 History of Quebec (3 credits)
Overview
History : Covering Quebec history from New France to contemporary times, this course will include themes like ethnic relations, citizenship, gender and material culture. It is of particular interest to students in Education who foresee teaching about Quebec.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Johal, Rishma (Fall)
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HIST 342 Canada and the World (3 credits)
Overview
History : Examines the historical development of Canada and the World from 1867 to the present. Particular emphasis will be placed on key themes in the history of Canada鈥檚 international relations including imperialism and race. Attention will also be paid to major global developments such as wars, peace-making and international governance. The course will consider traditional inter-state relations as well as international relations from a non-governmental, grassroots perspective to include migration, development and humanitarianism.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Dunsworth, Edward; Wallace, Riley (Fall)
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HIST 343 Women in Post-Confederation Canada (3 credits)
Overview
History : This course examines women's contribution to the economic and social development of Canada as well as the changes in the image and status of women. Special emphasis will be on the relationship between women's roles in the private sphere and the public domain.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Morton, Suzanne (Winter)
Prerequisite: HIST 203 recommended.
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HIST 357 Cultural Diversity in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
History : Selected topics in cultural diversity, society and the state in 19th, 20th and/or 21st centuries will be explored through discussion of primary and secondary historical sources.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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HIST 363 Canada 1870-1914 (3 credits)
Overview
History : This course will examine social, economic, political and cultural aspects of Canadian society between 1870 and 1914. Topics covered will include aboriginal peoples, European settlement of the West, provincial rights, the national policy, social reform movements, industrialization, immigration and the rise of cities.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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HIST 364 Canada 1914-1945 (3 credits)
Overview
History : This course will examine Canada and Canadian society between 1914 and 1945. It will focus on the social, political, economic and cultural impact of the two World Wars and the economic crisis of the 1930s. Among the topics will be Canadian external relations, political and social protest, popular culture, demographic changes and prohibition.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Zucchi, John (Fall)
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HIST 367 Canada since 1945 (3 credits)
Overview
History : Elements of Canada's political, social, economic, and cultural history since World War II. Topics will include constitutional questions, gender and class issues, the role of the state, regionalism, consumer society, the Quiet Revolution, and nationalism in Canada.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisite(s): HIST 203 recommended.
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LING 325 Canadian English (3 credits)
Overview
Linguistics : A diverse, interdisciplinary set of perspectives on the English language in Canada, including its status as one of many Canadian languages and as the expressive medium of English-Canadian culture, the history of English-speaking settlement in Canada, and linguistic analysis of its main distinguishing features, regional variation and changes in progress.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Boberg, Charles (Fall)
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POLI 336 Le Qu茅bec et le Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : Comment les Canadiens anglais et les Qu茅b茅cois se per莽oivent-ils? Les diff茅rences culturelles entre les deux groupes. Les relations politiques et 茅conomiques entre les deux groupes. L'impact de la R茅volution Tranquille. La place des francophones et des anglophones dans la vie collective. Les projets de r茅am茅nagement du cadre politique.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Restrictions: An ability to understand and read French is required; writing and speaking ability are not. Not open to students who have taken QCST 336.
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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POLI 372 Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian State (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : The relationship of Indigenous politics to larger debates and literatures within political science, such as citizenship theory, federalism, and collective action. Subjects covered include Canada's treaty history, constitutional changes, key policy frameworks, and Indigenous political development.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Berry, Aberdeen (Fall)
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POLI 417 Health Care in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : This course analyzes the theory and politics of health policy and institutions, comparing provincial models and contextualizing Canadian systems with international perspectives from the U.S. and Europe. Current health reform debates will be explored, particularly those involving federal-provincial relations, sustainable financing and the role of the state in social protection.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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POLI 426 Partis politiques et comportements 茅lectoraux au Qu茅bec (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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POLI 478 The Canadian Constitution (3 credits)
Overview
Political Science : An examination of legislative and judicial protection of rights and liberties in Canada. Topics to be covered include civil rights and the division of powers; the implied bill of rights theory; the 1960 Bill of Rights; establishment and enforcement of human rights legislation; and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Prerequisites: POLI 378 or an upper level course in Canadian Politics or permission of the instructor
Restriction: Not open to students who took 160-427 in 1989-90 or 1991
Note: The field is Canadian Politics.
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QCST 300 Quebec Culture and Society (3 credits)
Overview
Quebec Studies : A multidisciplinary course that looks at Quebec's key social, economic, cultural, political and historical aspects.
Terms: Fall 2023
Instructors: Nurse, Jodey (Fall)
Required course for all students in Quebec Studies. Open to all students.
This course offers students the possibility of doing a community engagement internship (or ExCELR option).
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SOCI 375 Suspect Minorities in Canada (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : This course will address the challenge of diverse, liberal societies like Canada, of dealing with "suspect" minorities of various types --racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic -- from the perspective of the minority group, and majority group, and the society and polity at large.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Weinfeld, Morton (Winter)
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SOCI 475 Canadian Ethnic Studies Seminar (3 credits)
Overview
Sociology (Arts) : An interdisciplinary seminar focusing on current social sciences research and public policies in areas relating to Canadian ethnic studies. Topics will include ethnic and racial inequalities, prejudice and discrimination, ethnic identities and cultural expressions, the structure and organization of minority groups.
Terms: Winter 2024
Instructors: Weinfeld, Morton (Winter)
Restrictions: Open to students following the Minor Concentration in Canadian Ethnic Studies; or to students with at least nine credits, three at the 300 level, in the social sciences; or with permission of instructor. Not open to students who took CANS 404 in 2007-08.
Faculty of Arts—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 31, 2023) (disclaimer)
