Liberal Studies

What is, and is not, part of nature? How have people related to nature at different points in history? In what ways has human development impacted the natural world? This course is designed to help students better understand the environment, environmental concerns and our relationship to the natural world. In addition, students discuss topics such as the living environment, environmental pollution, eco-disasters, biological sustainability and social responsibility.

This course emphasizes the writing of effective business communications, including letters, memoranda, email, and short reports. Other tasks include applying proofreading and editing skills. These skills will prepare the student for the work environment, which requires practical business writing to be clear, correct, and concise. Students are introduced to the research process and develop critical thinking skills.

Focusing on the Canadian perspective SOC 1003 explores the intersectional influences on behavior within the context of human group life. The sociological perspective, data collection, socialization, crime, and the dynamics of group structure and stratification are critically assessed against the backdrop of global interdependence and socio-cultural change. Small group discussion and gamification of materials all offer an enhanced course experience for individual growth and understanding of sociology.

This course provides a foundational overview of psychology, exploring the biological and cognitive processes that underlie human behaviour and experience. Students are required to purchase the assigned textbook to be successful in the course.

This course will familiarize students with the digital world by exploring the hardware and software of their computer system. Graduates will be able to use the most common functions of the Windows operating system including File Explorer for file management, utility programs, various web browsers for social media while observing and identifying security and privacy concerns and issues. Graduates will be able to build properly formatted documents using Microsoft Word and spreadsheets including correctly functioning formulas using Microsoft Excel and create commanding presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint while using the cloud to store and access their files.

This course introduces students to key aspects of personal health and wellness, including nutrition, fitness, stress management, and digital well-being. Through practical application and self-assessment, students will use current health guidelines, such as Canada's Food Guide, to develop personalized goals and healthy habits. The course also explores how media, technology, and social environments influence health choices and overall well-being.

Students can select a General Education Elective from the Course List to fullfill this requirement.

This course provides students with the skills required for professional, written, and oral communications essential to business success and subsequent courses. Students will develop database and internet research skills; prepare professional written business communication; and create, practice and deliver professional oral presentations. Students will research and document borrowed information in a business report and will demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills.

Prerequisite(s):

• COM-1013 Critical Thinking and Writing

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, interact, influence and relate to others.  The course will emphasize understanding about how and why individuals behave, think and feel in social situations.  Of particular importance will be the study of the individual, their thoughts and resultant behaviour in social situations.

This is a course in the mathematical concepts needed for success in the modern business world. We will study percentages, ratios and proportions, exponents; algebraic manipulation and solution of equations and equation systems; plotting, graphing and reading descriptive charts; deriving and presenting descriptive statistics.

Explore the profound ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence and develop critical frameworks for understanding how AI technologies are reshaping our world. Students will examine key AI concepts-from machine learning to generative AI-then apply major ethical perspectives to analyze real-world scenarios. The course explores how different cultures and historical periods have approached technological change, enabling students to evaluate AI applications from multiple viewpoints and assess their implications for diverse communities. Students will build practical skills in critiquing AI implementations and designing ethical guidelines for their chosen fields. No prior technical knowledge required-this course focuses on the human dimensions of artificial intelligence, preparing students to be thoughtful, informed participants in our increasingly AI-integrated world.

This course introduces the concept of sustainable development to a broad audience. Students are presented with the factors that affect the environmental, economic and social sustainability of our communities. The course investigates the development of human populations and how their need for resources (e.g. energy, food, water) has compromised the natural ecosystems. Social and economic factors are explored in the context of social equality and sustainability in the local and global economy. The effects of individual lifestyle changes on the sustainability of communities are also examined.

Students can select a General Education Elective from the Course List to fullfill this requirement.

In this course, students will explore the historical evolution and social impact of cults and terrorist groups. Students will learn ways to identify and define cults. Using discussions and active learning approaches, students will examine what motivates cults and terrorist groups with a specific lens towards violent activity. The impact of media and globalization will also be discussed. Students will advance their social and cultural understanding and gain awareness of cults in contemporary society. Students in this course will discuss the validity of historical evidence and research historical interpretations of events using relevant and recent sources.

This subject is an examination of the contemporary Canadian business environment including the organization, leadership and management decision process which influences the behaviour of individuals and groups. Increased global competition, technological change and the rising expectations of both employees and employers have underlined the need for improved and more effective leadership. This subject provides a better understanding of this process.

Project management practitioners need to understand the established industry norms, methods, and practices for managing all stages of the project life cycle and its related processes. Students are introduced to the fundamental principles of project management, such as project strategy, selection, scheduling, risk management, quality assurance, performance measurement, audit and closure. By participating in discussions, analyzing readings, and conducting preliminary research, students acquire a working understanding of project management knowledge and theory.

Canadian Politics and Government are introduced. Students identify the terms and concepts utilized in the discipline of political science, identifying key geographic and demographic factors; identify the major components of Canada's constitution; outline the evolution of Canadian federalism; identify the functions of political parties and the party system; and identify in detail the election process, outlining the distinctive characteristics of Canada's major parties and the Canadian party system.

Students can select a General Education Elective from the Course List to fullfill this requirement.

Empowering a variety of ideas, perspectives and talents are paramount in the continued evolution of a more inclusive Canada. It is essential for individuals, communities, businesses, industries and government to advocate for inclusion and to reduce barriers for the greater good of our society. As we live and work in an increasingly global world, this overview course is designed to provide learners with the tools to develop cultural competencies and inclusive practices so that they can recognize the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (EDI) as in integral part of a more socially inclusive Canada. Through activities and self-reflection, learners may explore a variety of relevant topics including intercultural awareness, gender identity, sexual orientation, unconscious bias, ageism, disabilities, mental health and indigenous ways of knowing.

The structure and functions of the Canadian government are explored in this course. Students analyze the roles and responsibilities of the executive branch of the government; describe the role of the bureaucracy in the Canadian political system as well as the characteristics and organization of the legislative branch of government; examine the role of the judicial branch of government; illustrate political socialization, the role of the mass media, and public opinion polls as sources of political values and information; summarize the effects of advocacy groups, social groups, and lobbying on the political system; and finally examine Canada's external political environment and the influence it has on domestic political and economic policy.

A critical understanding of contemporary Canadian issues is vital to being an active member in our democratic society. Students explore a variety of topics and analyze their ethical implications and relevance to Canadian life. Discussions, debates, and other collaborative activities offer opportunities to consider recent controversies from different perspectives, and use of a variety of media (e.g. newspapers, articles, and other resources online) allows for in-depth reflection on the history and current state of a range of social and political topics.

This course will cover a wide variety of topics for those interested in starting, or seeking employment in, a small business. The course will capture the entrepreneurial spirit, and students will get first-hand exposure to the benefits and drawbacks of starting a new business and being your own boss. Issues pervasive in small businesses such as spotting trends or taking advantage of niche business opportunities will be discussed and factored into class exercises. Students will have the opportunity to practice start-up skills through feasibility analysis, the idea pitch, defining markets, targeting customers, operations, and deciding on which type of business to start. The ability to maintain and sustain operations of a small business will be experienced with particular attention to budgeting, forecasting, and cash management. In this course, students will have an authentic opportunity to test their entrepreneurial skills through a real business venture.