faculty of art viewbook

tradition

reputation

reputation

innovation

innovation

quality

opportunity

challenge

challenge

challenge

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a artsuniversity of alberta

humanities > social sciences 3

to more than u expected

welcome

4 welcome!

four areas of study make up the arts at the u of a:

fine arts

Delve into the visual and performing arts with courses

that deal with everything from art history and acting to

printmaking and world music.

humanities

Explore human-constructed concepts such as language,

philosophy and religion. Humanities courses look

at everything from the ancient world to the modern

representations of human culture through film.

social sciences

Courses in the social sciences examine institutions and

the functioning of human society. They explore politics,

economics, social interactions, psychology and more.

interdisciplinary studies

Interdisciplinary courses cross traditional boundaries

between disciplines or schools of thought, helping to form

new ways of understanding and develop new methods for

achieving that understanding.

Arts is the perfect opportunity to build a framework of

knowledge, confidence and adaptability that will stay with

you throughout your working and personal life.

Whether you have the goal of working in international relations or becoming a great writer, psychologist or pianist, the U of A

Faculty of Arts has something for you. Students with aptitudes ranging from mathematics, to art, to social studies and more can

find their place in Arts.

arts = liberal arts

In ancient Roman times, only free persons were allowed to learn the arts and skills that would prepare them for a lifetime of

learning and participation in society as imaginative and literate citizens. In fact, the term liberi means free person. The liberal

arts allow you to understand the components of the world around you and approach them from an informed and open-minded

viewpoint. Let the liberal arts free you and take you where you want to go!

OPPOR- TUNITY

reputation

innovation

quality

why choose arts? 5

why choose arts at the u of a?

size matters

A large research institution means millions of dollars in

scholarships, many Student services and facilities, Canada’s

second largest research library (great for all those papers),

and more than 300 student groups. It also means:

> 380 full-time faculty to teach and guide you

> A large scholarship pool

> Many education abroad opportunities including our

campus in Cortona, Italy!

options

The U of A Faculty of Arts offers you diversity, flexibility and

opportunity.

> 20 departments and institutes representing

37 majors and minors

> Paid research at the undergraduate level through the

Roger S. Smith Student Researcher Award

> Individualized Majors and Minors

“I was scared at first to go to

such a big academic institution.

I thought a place with smaller

class sizes would be better.

Then I saw the wide variety of

classes the University had to

offer. My classes were never

overwhelmingly large, and my

professors were amazing. I am

lucky I didn’t let my fear get in

the way of going to the U of A.”

tamara gross U of A arts student

reputation

As one of the founding Faculties on campus, the Faculty

of Arts boasts over 100 years of history, and now it has its

sights on leading the U of A to become one of the top 20

universities in the world by 2020. We’re well on our way,

judging by some of the recent national and international

recognition we’ve received:

> Recently Professors David Kahane (Political

Science) and David Barnet (Drama) have won 3M

National Teaching Fellowships.

> Our Industrial Design program had the distinction

of being the first and only Canadian design school to

be accepted in the history of New York’s

International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

> In 2008, Professors Lois Harder (Political Science)

and Paul Hjartarson (English & Film Studies)

received awards from the prestigious Canada-US

Fulbright program.

results and careers

In today’s knowledge-based economy, the most valuable employees are critical, adaptable, creative thinkers. An arts

degree sharpens those skills, trains you to think and learn,

and prepares you for the one thing you can always expect –

the unexpected.

> We have a Faculty of Arts Career Development

Officer dedicated to helping you connect with the

career you desire. www.arts.ualberta.ca/careers

> As an internationally accredited institution, our

grads have a degree that is recognized and prized

worldwide!

Come join the Faculty of Arts and let us help you explore and achieve your goals in a supportive and innovative environment.

6 humanities > social sciences

traditioninnova-

tion

welcome to more than u expected 3

why choose arts at the u of a? 5

table of contents 7

u of a arts and your career 8

u of a campus in italy! 10

fine arts 12

Music 13

Art + Design 14

Drama 16

humanities 18

Classics 19

Film Studies 20

English + Creative Writing 21

East Asian Studies 22

Modern Languages + Cultural Studies 23

Philosophy 24

social sciences 26

Anthropology 28

Economics 29

History 30

Human Geography 31

Linguistics 32

Political Science 34

Psychology 36

Women’s Studies 37

Sociology 38

> Criminology 39

interdisciplinary studies 40

Comparative Literature 41

Science, Technology + Society 42

Middle Eastern + African Studies 43

Religious Studies 44

Individualized Major or Minor 45

International Studies Minor 45

other opportunities 46

Math 46

Sciences 46

Native Studies 46

certificates 48

Translation Studies 48

Middle Eastern + African Studies 48

Peace + Post-Conflict Studies 48

Globalization + Governance 48

Community Service-Learning 49

affiliated colleges 50

how to join us 51

table of contents

did you know this publication was designed by a u of a student?

Alaine Mackenzie, a recent graduate of our Bachelor

of Design program (2009), produced the winning

design during a semester-long class project and was

awarded the final contract to redesign the Faculty of

Arts recruitment material. Alaine sees the project

as a valuable opportunity to work on a commercial

design from beginning to end. “I think that [the BDes]

program does a really good job of bringing in outside

clients and outside designers… you really do get to

work on real projects and have a real sense of what

your career will be like when you graduate.”

innova-tion

8 arts and your career

An Arts degree provides opportunity, variety and flexibility

both in and outside of the classroom. The skills you develop

are invaluable in life and your future career, but don’t take

our word for it…

what arts grads are saying

coolest thing my arts degree has done for me:

“Opened the doors to the world through best-in-class education and exchange opportunities.”

vanessa aiello, Partnership Marketing Manager,

International Olympic Committee,

‘97 BA (Japanese)

“Sparked my interest in investigating unexplained events and gave me communication skills that I use every day.”

jared zsombor, Investigator, Alberta Justice,

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner,

‘99 BA (Anthropology)

u of a arts and your career

the faculty of arts and caps: your u of a career centre

CAPS provides Arts-specific events, services and resources to

help you explore your options and navigate your career path.

As an Arts student you’ll be able to:

> Hear from and interact with Arts grads who

share your major

> Connect with a broad spectrum of employers

> Access the Arts-focused HUB Career Centre

> Seek guidance from career advising staff

…and much more!

Whether you check out career options on the Arts website

(www.arts.ualberta.ca/careers), ask us questions via email

([email protected]) or visit us in person at the HUB

Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall), we look forward to helping

you discover your own career story.

“As an employer of

choice, we value an

Arts background, which

equips prospective

employees with valuable

skills such as writing,

analytical thinking

and a high degree of

organizational skills.”

chris bruce, district vice-

president of Scotiabank

SUPPORTconnections

arts and your career 9

what employers who hire arts grads are saying:

“In a rapidly growing industry such as renewable energy technology, I seek out Art grads to hire. Graduates with Arts degrees can recognize trends in the market and adjust at entrepreneurial speed better than any other group I have worked with.”

kyle kasawski, Managing Director, Conergy

“Catholic Social Services has embraced the broad range of skills the Arts program instills in its graduates. Critical thinking, clear communication and problem solving are among the core requirements we have in both our font-line and leadership roles. These skills help us to provide the high-quality supports that we are known for.”

Human Resources, Catholic Social Services

“The ability to research, create solutions and articulate thoughts are highly sought after skills. The Arts degree can be a cornerstone in the development of these skills and an asset to a successful career with the Alberta Public Service.”

Human Resources Consultant, Government of Alberta

fun fact

what do these people have in common?

preston manning, Founder of the Reform

Party of Canada

beverley mclachlin, Chief Justice of the Supreme

Court of Canada

gerard protti, Executive Vice-President,

Encana Corporation

ray protti, Former Director of the Canadian

Security Intelligence Service

rona ambrose, Minister of Labour & Member of

Parliament

ruth kelly, Publisher of Alberta Venture magazine

darryl katz, Owner of the Edmonton Oilers

don iveson, Edmonton City Councillor

jim edwards, former Chair of the U of A

Board of Governors

kevin taft, former Leader of the Alberta

Liberal Party

marty chan, Playwright, Author & Writer

paul gross, Actor & Director

paula simons, Edmonton Journal Columnist

todd babiak, Edmonton Journal Columnist

and Novelist

….you guessed it, they all have u of a arts degrees!

10 cortona

The University of Alberta’s School in Cortona can give you

the unique opportunity to explore Italy while completing

coursework towards your undergraduate degree. The School

in Cortona is a satellite campus of the Faculty of Arts, and

students enrol in courses that take advantage of the

unique setting.

what can you study at cortona?

> art history

> classics (ancient history)

> Italian history (from the fall of Imperial Rome to

present day)

> Italian language courses

> unique, one-time offerings in rotating subject

areas like European Union politics, mortuary

archaeology, or Italian detective fiction

program highlights

> Fall and Winter terms offered

> All courses are taught in English, with the

exception of the language courses

> A school week that runs from Monday to

Thursday, making every weekend a long weekend!

> Professors supplement lectures with field trips.

This means that instead of only studying from a

textbook, you travel to see masterpieces

like Michelangelo’s David.

“The perfect place, the perfect program, the perfect classes!”

maya gordon

our very own u of a campus in italy!

MILAN

VENICE

FLORENCE

ROME

NAPLES

SICILY

CORTONA

“Going on the program has opened my eyes to many new things making me much more aware of the world and the people in it. I learned a lot while I was there and am really grateful for the chance to experience the world from a new vantage point.”

ainsley miller

“I think good education is nothing if not humbling, and there is something profoundly humbling about being welcomed into the Italian culture the way we are as we study in Cortona. I feel quite at home here. The Italian culture is beautiful and I feel honoured to have experienced it in this meaningful way.”

leah trueblood

cortona 11

Do you want to know more? Explore our website at:

www.arts.ualberta.ca/cortona. In addition to admission

requirements and course offerings, you can go through our

photo gallery, read a blog from a recent student and also

watch a video filmed while the Winter term was in progress.

We invite you to come and explore our little corner of Italy.

Cortona is waiting for you!

other study abroad opportunities

Did you know the University of Alberta has over 100

international learning opportunities for students?! Whether

you want to learn French in La Rochelle, continue your

studies in Australia or explore African culture in Ghana we

have an opportunity for you. For more information on study

abroad opportunities visit

www.international.ualberta.ca/goabroad.

explor- ation

12 what are fine arts?

The fine arts encompass a range of performing and visual

arts. At the University of Alberta we offer Music, Drama

and Art & Design. All three departments offer valuable

practical training for performers, designers and artists, but

their in-depth courses in the history and theory related to

their respective fields mean that a fine arts degree will give

you a well-rounded introduction to the professional world.

Whether you are interested in being an actor or a pianist, or

if you want to design furniture or study the history of visual

culture, we have something for you.

fine arts at the u of a

There are three areas of study within the Faculty of Arts

that make up the fine arts. Explore each of these in the pages

that follow!

art + design www.ualberta.ca/artdesign

Offering Bachelor of Arts, Fine Arts and Design degrees,

the Department of Art & Design has a diverse offering

of concentrations. Students can explore everything from

the history of art to printmaking, sculpture, graphic and

industrial design. Many students interested in areas such as

architecture and visual communications are drawn to

this department.

drama

www.drama.ualberta.ca

Since its inception in the 1940s, the University of Alberta’s

Department of Drama has been a visionary leader in

Canadian theatre. It is recognized as one of the foremost

university theatre programs in Canada. The only university in

Canada to have a playwright-in-residence, the Department

of Drama is home to a roster of expert faculty members

with extensive professional credentials. The fully-equipped

theatre facilities are first-rate. The department offers a wide

variety of Bachelor of Arts and Fine Arts degrees in areas

ranging from stage management to theatre design, as well as

a combined degree with Education.

music

www.music.ualberta.ca

The Department of Music offers programs in a range of

fields: the academic fields, including music history, music

theory and world music studies, and the performance fields,

mostly in classical music, but also in jazz. You may choose

to earn credits by participating in one or more of our 15

performing ensembles, which include orchestras, concert

choirs and bands, jazz choirs and bands, opera workshops

and world music ensembles. We also offer courses to non-

music students in the areas of music appreciation, basic

theory, jazz history and popular music history. Music offers

Bachelor of Music as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees and a

combined program with Education.

“Amazing instructors, inspiring

classmates, and wonderful opportunities

to put my training into practice are what

I have enjoyed most about my time in the

Faculty of Arts.”

tess degenstein, BFA Acting Student

what are fine arts?

fine arts > music 13

what is music?

The Department of Music is committed to fostering

excellence in the creation, performance and study of

music. Our students study with performers of national

and international reputation, perform in award-winning

ensembles, learn from scholars who are recognized leaders

in their fields and work with composers on the cutting edge

of developments in acoustic and electro-acoustic music.

music at the u of aThe Department of Music offers programs in a range of

disciplines: the academic fields, including music history,

music theory and world music studies, and the performance

fields, mostly in classical music but also selectively in world

music and jazz.

You may choose to earn credits by participating in one

or more of our many performing ensembles, which include

orchestras, concert choirs and bands, jazz choirs and

bands, opera workshops and world music ensembles.

We offer courses to non-music students in the areas of

music appreciation, basic theory, jazz history and popular

music history.

Edmonton is a thriving multicultural city that provides rich

musical opportunities of all kinds, and we contribute to the

community a varied program of outstanding concerts. We

also explore and record the diversity of society through

the activities of the Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology

and its folkwaysAlive! initiative in collaboration with the

Smithsonian Institution.

courses and programs

bachelor of arts – major or minor in Music (no audition)

bachelor of arts (honors) – Music (no audition)

bachelor of music (bmus) (audition required)

Our most performance-intensive program, the BMus

requires a performance audition and rudiments/aural skills

tests for admission.

routes

> General Route

> Performance Route (Piano, Organ, Voice, Strings

and Harp, Wind and Percussion)

> Music History

> World Music

> Composition and Theory

> School Music Route (see also Combined Degree)

bachelor of music/bachelor of education (bmus/bed) (audition required)

opportunities for students

The study of music often leads to international travel. The

Department of Music offers classes in Ghana and advanced

study opportunities in Vienna, while many Music students

take advantage of summer festivals across Canada and

around the world.

career info

You can find our graduates in orchestras, bands, choruses,

opera companies, recording studios, music schools and

universities around the world. You will also find them in fields

such as:

> education

> arts administration

> music retailing

> community music making

> music therapy

> radio, television and recording industries

contact information

www.music.ualberta.ca [email protected] Tel: 780.492.3263

University of Alberta Department of Music 3-82 Fine Arts Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2C9

department of music

fast fact

Edmonton-born violinist Andrew Wan, who studied music at the U of A, is rapidly establishing himself as a soloist, chamber

musician and orchestral musician. A graduate of the Julliard School in New York, he won the $17,000 Montreal Symphony

Orchestra Grand Prize in 2007. In August of 2008, he was named concertmaster of that orchestra, becoming the youngest

concertmaster of a major North American orchestra.

express-ion

committment

14 fine arts > art and design

what is art + design?

Whether you want to become an informed industrial

designer or visual communication designer, train to be a

painter, sculptor or printmaker, study the history of art,

design and visual culture of our era, or even just explore your

artistic side, the Department of Art & Design will help you

fulfill your ambitions.

art + design at u of aThe Department of Art & Design is one of the largest

departments in Canada devoted to the study of both

the practice and the history and theory of the visual arts

and design. Today, it is the only university department in

Canada that provides BDes and MDes degrees in Visual

Communication Design (VCD) and Industrial Design

(ID); BFA and MFA degrees in the disciplines of Drawing/

Intermedia, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture; and BA and

MA degrees in the History of Art, Design & Visual Culture.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Art & Design or the

History of Art, Design & Visual Culture

(no portfolio required)

You can combine available courses from any of the

various areas of the discipline, including: Painting,

Sculpture, Printmaking, Drawing, Industrial Design, Visual

Communication Design, History of Art, Design &

Visual Culture.

bachelor of arts honors – Art & Design

(no portfolio required)

bachelor of fine arts (bfa) – Art & Design

(portfolio required)

Offers concentrated studies in three studio disciplines:

> Painting

> Printmaking

> Sculpture

bachelor of design (bdes) (portfolio required)

Offers specializations in Visual Communication Design

and/or Industrial Design

In addition to your design courses, you will have the

opportunity to take a four year program of study in one of the

six following routes:

> Business/Marketing

> Engineering

> Computing Science

> Social Sciences

> Printmaking,

> General Route, which allows you the freedom to

take a variety of options

department of art + design

fast fact:

Tim Lee, ‘99 BDes, received the 2008 Sobey Art Award,

an annual prize valued at $50,000 that is given to an artist

under 40 who has exhibited in a public or commercial art

gallery within 18 months of being nominated.

collaborationrisk-taking

fine arts > art and design 15


Students in Art & Design programs may register in practicum

courses for credit in the fourth year of the program. This

gives students an opportunity to work in the creative design

field while benefiting from the guidance of a supervisor in the

department. Opportunities also exist for studying abroad at

the University of New South Wales or the Royal Melbourne

Institute of Technology for both Industrial Design and Visual

Communication Design students. Internship opportunities in

Germany are also open to students in Design Studies.

career info

Fine arts graduates have found career opportunities such as:

> professional artists (painters sculptors,

printmakers, installation artists)

> art administrators

> teachers of fine art studio courses

> curators

> art critics

History of Art, Design & Visual Culture graduates have found

careers as:

> curators of exhibitions

> managers of art collections

> managers of commercial and/or public galleries

> art administrators

> art educators

Design students can find strong career positions within the

industry. Visual Communication Design graduates often

work their way up through junior designer positions to

become intermediate or senior designers, with specialized

skills in digital media, information design, communication

design for interactive media and design management.

Industrial Design graduates are well-versed in all aspects of

computer aided design. They find employment as:

> product designers

> furniture designers

> interpretative exhibition designers in the

cultural sector

contact information:www.ualberta.ca/ARTDESIGN [email protected] Tel: 780.492.3261

University of Alberta Department of Art & Design 3-98 Fine Arts Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2C9

creat-ivity

dedication

16 fine arts > drama

what is drama?

Live theatre is an art form of endless possibilities. It has the

power to transport people through time and space, to tell

stories that reflect on the human condition, and to entertain,

provoke and move audiences to change social, cultural and

political attitudes.

Live theatre is made up of so much more than just the actors

you see on the stage. Try your hand at solo and collective

creation, as well as playwriting. Run the show. Take your

place at the helm as director. Learn technical, behind-the-

scenes skills with production and stage management.

Create the magic and design the scenery, costumes and

lights as you study theatre design. Explore the dramatic

theory and history behind how and why live performance

moves audiences.

drama at the u of aIn the Department of Drama at the U of A, we study and

practice everything that has to do with theatre and live

performance.

> Drama has 22 full-time faculty members and more

than 30 guest artists and instructors.

> More than 25 in-house productions involving

students from all the undergraduate and graduate

programs are mounted in the department each year.

> There are many extracurricular opportunities with

ABBEDAM – a student-run production company –

and the annual New Works Play Festival and Quick

and Dirty Performance Festival.

> The Timms Centre for the Arts is considered one

of the top five professional theatre training facilities

in North America. Within the Timms Centre and

Fine Arts Building there are four fully-equipped

theatres. Students have access to an extensive

wardrobe department, properties and scenic

workshops, production offices, dressing rooms,

rehearsal and classroom space, design studios and

the department’s Guberman Library.

If you love theatre, this is the place to be!


Drama students discover by doing – all our programs offer a

hands-on combination of practical and critical skills.

bachelor of arts – major or minor in Drama

bfa drama programs: Intensive, conservatory-style

programs resulting in internationally-recognized degrees.

All U of A BFA Drama programs have small class sizes to

ensure a great deal of personal interaction with expert

instructors.

technical theatre production or stage management: Technical Production majors acquire a vast

array of technical theatre skills such as stage carpentry, video

projection, digital sound mixing, welding, computerized

lighting boards and scenic flying. Stage management

majors learn to manage time, people, space, materials

and information to support a director’s vision of a live

performance.

theatre design: Targets entire production design to

develop skills in lighting, costume and set design, utilizing

the most cutting-edge digital design techniques, as well as

traditional theatre design methods.

acting: Nationally recognized as the foremost university

acting program in Canada. One year of pre-professional

university/college study required for admission. Auditions

take place in February each year.

bachelor of arts (drama)/ bachelor of education (secondary)

department of drama

CHALLENGE

develop

fine arts > drama 17

career info

You will be stimulated to examine the nature of theatre itself,

while you gain the professional skills and tools needed to

work as:

> actors (stage, film, television, musical theatre,

improvisation)

> arts and cultural administrators

> critics

> designers

> directors

> fight directors

> playwrights

> production and stage managers

> teachers

> technicians

> voice-actors for commercials, animation and

video gaming,

Your Drama degree can also open the door to careers or

further education in business, communications, counseling

and arts therapy, education, event management, law, politics,

social work and activism – to name only a few of the diverse

directions taken by our alumni.

contact information:www.drama.ualberta.ca [email protected] Tel: 780.492.2271

University of Alberta Department of Drama 3-146 Fine Arts Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2C9

fast facts

> Per capita, there are more theatre organizations and theatrical performances in Edmonton than anywhere else in Canada.

> The University of Alberta is the only university in Canada with a Playwright-In-Residence, available to consult with emerging

student writers and established playwrights alike.

opportunities for students in the ba program:

> Dramatic Monologue and Solo Performance – create

and perform individual one-person performances

> Intergenerational Theatre – a Community Service-

Learning course that brings university students

together with the GeriActors, a senior acting troupe,

to create new theatre that addresses aging and

ageist stereotypes.

> Production / Performance – working as an ensemble

theatre company, the class researches, selects,

rehearses, designs, stages, promotes and performs

a play.

all bfa programs:

> studio theatre, the Department of Drama’s

resident theatre company, showcases the work of the

graduating BFA classes in Acting, Theatre Design and

Technical Theatre with six mainstage shows

each year.

in tech/stage management:

> Cirque du Soleil teaches an arena/trapeze rigging

workshop in the department exclusively for our

Tech drama students. Stage Management majors

earn apprenticeship credit recognized by the

Canadian Actors’ Equity Association during their

program of study.

explor- ation

courage

18 what are humanities?

Humanities are the branches of learning that investigate

concepts developed by people, as opposed to naturally-

occurring processes and relationships. These areas of

study explore everything from the ancient world to modern

representations of human culture through film. So if you love

your English class, enjoy pondering philosophical questions

and learning about the Greek and Roman mythology, or

believe that film and media are shaping the way we think

and interact, then humanities subjects might be right up

your alley.

humanities at the u of a

There are six areas of study in the Faculty of Arts that

make up the Humanities. Explore each of these in the pages

that follow!

classics

www.ualberta.ca/historyandclassics

Learn about the beginnings of medical science and how it

has influenced modern medicine. Find out how Greek and

Roman mythology remains an important basis for modern

pop culture. Read some of the world’s great literature in its

original form, such as Homer’s Odyssey or the writings of

Julius Caesar.

east asian studies

www.eastasianstudies.ualberta.ca

Learn about the diversity of an area that represents more

than one-quarter of the world’s population, and discover

its languages, scripts, histories, literature, religions and art.

Acquire an East Asian language and re-examine assumptions

you may have had about other cultures, as well as your own.

english/creative writing

www.arts.ualberta.ca/efs/

Discover the pleasure of reading and learn how to write

clearly, persuasively and creatively. Develop your analytical

and critical thinking skills, and maybe even write the next

great Canadian novel! Learn to analyze, organize and

communicate research results.

film studies

www.arts.ualberta.ca/efs/

Have you ever thought about the effect that movies

have on our lives and the roles they play in defining our

culture? In less than a century, films have become one of

the most important influences on our society. Develop an

understanding of the moving image in its aesthetic modes,

and within its social, cultural and historical contexts.

modern languages + cultural studies

www.mlcs.ca

Learn how to communicate with people around the world.

Discover the cultural diversity of other societies while talking

with native speakers and studying written materials. Improve

your language skills and realize the value of learning foreign

languages as you develop a richer academic understanding.

Experience a greater range of employment opportunities

after graduation.

philosophy

www.ualberta.ca/philosophy

Explore what it means to be human — our institutions,

our ideas, our beliefs. Learn how ancient Greek philosophy

shaped our ideas of today. Study great minds like Socrates

and Nietzsche. Delve into the ethical questions behind

cyberspace and artificial intelligence. Realize your own

philosophies surrounding reasoning, risk and rationality.

“My appreciation of the world is much

richer than when I began my degree

here and it’s because I dared to choose

Arts when most people only think ‘what

are you going to do with that?’”

david burke, Film Studies Major and

Roger S. Smith Undergraduate

Researcher Award Winner 2009

“It is the mark of an educated mind to

be able to entertain a thought without

accepting it.”

aristotle

what are humanities?

humanities > classics 19

what is classics?

In Classics, you learn what life was like in ancient times by

studying the people, places and events that shaped much

of the modern world. Learn about the beginnings of medical

science and how it has impacted modern medicine. Find out

how Greek and Roman mythology remains an important

basis for modern pop culture. Read some of the world’s great

literature in its original form, such as Homer’s Odyssey or

the writings of Julius Caesar. Or you may wish to conduct

archaeological fieldwork in Italy or Greece!

classics at the u of aThe department offers courses in many aspects of Greek

and Roman life; teaching of ancient Greek and Latin

languages and literature; Greek and Roman history; art

and architecture; medicine, science and technology; myth

and religion; women’s studies; and literature in translation

(poetry, drama and prose).

> Annual Undergraduate Classics Conference

> Past Imperfect: Journal of the History & Classics

Graduate Students’ Association

> Numerous Awards for Excellence in various areas

of Classics (e.g. The “Dr. Geneva Misener Memorial

Scholarship in Classics”)

> The WG Hardy Classics Museum


bachelor of arts – major in Classics, Classical Studies or

Classical Language

bachelor of arts – minor in Classical Studies or Classical

Languages

bachelor of arts honors – Classical Studies

or Classical Languages

Examples of Classes Offered

> Ancient Science, Technology and Medicine

> Classical Myth and Religion

> Topics in the Methodology, Theory and Practice of

Classical Archaeology

> Women in the Ancient World

> Techniques of Classical Field Archaeology

> Greek/Roman Literature in Translation


In conjunction with the Faculty of Arts, we offer Classics

courses at the University of Alberta’s satellite campus in

Cortona, Italy. During the summer the department also

offers archeology digs in Cortona, Italy and Kallithea, Greece.

career info

Education

> universities and colleges

> public and private schools

Non-Profit

> museums and historical sites

> cultural heritage organizations

> historical projects

Curatorial and Archival management

> historical homes

> art galleries

> libraries

> universities and colleges

> research institutes

Communications

> publishers

> magazines

> newspapers

> tv stations

> advertising

Business

> corporate research

contact information

www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/historyandclassics/ [email protected] Tel: 780.492.3270

University of Alberta Department of History & Classics 2-28 Henry Marshall Tory Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4

classics

fast fact

The Classics Department is one of the oldest departments on campus, celebrating its centennial

along with the University in 2008.

20 humanities > film studies

what is film studies?

Have you ever thought about the effect that movies have

on our lives and the roles they play in defining our culture?

In less than a century, they have become one of the most

important influences on our society. Students in this

program will develop an understanding of the moving image

in its aesthetic modes, and within its social, cultural and

historical contexts.

As a student of film studies, you will be better equipped to

understand the message behind the medium, and better

able to understand why it matters. In a world dominated by

moving images and rapid culture change, a degree in film

studies provides many opportunities.

film studies at the u of aCourses in the program examine cinema in North America

and other parts of the world, exploring the moving image

both as a medium of artistic expression and as a carrier of

social values. Specialties of instructors include Hollywood

and popular culture, Canadian film and culture, film

authors, film theory, marginal cinemas and cultural studies,

experimental film, film exhibitions and small gauge films.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Film Studies


> Film History

> Gender and Film

> Asian Film

> Indian Film

> Experimental Film

> Documentary Film

> Hollywood genres including science fiction,

gangster movies, westerns, animation and

melodramas


> Film screening sessions independently organized

by students.

> In the past, some students have taken part in the

Telluride Film Festival Student Symposium.

career info

Our graduates have become

> film critics

> film classification officers

> journalists

> arts administrators

> directors

contact information

www.arts.ualberta.ca/efs/programs/film/index.php [email protected] Tel: 780.492.7842

University of Alberta Department of English & Film Studies 3-5 Humanities Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E5

film studies

fast fact

In 2009, the University of Alberta Film Studies Program was

host to the national graduate student conference of the Film

Studies Association of Canada.

discussionmentor-

ship

humanities > english 21

what is english?

The discipline of English undertakes to study a rich body

of literature and to develop critical thinking and writing

skills necessary to communicate in and to understand our

increasingly complex world. You will learn about the way

language makes meaning and how words create worlds.

This analytical framework will expand and enhance your

comprehension and will prepare you for today’s knowledge-

based economy where the most valuable employees are

critical, adaptable, and creative thinkers and communicators.

Discover the value of reading and learn how to write

clearly, persuasively, and creatively. Develop your analytical

and critical thinking skills. Learn to analyze, organize,

and communicate research results. Write the next great

Canadian novel!

english at the u of aFrom award-winning creative writers to internationally-

renowned scholars, our faculty has been nationally

recognized as constituting one of the best English programs

in Canada. Our large size allows us to offer courses in the

most cutting-edge cultural theories and practices, from

cyberculture to the graphic novel, as well as courses covering

the diverse traditions of writing across the ages, from

Beowulf to Virginia Woolf and beyond.

If you are interested in writing, our creative writing courses

let you develop your own poetry and prose – fiction or

nonfiction – in a smallgroup workshop format. We now also

offer a variable content course, Projects in Genre, which

explores new writing genres. Our faculty members include

major Canadian authors such as novelist Thomas Wharton

and poet Bert Almon as well as Governor General’s Literary

Award non-fiction nominees Ted Bishop and Christine

Wiesenthal. Our Writer-in-Residence Program has a well-

established reputation for promoting writers of national

stature and has as its primary emphasis outreach to anyone

who can benefit from consultations with an important

Canadian writer. Writers holding this post over the almost

four decades of the Program’s existence have included

Marian Engel, Elizabeth Smart, David Adams Richards,

Marilyn Dumont, Camilla Gibb, and Lynn Coady.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in English

bachelor of arts honors in English

bachelor of arts combined honors

with Creative Writing

Examples of Classes Offered:

> Social and Cultural History of Language

> Aboriginal Literatures

> Literature and Religion

> Postcolonial Texts and Theories

> American Minority Literature

> Contemporary Canadian Cultural Texts

> Early 20thCentury Drama

> Issues in Popular Culture

> Literary Computing

> Women’s Writing


Our department provides a unique and vibrant context for

students to hear local as well as international writers and

scholars read and discuss their work: over the course of the

year, students and faculty have the opportunity to hear from

many distinguished speakers such as Nobel Laureate Derek

Walcott.

career info

Our graduates in English and Creative Writing have gone on

to diverse careers as:

> authors

> journalists

> copywriters

> lawyers

> consumer researchers

> public relations specialists

> technical writers

> marketing managers

> public policy analysts

contact information:www.arts.ualberta.ca/efs/programs/english/index.php

www.arts.ualberta.ca/efs/programs/write/index.php [email protected] Tel: 780.492.7842

University of Alberta Department of English & Film Studies 3-5 Humanities Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E5

english + creative writing

fast fact

The Writer-in-Residence program in English at the U of A is

the longest-running program of its kind in Canada, hosting

major Canadian authors every year since Matt Cohen served

as the first WIR in 1975-76.

discussion

22 humanities > east asian studies

what is east asian studies?

East Asian Studies explores the rich cultural histories of East

Asia. Learn about the diversity of an area that represents

more than one-quarter of the world’s population, and

discover the area’s languages, scripts, histories, literature,

religions and art. Acquire an East Asian language and

re-examine assumptions you may have had about other

cultures, as well as your own. Immerse yourself in another

culture through a study abroad program, while you practice

and perfect your new language with the local residents.

east asian studies at the u of aAs the only university department between Toronto and

Vancouver devoted solely to the study of East Asia, we

provide our students with a valuable opportunity to build

a solid foundation for a career involving this exciting and

economically vigorous part of the world.

Many of our students already have a strong interest in

East Asian cultures, either through their own heritage or

through popular culture. Many also seek to learn about

other societies to challenge their own notions of the West.

Others are inspired by the challenges and opportunities

that East Asia faces as a crucial part of the Pacific World, or

by the chance to explore why East Asia has produced such

successful economies.


The Department of East Asian Studies offers under-

graduate degree programs in Chinese, Japanese and East

Asian Studies.

bachelor of arts –major and minor in Chinese, Japanese

or East Asian Studies

bachelor of arts honors – Chinese or Japanese,

Chinese and Japanese, or one of Chinese or Japanese and

East Asian Studies

Some Examples of Course Areas

> language courses

> pre-modern and modern literature

> cultural studies

> linguistics

> religious studies

> art history

Students not only learn to communicate effectively in an

additional language but also to think analytically about the

cultures of East Asia. An appreciation of the dynamics of

cultural difference is a vital skill for learning and working in

the increasingly global community.


Students have opportunities to demonstrate their language

skills through speech contests, and students of Japanese can

pursue a Certificate in Translation Studies. Those interested

in the art of East Asia can gain firsthand exposure through

the university’s Print Studies Centre and Mactaggart Art Collection. In addition, the department, the China Institute

and the Prince Takamado Japan Centre regularly invite

visiting East Asia experts to give presentations to faculty

and students.

fast fact

The 13 professors in East Asian Studies come from seven

different countries and cover six different disciplines and

over 2,000 years of Chinese and Japanese cultures.

career info

Students go into graduate studies and such fields as:

> education

> business

> international trade

> law

> consulting

> tourism

> journalism and communications

> diplomacy and foreign affairs

contact information

www.eastasianstudies.ualberta.ca/ [email protected] Tel: 780.492.2836

University of Alberta Department of East Asian Studies 3-31 Pembina Hall Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H8

v

east asian studies

reputationquality

humanities > mlcs 23

what is modern languages + cultural studies?

Learn how to communicate with people around the world.

Discover the cultural diversity of other societies while

talking with native speakers and studying written materials.

Improve your language skills in countries such as France,

Russia, Spain and Ukraine. Realize the value of learning

foreign languages and their cultures as you develop a richer

academic understanding. Experience a greater range of

employment opportunities after graduation.

mlcs at the u of aFrom introductory courses to intensive culture, literature

and linguistic study, our strength is the teaching of cultural

literacy. Students may also choose to pursue a Certificate in Translation Studies (French, German, Spanish or Ukrainian) while completing their degrees. In MLCS we study the

human drama as it unfolds on the pages of both fiction and

non-fiction, in film and other forms of representation. MLCS

is the only department in Canada which offers a Bachelor of

Arts degree in Scandinavian, a Bachelor of Arts Combined

Honors degree in Scandinavian and a Bachelor of Commerce

degree/major in European Studies-Scandinavian. We also

have the largest and best enrolled Ukrainian program in

Canada.


MLCS is a diverse department, offering languages as

popular as French, German, Italian and Spanish, and as

unique as the less commonly taught Arabic, American Sign

Language, Hungarian, Polish and Swahili. We pride ourselves

on the diversity of languages and cultures that interact under

one roof.

bachelor of arts

Majors and minors in:

> Latin American Studies

Ukrainian (Culture, Language & Literature; Folklore)

> French

> German

> Greek and Latin

> Italian Studies

> Polish (combined only)

> Russian

> Scandinavian

> Spanish

> Ukrainian

bachelor of arts honors

> Spanish and Latin American Studies

> Italian Studies

> French

> German

> Greek and Latin

> Russian

> Scandinavian (combined only)

> Spanish

> Ukrainian

> Ukrainian (Culture, Language & Literature; Folklore)


Many of our courses have a Community Service-Learning

component to expose students to ways in which learning

a foreign language and its culture can benefit both the

local and global communities. There are also a number of

opportunities for students to complete some of their

studies abroad.

career info

Our graduates have gone on to careers in:

> education

> the foreign service

> business

> translation

> journalism

> Law

contact information

www.mlcs.ca [email protected] Tel: (780) 492-4926

Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies 200 Arts Building University of Alberta Edmonton, AB T6G 2E6

modern languages + cultural studies (mlcs)

fast fact

MLCS is the only department in Canada that offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Scandinavian, a Bachelor of

Arts Combined Honors degree in Scandinavian and a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in European

Studies-Scandinavian.

support

24 humanities > philosophy

what is philosophy?

Reasoning is one of our most important capacities for coping

with our world. What does good reasoning involve? How

can we apply it to central questions of human life, questions

about the nature of truth, knowledge, reality and values? In

which kinds of answers can we have confidence? These are

some of the central questions addressed by philosophy.

Different branches of philosophy focus on the ways we

think and reason about different aspects of the world

and ourselves. You can study the philosophy of art,

artificial intelligence, ethics, language, law, reality, science,

sexuality… the list goes on. Through the study of classic and

contemporary philosophies, our students develop their own

perspectives on how to negotiate the central questions of

human life.

philosophy at the u of aAt the University of Alberta, the study of traditional

approaches to philosophical questions provides the basis

to explore vital contemporary issues. Students investigate

the theories of historical figures such as Plato, Aristotle,

Descartes, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, Sartre and Foucault,

then move on to contemporary theories through courses in

aesthetics, bioethics, cognitive science, cyber-philosophy,

decision theory, feminist philosophy and philosophy of

science, among many others.

Philosophy prizes clarity of thought, critical reasoning, and

the ability to present one’s ideas clearly. These skills are

also valued by a wide range of professional fields, including

law, public policy, journalism, civil service, education and

administration. Philosophy is learned through dialogue with

instructors and other students – often in small seminars – so

students cultivate communication and collaboration abilities,

which are highly valued in the workplace.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Philosophy



> Practical Logic

> Metaphysics

> Theory of Mind

> Philosophy of the Environment

> Equality and Social Justice

> Philosophy and Healthcare

> Existentialism

> The History of Ancient, Medieval and Modern

Philosophy

> Philosophy of Computing

> Philosophy of Art


The department’s colloquium series brings international

speakers in throughout the year. Philosophy students are

eligible for a number of awards and can apply to carry out

summer research projects with faculty members, through

the Roger S. Smith Undergraduate Student Researcher

Award program.

career info

Whatever your interests, you will find philosophy both

challenging and inspiring. You will also develop the kind

of reasoning and communication skills that help philosophy

students excel on LSATs, MCATs and GREs. Workshops

on applying to graduate and professional schools are

offered annually.

department of philosophy

contact information

www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/philosophy [email protected] Tel: 780.492.3307

University of Alberta Department of Philosophy 2-40 Assiniboia Hall Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E7

fast fact:

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of

the Supreme Court, has a BA(hons) and an MA degree in

philosophy from the University of Alberta.

“I know I might be one of thirty thousand students here, but I never feel alone in my program! There is such a feeling of community.”

caleigh dingwall, U of A Arts Student

26 what is social science?

Did you enjoy your social studies classes in high school?

Do you have aspirations of working internationally,

understanding how society and its institutions function, or

getting a better idea about what motivates behaviour? If any

or all of this applies to you, then the social sciences may be

right up your alley.

Social Science is a branch of science that deals with the

institutions and functioning of human society, and with the

interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of

society (Mirriam-Webster Dictionary). These areas of study

explore everything from economics to politics, psychology

and more!

social science at the u of a

There are 10 areas of study within the Faculty of Arts that

make up the social sciences. Explore each of these in the

pages that follow!

anthropology

www.anthropology.ualberta.ca/

Anthropology addresses the world around you and helps you

better understand your place in it. It views individuals and

societies within their environmental, biological and cultural

contexts. Studying anthropology at the University of Alberta

prepares you for a career in our increasingly connected

world. There are four streams of anthropology at the U of

A: Archaeology, Linguistic Anthropology, Social/Cultural

Anthropology and Physical Anthropology.

economics

www.economics.ualberta.ca

Are we using energy efficiently? Why do financial crises

occur? Why are some nations poor? Economists are always

called upon to answer questions such as these. Economists

are concerned with how a society manages, produces and

distributes its wealth, both material and immaterial. In a

nutshell, economists are concerned with the conditions that

contribute to a society’s well-being.

history

www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/historyandclassics

Believe it or not, history is not all about memorizing names

and dates. It is an exciting field that uncovers the experiences

and cultures of people from the past. As a history student,

you will learn the approaches and methods employed by

expert historians. You will also take special senior-level

seminar courses that will allow you to specialize in your

areas of interest, and even conduct extensive undergraduate

historical research.

human geography

http://easweb.eas.ualberta.ca/page/56

Human geography is a branch of social science that focuses

on the relationship between human societies and the built

and natural environment in which they operate. Human

geographers believe that location, space and scale of

phenomenon are crucial factors that must be taken into

account when developing or applying academic theory.

what is social science?

what is social science? 27

sociology

www.sociology.ualberta.ca

Sociology examines the social forces behind individual and

group behaviour. As a sociology student, your possibilities

are almost unlimited. Excellent instructors engage with

students in courses on cultural studies, globalization, social

theory, social policy, urban spaces, inequality, gender, aging,

population studies, work, health, crime and corrections,

immigration, families and youth.

criminology

www.sociology.ualberta.ca

Criminology studies the causes of criminal behaviour

and the variety of social responses to it. The program

includes courses in sociology and other disciplines

such as anthropology, native studies, political science

and psychology. Two field placements involving

supervised work experience in criminal justice

settings are also included.

women’s studies

www.womensstudies.ualberta.ca

Women’s Studies explores how societies have created

different roles for men and women, and how those roles

have evolved over time and in various parts of the world. You

will learn about the contributions women have made to the

entire range of disciplines, and study research methods that

don’t discriminate based on gender.

You don’t have to be a feminist to see the world in a new

way. And you don’t need to be a woman to take courses in

Women’s Studies.

“At first, I didn’t know I wanted to be in

the Faculty of Arts. But after taking some

Arts courses, I knew that was it. It just felt

so right for me taking these courses that I

absolutely love. And it’s such a great feeling

to know that you’re actually “excited” going

to class and actually “learning” something

when you walk out. It’s great.”

petros kusmu, Economics Major,

Political Science Minor

linguistics

www.linguistics.ualberta.ca

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language.

It explores the infinite number of rules that govern and

structure all human languages and teaches methods of

analyzing individual language structures. Linguistics

also offers understanding of the physical, mental and

social processes that surround all verbal and non-verbal

human communication.

political science

www.politicalscience.ualberta.ca

Political scientists study how human beings share or fight

for power and authority, how governments work and don’t

work, and how citizens can engage in the politics that shapes

society and day-to-day life. Political scientists study ideas

that are key to political action and organization, such as

representation, democracy, justice, equality, liberty, rights

and emancipation. The Department of Political Science

offers courses in four subfields of the discipline: Political

Philosophy, Comparative Politics, Canadian Politics and

International Relations.

psychology

www.psych.ualberta.ca

The study of psychology is possible in both the Faculty

of Arts and the Faculty of Science. If you are interested in

specializing in the physical, biological and mathematical

sciences, you may choose to study with the Faculty of

Science. If you are more into studying the social science

aspect of psychology, such as social psychology, child

development, or personality and abnormal psychology, then

the Faculty of Arts is the place for you!

28 social sciences > anthropology

what is anthropology?

The simple answer is that it is the study of humans across

time and space. But anthropology is much more than

that. Anthropology addresses the world around you and

helps you better understand your place in it. It views

individuals, societies and cultures within the matrix of

their environmental, social, biological and psychological

conditions. Anthropologists look for answers to questions

that we have been asking for ages: Where did we come

from as humans, and where are we going? What influences

lifestyle and physiological variations among historical and

contemporary societies and people? How does a culture

influence a language, and how does a language help to shape

a culture?

anthropology at the u of aStudying anthropology at the University of Alberta prepares

you for a career in our increasingly global economy. The

Department of Anthropology provides an integrated four-

field approach:

> Social/Cultural Anthropology

> Linguistic Anthropology

> Archaeology

> Biological Anthropology


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Anthropology

bachelor of arts honors – Anthropology


> Gender, Age, and Culture

> Forensic Anthropology

> Anthropology of Food

> Health and Healing

> Plains Archaeology


Many students have taken the opportunity to work on field

projects alongside their professors. In the past we have held

field schools in Greece, Italy, Southern Alberta and Russia.

The Anthropology Department also has a very active student

association which you can get involved in as a student in

the department.

career info

Anthropology students graduate with a unique sense of

cultural awareness and understanding, enabling them to

work in careers such as:

> archaeological field worker

> community development officer

> foreign service officer

> non-profit manager

> park guide / interpreter

> international trade and business

> government

> ethnic and cultural organizations

> non-governmental organizations

contact information

www.arts.ualberta.ca/anthropology [email protected] Tel: 780.492.3879

University of Alberta Department of Anthropology 13-15 Henry Marshall Tory Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4

department of anthropology

fast fact

Faculty members in the Department of Anthropology

conduct research literally all over the world – they work in

over 20 countries on all seven continents.

discoverycuriosity

social sciences > economics 29

what is economics?

Economics is the study of how our limited resources can

be used to produce goods and services to satisfy unlimited

human wants. Economists address questions such as:

Why do gasoline prices increase or decrease?

> How are we going to pay for health care?

> Why does the value of the dollar fluctuate?

> What will be the effect of a carbon tax?

> Why do financial crises occur?

> Why are some nations richer than others?

> Do free trade and globalization promote

economic growth?

economics at the u of aThe Department of Economics is home to over 30 full-

time faculty members whose research activities cover a

broad spectrum of topics. Many of our faculty members

have worked with such organizations as the International

Monetary Fund, the Canadian International Development

Agency, the Federal Minister of Finance and the Capital

Health Authority, to name only a few.

In 2007-08, a total of 8,190 students enrolled in 81

Economics courses.

career info

Economists work for every level of government, in private

industry, for labour organizations, financial institutions,

colleges, universities and “think-tanks,” and as consultants.

Study towards an economics degree also develops strong

analytical and mathematical skills which are useful in many

other careers, especially law and business.

Careers available to people with degrees in economics

include:

> economist

> statistician

> financial analyst

> policy analyst

> management consultant

> broker

> foreign-exchange dealer


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Economics

bachelor of arts honors – two options available: one

for students interested in graduate studies and one for

students with other career objectives.

In addition, joint programs in Economics and Mathematics

are offered through the Faculty of Science.


> International Economics

> Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment

> Economic Development

> Tax Policy

> Law and Economics

> Economics of Financial Markets

> Health Economics

> Economics of Professional Sport


There are plenty of opportunities for students to enhance

their learning through study and work abroad or travel to

conferences. Some examples:

> The Canadian Consulate General (with other

agencies) sponsors a Student Conference each year to

study Canada-US issues. Information is available at:

http://www.spu.edu/depts/csfd/borders1.html

> The Alberta Smithsonian Internship Program

provides students with the opportunity to develop

professional skills working in the summer for the

Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Information is

available at http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/IntlEd/internship.asp.

department of economics

fast fact

A 2006 study ranked economics majors first out of 12

disciplines in terms of performance on the LSAT (a key law

school entrance examination).

contact information

www.ualberta.ca/economics/ Tel: 780.492.3406

University of Alberta Department of Economics 8-14 Henry Marshall Tory Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4

inquiry

30 social sciences > history

what is history?

The study of history involves much more than learning

names and dates. In the broadest sense, it is the study of the

human past. It uncovers and explores our history by studying

the records, writings and relics that people have left behind.

Historians employ some of the most exciting tools and

techniques available to scholars in any discipline; they are

detectives and forensics experts, literary theorists and

Bible scholars, political analysts and statisticians. They

ask questions about the past in an effort to deepen our

understanding and experience of the present and future.

history at the u of aThe Department of History at the U of A offers many

courses in a number of fields: chronological eras (ancient

history, medieval history, early modern history and modern

history), geographical areas (Africa and the Middle East,

Asia, Canada, Europe [including Britain], Latin America and

the United States) and thematic fields (history of science,

medicine and technology; history of religion, women

and gender, and perspectives on empire). Students are

encouraged to explore the various fields and avoid undue

concentration in any one field.

Our department is particularly strong in the history of Eastern Europe and Western Canada.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in History or Ancient &

Medieval History

bachelor of arts honors – History

Examples of Courses Offered

> The History of the World in the Last 10 Years

> Russia from Reform to Revolution

> Topics in History at the Movies

> History of Alberta


> In conjunction with the Faculty of Arts, we offer

history courses at the University of Alberta’s

satellite campus in Cortona, Italy.

> Annual History & Classics Graduate Student

Conference

> Past Imperfect: Journal of the History & Classics

Graduate Students’ Association

> Numerous Awards for Excellence in various areas of

Classics (e.g. the Prairie History Medal)contact information

www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/historyandclassics/ [email protected] Tel: 780.492-.3270

University of Alberta Department of History & Classics 2-28 Henry Marshall Tory Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4

fast fact

The History Department is one of the oldest departments on

campus, celebrating its centennial along with the University

and the Faculty in 2008.

career info

> teachers (post-secondary and primary)

> national archives and records officers

> foreign services officers

> public interest/advocacy groups

> lawyers

> museums and historical sites employees

> cultural heritage organizations

> historical projects

> curatorial and archival managers

> publishers

traditionchallenge

department of history

social sciences > human geography 31

what is human geography?

Human geography is a branch of social science that focuses

on the relationships between human societies and the built

and natural environments in which they operate.

As a human geography student, you will take courses that

provide you with an understanding of academic theories

applied in relation to real world issues, as well as practical

skills that are in high demand by employers.

human geography at the u of aHuman geography students take a core set of human

geography courses as part of their program. They also

have the flexibility to take courses in science, arts and other

disciplines and faculties to support the development of both

knowledge and skills.

Geographers study:

> the hazards facing human societies, such as

tornadoes, terrorist threats, wildfires and floods, and

the way in which humans prepare for them;

> the different and contested meanings that people

attach to places;

> the ways in which human societies interact with the

natural environment, including their dependence

upon and management of natural resources;

> an integrative approach to achieving economic,

social and environmental sustainability at local,

regional, national and global scales;

> the concept of ‘community’ and how communities

use both conflict and cooperation to address

issues such as local environmental degradation,

homelessness, security, economic development and

landscape aesthetics;

helping to draft the next major environmental regulation that

protects an endangered species, or being on a board that

revolutionizes your city’s public transit system to improve

it for future generations. Imagine helping to provide villages

across Southern Africa with schools, or being part of a

community eco-tourism initiative in the South Pacific.

Some examples of jobs held by Human geographers are:

> political advisor

> sustainability coordinator


> international trade consultant

> policy development officer

> GIS (Geographic Information System) analyst

> environmental assessment agent

> how humans design, plan and construct the built

environment and the impact of these environments

upon human health and well being, environmental

sustainability and economic sustainability;

> how location of services, infrastructure,

employment, commercial activities, retail activities,

housing and recreation sites impact travel patterns,

transit choices and accessibility for diverse groups

of people.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Human Geography

Examples of Courses Offered:

> The Urban Environment

> Health, Space and Place

> Human Dimensions of Environmental Hazards

> Natural Resources and Environmental Management

> Research Methods in Human Geography

> Resource Management and Environmental Policy


The Human Geography field school, offered each spring,

provides a unique opportunity for students to apply social

science and geographical analysis skills to the practical study

of contemporary human geography issues. The location of

the field school and sites visited vary from year to year.

career info

Human geography can be the gateway to a range of

rewarding careers. Imagine walking down a major downtown

street and thinking “I helped make this neighbourhood the

exciting and vibrant community that it is today,” or seeing

thousands of homes saved from a wildfire and knowing

that a community outreach program you worked on helped

homeowners reduce the risk to their property. Imagine

human geography

fast fact

The Canadian Association of Geographers, which promotes

the use and development of geography in Canada, currently

includes 1,135 members – and 67% of these members are

human geographers!

contact information

www.ualberta.ca/eas Tel: 780.492.2030

University of Alberta Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 1-26 Earth Sciences Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E3

innovationdepartment of history

32 social sciences > linguistics

what is linguistics?

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language.

It explores the infinite number of rules that govern and

structure all human languages and teaches methods of

analyzing individual language structures. Linguistics also

offers understanding of the physical, mental and social

processes that surround all verbal and non-verbal human

communication.

Discover how infants learn to speak. Help protect and restore

endangered languages. Explore the workings of the brain

while it processes words. Gain an in-depth understanding

of how people communicate. Survey world languages and

compare them to your own first language.

linguistics at the u of a “The faculty is outstanding in quality, with ground-breaking research programs…Members of the Department, be they faculty, student, or staff, are fully committed and giving everything that they have to make linguistics a vibrant and exciting area of research and place to work.”

2008 Academic Unit Review of the Department

of Linguistics

Our professors’ research includes work in Forensic

Linguistics, a relatively new field which is becoming more

and more important. Forensic linguists do everything from

analyzing speech patterns and matching them with suspects,

to testifying in copyright infringement cases.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Linguistics

bachelor of arts honors – Linguistics

Examples of Courses Offered:

> Child Language Acquisition

> Neurolinguistics

> Sociolinguistics

> Psycholinguistics

> Language and Gender

> Historical Linguistics


Our Department of Linguistics is one of the most unique

in Canada. Since our faculty members engage in

experimental research, undergraduates have the opportunity

to participate in active research, which usually only occurs at

the graduate level.

For example, fourth-year student Krystin Emmerzael (photo

at right) was awarded a Roger S. Smith Undergraduate

Student Researcher Award in 2008, which enabled her to

work on cutting- edge research on language acquisition.

career info

A degree in linguistics serves as a solid foundation for any

career path since it provides understanding and skills in the

field of human communications. Students have gone on to

careers in:

> journalism

> marketing

> law

> teaching English as a second language

> communications and publicity

> technical writing, media work

> computer language development

> speech pathology

contact information

www.linguistics.ualberta.ca/ [email protected] Tel: 780.492.3434

University of Alberta Department of Linguistics 4-32 Assiniboia Hall Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E7

department of linguistics

fast fact

Linguistics excels at attracting large-scale research

funding, both within the Faculty of Arts and across

universities within Canada. This success facilitates

an impressive record of research activity, especially

internationally, and the acquisition of first-class research

equipment and other resources. Linguistics has an

outstanding record of community service. This includes

service to Aboriginal communities, local immigrant

communities and stroke victims.

challengeopportunity

engage

challengeopportunity

34 social sciences > political science

what is political science?

Political science is about much more than the study of

elections and government. Students of politics are interested

in understanding how our everyday lives are shaped by

existing social and economic structures, conflict and

political ideologies. Political scientists study the meaning

of important political concepts such as representation,

democracy, justice, equality, rights and emancipation. They

investigate the relationship between politics and economics

and government, as well as the forces that stimulate political

action, such as social movements, interest groups and

political parties. The concerns of political scientists include

the role of the courts in shaping public policy; the news

media’s impact on political behaviour; and the politics of

knowledge, gender, race, environmentalism, indigenous

rights, colonialism and globalization.

political science at u of aAt the University of Alberta, we balance the traditional

aspects of the discipline with transformative questions,

approaches and subjects of inquiry. For example, our areas of

research strength include cutting-edge work on citizenship,

globalization and governance, North American politics,

foreign and domestic policy, peace and post-conflict studies

and the politics of gender.

Courses are offered in the four major subfields of

Political Science:

> political philosophy: Courses examine and

analyze political thinkers, ideas and theories, from the

classics in political thought to contemporary political

theory.

> canadian politics: Courses concentrate on

Canadian political life, including city politics,

women and politics, political parties, public policy,

federalism and the constitution, and provincial and

regional politics.

> international relations: Courses focus

on conflict and cooperation among nation-states,

theories of international relations, international

organizations, the international political economy and

foreign policy.

> comparative politics: Courses examine and

compare the politics of countries, regions and urban

areas, with a particular emphasis on Latin America,

the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.


Students interested in the study of politics have the following

degree and program options to choose from:

bachelor of arts - major or minor Political Science

bachelor of arts honors – Political Science


> Canadian Foreign Policy

> Politics in the Middle East

> Managing Modern Government

> The Politics of Gender

> Democratic Theory

> Law and Politics


Certificate in Globalization and Governance:

Students majoring or minoring in political science, who are

also specializing in the study of globalization and governance,

are eligible to receive this certificate along with their degrees.

The Globalization & Governance Certificate is the only

certificate of its kind in Canada. The program includes

undergraduate political science lecture and seminar

courses that focus on the dynamics of globalization and

the challenges it presents to politics, governance and

public policies. It is designed to encourage critical thinking

about the challenges and opportunities of globalization and

governance in a complex world. Globalization & Governance

Certificate courses are taught by renowned scholars in the

areas of international relations, global governance, Canadian

and international political economy, immigration, urban

affairs, and multiculturalism and citizenship.

department of political science

fast fact

The Department of Political Science is unique in North

America because of our gender balance (close to 50% of the

faculty members are female) and because of the innovative,

discipline-shaping and interdisciplinary nature of our

teaching and research.

committment

social sciences > political science 35

career info

Earning a degree in political science opens doors. Our

students understand politics and government, but they are

also trained to think broadly and critically about politics,

society and the economy. This is why former graduates are

employed in a diverse range of careers:

> political aids

> pollsters

> lobbyists

> government policy analysts

> non-governmental and social service organizations

> advertising representatives

> lawyers

> broadcast media representative

> employees in corporate offices

contact information

www.politicalscience.ualberta.ca [email protected] Tel: 780. 492.3555

University of Alberta Department of Political Science 10-16 Henry Marshall Tory Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4

reputation

diversity

discussion

36 social sciences > psychology

what is psychology?

Psychology is broadly defined as the scientific study of

the mind and behaviour. Psychology involves observing,

measuring and otherwise investigating the mental processes

of humans and behaviour of animals.

psychology at u of aThe goals of the Undergraduate program in Psychology

at the University of Alberta are to provide students with

a comprehensive range of experiences and skills that are

important for understanding mind and behavior. The study

of Psychology is possible in both the Faculty of Arts and the

Faculty of Science. If you are interested in specializing in the

physical, biological and mathematical sciences, you may

choose to study with the Faculty of Science. If you are more

into studying the social science aspect of psychology, such

as social psychology, child development, or personality and

abnormal psychology, then the Faculty of Arts is the place

for you!


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Psychology

bachelor of arts honors – Psychology

Examples of classes offered:

> Developmental Psychology

> Abnormal Psychology

> Culture and Cognition

> Adolescent Development

> Clinical Psychology


We have a highly successful undergraduate internship

program in Psychology, available for qualifying students

in the BA, BA Honors, BSc Specialization and BSc Honors

programs. At the end of their third year, successful

applicants are assisted in obtaining placements with

government and industry to obtain work experience and

training over 12 to 16 months.

Recent Work Placements include:

> Alberta Government

> psychiatric hospitals

> research labs

> private counseling

career info

In order to become a psychologist, students will have to

pursue graduate studies. Other students use their degree to

seek further studies and gain employment as:

> speech and occupational therapists

> physical therapists

> doctors

> nurses

> marketing and advertising professionals

> researchers

> human resource officers

> addiction and mental health counselors

> policy development personnel

fast fact

The first psychology course at the U of A was offered

in 1909, and today psychology is one of the largest

undergraduate programs on campus.

department of psychology

contact information

www.psych.ualberta.ca [email protected] Tel: 780.492.2970 (Undergraduate Advisor); 780.492.5216 (Department office)

University of Alberta Department of Psychology P217 Biological Sciences Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9

qualityachievement

social sciences > women’s studies 37

what is women’s studies?

Women’s studies is a field of study that takes an

interdisciplinary approach to the study of gender. Students

learn about the ways that gender serves as a central

organizing feature in all societies. We examine the ways

in which women’s and men’s roles in society have been

constructed and we consider the ways these roles have

changed, and continue to change, on personal, political and

transnational levels. Although gender is often the primary

mode of analysis in a women’s studies classroom, we also

recognize the importance of intersectional analysis – in other

words, the study of women’s lives is not complete unless

we pay attention not only to the impact of gender on our

lives, but also the impact of sexuality, race, class, age, ability,

nationality, religion and so on. Women’s Studies courses will

keep you informed about, and sensitive to, issues of concern

to women, including social roles and status, sexuality, labour,

representation and equity. You will face these issues in your

everyday lives. Women’s Studies courses will help you to

understand them.

women’s studies at u of aIn a Women’s Studies classroom, the opinions, experiences

and thoughts of all students are valued. In our classes,

students are given room to learn about and form educated

opinions on the world around them. Our classes are open

to all students on campus – women and men! All courses in

Women’s Studies encourage students to develop critical

thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as to develop

strong writing and researching abilities. Ultimately, our

program is designed to offer you a solid base upon which to

enter the workforce, to pursue further education and to have

an impact on the world.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Women’s Studies

bachelor of arts honors – Women’s Studies

Some Examples of Courses Offered

> Representations of Girls and Women

> Popular Culture/Feminist Culture

> Gender Relations, Conflict Zones and Peace Building

> Canadian Feminist Activisms

> Feminism and Sexuality

> Masculinities

> Virginia Woolf and Feminism


The Women’s Studies Program works closely with the

Community Service-Learning (CSL) Program to provide

students with opportunities to make real-life connections

between education and everyday issues in the Edmonton

community. If you’re interested, contact us to find out

which Women’s Studies courses are offering a CSL

component this year.

career info

Women’s Studies graduates have gone on to rewarding

careers in the following areas:

> legislative assistant

> lawyer

> human rights officer

> social policy equity consultant


> professor

> policy analyst

women’s studies programfast fact

The Women’s Studies Undergraduate Association (WSUA)

is one of the most vibrant and active student associations on

campus. Its members participate in “Take Back the Night”

marches, raise money for women’s organizations, host

conferences, and organize poetry readings and visual art

exhibitions in the Women’s Studies gallery.

contact information

www.womensstudies.ualberta.ca/ [email protected] Tel: 780.492.7078

University of Alberta Women’s Studies Program 1-05 Assiniboia Hall Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E7

enthus- iasm

38 humanities > social sciences

what is sociology?

Sociology examines the social forces underlying individual

and group behaviour, making this one of the widest-ranging

disciplines in the Arts. By studying sociology, you can

learn about the nature and consequences of inequalities in

society based on gender, race and ethnicity; increase your

awareness of the impact of social movements, globalization,

science and technology, and health care policies; and gain

insights into family relationships, crime, youth, aging, religion

and popular media.

sociology at the u of aOur undergraduate programs are among the best in North

America. Most faculty members and graduate students in

our department focus their research interests within three

broad and inclusive areas of research excellence – social

structure and policy, theory-culture, and criminology

and socio-legal studies. The department is committed

to providing an exceptional learning environment that

encourages critical thinking, develops communication skills,

promotes community awareness and involvement, values

discovery-based learning, rewards excellent teaching and

mentoring, and leads to enhanced employability for students.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Sociology

bachelor of arts honors – Sociology

bachelor of arts – Criminology (see Criminology

information on page 39) contact information

www.ualberta.ca/sociology [email protected] Tel: 780.492.5234

University of Alberta Department of Sociology 5-21 Henry Marshall Tory Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4


> Youth, Crime and Society

> Media, Culture and Society

> Sociology of Death and Dying

> Racism and Decolonization

> Sociology of Religious Sects

> Sociology of Gender

> Sociology of Punishment.

> Sociology of Aging


There are a growing number of Community Service-Learning

courses in Sociology, which allow students to expand their

classroom learning experience by performing volunteer work

in a community agency.

career info

With a sociology degree you will develop a number

of skills including strong communication and writing

skills, experience with statistics and research methods,

and an understanding of social relationships and social

organizations. These skills are useful in number of careers

such as:

> advertising or public relations professional

> teacher

> human resources manager

> data analyst

> market researcher

> career counselor

> corrections officer

department of sociology

fast fact

Paul Joossee, a Sociology Ph.D. student and expert in eco-terrorism is a member of an Edmonton-based

reggae band, Souljah Fyah which was has been nominated for a Juno award for best reggae recording.

dedicationdiscussion

social sciences > sociology > criminology 39

what is criminology?

What happens before the CSI investigators arrive? What

makes offenders do what they do? How do victims perceive

the unfolding of events that led to their victimization? How

do they cope with the aftereffects? How do definitions of

crime change as society changes?

If any of these questions interest you, criminology may be for

you. The discipline of criminology focuses on the causes of

criminal behaviour, the shifting nature of labeling behaviour

as criminal or deviant, the social responses to crime, the

operation of the institutions within the criminal justice

system and the methods used to measure crime.

criminology at the u of aThe BA (Criminology) is a four-year program with

competitive entry that combines academic course work

with practical field experience. Students can begin to apply

after at least one year of general study in Arts. The program

maintains close ties with criminal justice organizations

outside of the University in order to provide the most

relevant training possible.

If you decide that you would like to apply for a BA

(Criminology), you should do so after your first or second

year at university. If you’re thinking of pursuing this program,

contact the Department of Sociology right away and find out

which courses they recommend you take in your first year. In

order to apply for the program, you will require:

> letters of reference

> volunteer or work experience in the criminal

justice system

> a written statement of your career objectives

> an interview (which will be set up by the department

after you apply)


bachelor of arts – Criminology



> Sociology of Punishment

> Deviance and Conformity

> Sociology of Law

> Women and Crime

> Sociology of Killing

> Abnormal Psychology


One of the most exciting aspects of our program is the two

field placements students participate in, providing them with

real-life experience working in the criminal justice system

and related fields. Some of the placements our students have

participated in include:

> Edmonton Police Service Gang Unit

> RCMP Crime Analysis

> Alberta Justice Research Unit

> Business Intelligence Analysis

> National Parole Board

> Edmonton Drug Treatment Court

> Crown Prosecutor’s Office

> Edmonton Maximum Security Prison

department of sociology > criminology

contact information

www.arts.ualberta.ca/socweb/ [email protected] Tel: 780.492.5234

University of Alberta Department of Sociology 5-21 Henry Marshall Tory Building Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H4

fast fact

99% of criminology students graduate with a job

already lined up!

career info

The BA (Criminology) is a highly marketable degree. Our

criminology graduates now work in a variety of criminal

justice careers including:

> criminologist

> crime analyst

> policy development

> victim services

> addictions counselor

> parole/probation officer

> government research

> police officer

dedication

examine

discussion

“I did not start with my major being

in Religious Studies, but that is where

I ended. I loved the fact I could study

cultural practices of people all over the

world. Being in interdisciplinary studies

taught me diverse skills and allowed me

to work with wonderful professors.”

tamara gross, Religious Studies Student

40 what is interdisciplinary studies?

Do you like to look at a problem from different angles? Are

you interested in finding out what various points of view have

to say about a question? If so then Interdisciplinary Studies

may be for you. Interdisciplinary Studies is a field of study

that crosses traditional boundaries between disciplines or

schools of thought. Primarily interdisciplinarity involves an

approach rather than a particular subject. This area of inquiry

looks to form new ways of understanding and develop new

methods for achieving that understanding.

interdisciplinary studies at the u of a

At the U of A, interdisciplinary research occurs throughout

the Faculty of Arts. However, there are seven areas

specifically designated as interdisciplinary which fall under

the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies. Explore each of these

in the pages that follow!

majors

comparative literature

www.ois.ualberta.ca

Comparative Literature is the study of the interrelationships

of literature with other cultural practices and disciplines,

such as philosophy, psychology and politics. It is dedicated

to the study of literature within the broadest possible

framework—interlingual, intercultural and interdisciplinary.

The program also includes international studies in popular

culture, and is placing an increasing emphasis on popular

literary genres and film.

middle eastern + african studies

www.ois.ualberta.ca

In the Middle Eastern & African Studies (MEAS) program,

life in the Middle East and Africa is examined from cultural,

historical, political and religious perspectives. Whether you

want to learn Arabic, Persian or Swahili, delve into Islamic

politics or religion, or study cultures and societies in Africa’s

many diverse regions, MEAS offers a comprehensive look at

a complex and increasingly important part of our world.

religious studies

www.ois.ualberta.ca

As a Religious Studies student at the University of Alberta,

you experience classes from a wide variety of disciplines,

examining various religions of the world from a non-

denominational perspective. Explore the history of religions

that have inspired art, wars, writings and followings. Delve

into the philosophies and writings of some of the most

influential religious figures of all time. Investigate the roles of

religion in modern society and analyze religious thought and

expression in history, politics, literature, art and music.

science, technology + society

www.ois.ualberta.ca

One of the most rapidly growing academic fields today,

Science, Technology & Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary

field that examines the interrelationships between science

and technology in our society. By studying STS, you gain an

in-depth understanding of our society and its functions, and

the major events of the modern world and their relation to

conflict, the economy, privacy issues, democracy, education

and other areas.

individualized study

www.ois.ualberta.ca

A program as individual as you are! If you are interested in

a special topic or theme that spans disciplinary boundaries,

consider pursuing an Individualized Major or Minor.

Individualized Studies offers you the chance to create a

personal academic plan around a concentration.

minor only

international studies

www.ois.ualberta.ca

Incorporate a global perspective into your Arts degree, with

a minor in International Studies. Learn more about how

political, economic, social, cultural and environmental forces

influence the lives people lead, the choices they face and,

ultimately, how these forces can change individual nations

and communities.

what is interdisciplinary studies?

interdisciplinary studies > comparative literature 41

what is comparative literature?

Comparative literature is the study of the interrelationships

of literature with other cultural practices and disciplines,

such as philosophy, psychology and politics. It is dedicated

to the study of literature within the broadest possible

framework—interlingual, intercultural and interdisciplinary.

comparative literature at the u of aComparative Literature at Alberta is, along with the Centre

at Toronto, the oldest program in the country and the only

one in English Canada to have an undergraduate program.

Our students who have graduated from the BA, MA and

PhD have excelled. They have been or are, for instance,

members of the Order of Canada, University Presidents and

administrators in Canada, the United States and other parts

of the world, translators, including at the United Nations,

professors, teachers and lawyers.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in

Comparative Literature

bachelor of arts honors – Comparative Literature

Some Examples of Courses:

> World Literature

> Science Fiction

> Popular Culture

> Comparative Canadian Literature

> European Tradition

> Women’s Writing

> Travel Literature

contact information

www.ois.ualberta.ca [email protected] Tel: 780.492.9557

University of Alberta Comparative Literature Program Office of Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty of Arts 1-17 Humanities Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E5


If you like to write, read and discuss ideas, Comparative

Literature is a good place for you. It is a warm, friendly and

concentrated program with wonderful courses on everything

from science fiction and autobiography to popular culture

and women’s writing. Our students and professors have

received national and international awards. Three of our

professors are fellows of the Royal Society of Canada. This

gives students opportunities for training in computing,

editing, publishing and the field of comparative literature.

The directors of the Dimic Institute, which has its origins in

Comparative Literature, both teach courses in our program.

career info

Students in Comparative Literature have gone on to become:

> administrators

> lawyers

> teachers

> foreign affairs officers

> managers

comparative literature

fast fact

The journal of the Canadian Comparative Literature

Association, the Canadian Review of Comparative Literature,

is housed in our program and is one of the top journals in the

field (rated “A” by the European Union).

chall-enge

innovationexpression

42 interdisciplinary studies > science, technology, and society

what is science, technology + society?

From debates on climate change to the advancement of new

drug therapies, science and technology play enormously

important roles in societies throughout the world. This area

of study explores those roles and interactions.

science, technology + society at the u of aStudents in the Science, Technology & Society (STS)

program at the University of Alberta take science and

technology, and their social, economic, political and cultural

contexts, as their objects of study. STS is an interdisciplinary

program that enables students to analyze science and

technology from a variety of perspectives.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in STS


> Anthropology of Science, Technology and

the Environment

> Computers and Society

> Introduction to Science Fiction

> Advanced Topics in Science, Technology

and Society

career info

A major or minor in Science, Technology & Society helps

prepare students for a wide range of careers where it’s

necessary to examine and analyze the social, cultural,

economic and political influences of science and technology,

such as:

> public policy adviser

> government administrator

> economist

> science educator

> strategic planner in private industry

> journalist

> lawyer

contact information

www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/arts/STS.cfm [email protected] Tel: 780.492.9557

University of Alberta Science, Technology & Society Program Office of Interdisciplinary Studies 1-17 Humanities Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E5

science, technology + society program

fast fact

A student in the STS program was the recipient of a Roger S. Smith Undergraduate Student

Researcher Award for 2009. These awards provide $5,000 for recipients to work for 15

weeks under the supervision of a faculty member on a research project of their choice.

communitydivers-

ity

interdisciplinary studies > meas 43

what is middle eastern + african studies (meas)?

Explore contemporary issues in the Middle East and Africa.

Study this area’s history from the age of medieval and early

modern empires through to the legacies of European colonial

rule. Experience Middle Eastern and African culture through

literature and film. MEAS courses help students appreciate

the advantages of inter- and multi-disciplinary work, and

illuminate the value of studying these two regions together.

middle eastern + african studies at the u of aIn MEAS, life in the Middle East and Africa is examined

from cultural, historical, political and religious perspectives.

Whether you want to learn Arabic, Persian or Swahili,

delve into Islamic politics or religion, or study cultures and

societies in Africa’s many diverse regions, MEAS offers

a comprehensive, interdisciplinary look at a complex and

increasingly important part of our world. We incorporate

courses from a wide range of disciplines and address

issues relevant to their peoples both historically and in a

contemporary context.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in MEAS

bachelor of arts honors – MEAS


> Religion and Politics of Middle East and North Africa

> Muslim Societies in Middle East and Africa

> Issues in Islamic Politics

> Music and Islam

contact information

www.ois.ualberta.ca/meas.cfm [email protected] Tel: 780.492.9557

University of Alberta Middle Eastern & African Studies Program 1-17 Humanities Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E5


> Students often have the possibility of working with

faculty members on related research projects.

> Students, both undergraduate and graduate, help

manage the program through representation on the

MEAS Executive Committee and Advisory Council.

> Expand your classroom learning by studying abroad

at the University of Ghana, Accra, the University

of Natal, Durban or the Middle Eastern Technical

University, Ankara.

> Take advantage of working with an overseas non-

governmental organization and combining it with a

research project for course credit.

> Participate in a special summer program in Ghana

where West African music, dance, language and

culture are taught both in a university and local

setting. Enjoy Ghana’s famous hospitality while

learning hands-on drumming and other percussion

skills in the village of a master musician.

career info

Some of our MEAS graduates have gone onto:

> teaching English abroad

> working for non-governmental organizations (here

and abroad)

> working for provincial and federal governments/

agencies

> studying law (e.g. international law, human

rights law)

> graduate work (e.g. international development,

cultural studies, history, political science)

> translation work (studying in academic programs,

working for the government)

> business (knowledge of other cultures and

languages is very attractive to globally-based

companies)

middle eastern + african studies program

fast fact

In January, the program hosted its fourth annual MEAS

Conference. MEAS students, both undergraduate and

graduate, had an opportunity to help organize the conference

and present their work!

connections

career info

A degree in religious studies is as “practical” as any other

major in the arts. The academic study of religion is a rigorous

scholarly enterprise that requires the demonstration of

competence in skills that will be useful throughout your life,

regardless of the profession you enter. Effective writing,

the ability to articulate thoughts in speech, the analysis of

texts and cultures, the study of language and the practice

of critical thinking – these are all valuable skills with wide

applications. And while a number of our students decide

to continue their work in graduate school once they have

finished their BA, there are others with a major or minor in

religious studies who have entered professions outside the

university, such as:

> counseling and social work

> education

> journalism

> museums and the arts

> publishing

44 interdisciplinary studies > religious studies

what is religious studies?

“Religion” has a wide spectrum of meanings—so many,

in fact, that a basic task of those working in this field is to

establish a definition of the term, along with criteria for

determining what ought to be called “religious.” Students

can explore religion from the perspectives of anthropology,

sociology, psychology, history, literary criticism or art—and

that’s just a few of the possibilities.

The study of religion at the University of Alberta is a public,

non-denominational program that fosters the learning of

techniques associated with a recognized and legitimate field

of scholarly inquiry. It is a discipline open to anyone who

wants to strive to meet the standards of a long established

academic discipline. The issue of personal faith is not

something that is considered. Whether you have a religious

“belief” or don’t have one is not the issue—what matters

is your commitment to learning the skills of a fascinating

academic discipline.

religious studies at the u of aReligious Studies is one of the most vibrant programs at the

U of A. As an interdisciplinary unit it draws on a range of

instructors from all the major departments in the Faculty

of Arts. Each year instructors, along with visiting speakers

from other universities, offer additional public lectures and

discussions to enrich the intellectual life of our students.

And it’s not all bookish: the Religious Studies Undergraduate

Student Association (RSUSA) offers socials, including a

“meet-your-professor” evening as well as movie nights.

Undergraduates may attend the various informal seminars

offered by our graduate students, who present their research

projects on a regular basis.


bachelor of arts – major or minor in Religious Studies



> Topics in Ethnomusicology: Music and Religion

> Literature and Religion

> Introduction to World Religions


Students in Religious studies have an opportunity to

contribute to Axis Mundi, an online journal edited and

maintained by Religious Studies students at the University

of Alberta. Axis Mundi accepts contributions from students

in any year of studies - undergraduate and graduate - in

Universities and Colleges across Canada. We encourage

submissions pertaining to any aspect of the academic study

of religion.

fast facts

> Canada has no official religion

> in Canada today there are at least 56 distinct

native traditions

> the first mosque in Canada was built in Edmonton in 1938

> according to the 2001 census, there are 329,995 Buddhists

in Canada

> Sikhs, who have been in Canada since 1897, were among

the few Asian communities who were loyal members of the

British Empire

religious studies program

contact information

www.ois.ualberta.ca/relig.cfm [email protected] Tel: 780.492.9557

University of Alberta Religious Studies Program Office of Interdisciplinary Studies 1-17 Humanities Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E5

quality

interdisciplinary studies 45

individualized major/minorA program as individual as you are! If you are interested in

a special topic or theme that spans disciplinary boundaries,

consider pursuing an Individualized Major or Minor.

Individualized Studies offers you the chance to create a

personal academic plan around a concentration. Applications

can be accessed from the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies

(1-17 Humanities Centre). Completed applications are then

submitted and approved by the Senior Director, Office of

Interdisciplinary Studies.

international studies minorIncorporate a global perspective into your Arts degree with

a minor in International Studies. Learn more about how

political, economic, social, cultural and environmental forces

influence the lives people lead, the choices they face and,

ultimately, how these forces can change individual nations

and communities.

www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/arts/ois.cfm [email protected] Tel: 780.492.9557

University of Alberta Office of Interdisciplinary Studies 1-55 Humanities Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E5

traditionachievement

qualityengage

46 interdisciplinary studies > other areas of study

math bachelor of arts – major or minor in Math

bachelor of arts honors – Math

Contrary to popular belief, math and the arts are not

mutually exclusive. In fact, math can be the major focus of

an Arts degree.

Math and the arts have a natural association. Many

mathematicians consider their field to be an art as much

as a science. Math combines scientific principles and

liberal arts concepts in ways similar to fields such as

linguistics, psychology, human geography and branches

of anthropology. A Bachelor of Arts in Math is similar to a

Bachelor of Science in Math, expect that it incorporates more

of a liberal arts focus into a student’s core requirements.

science

bachelor of arts – science minors

Why does the Faculty of Arts offer minors in the sciences?

These minors are carrying on a tradition that spans much

of human history. In fact, some of the world’s greatest

thinkers have been those who found ways to combine arts

and science. This includes people like Leonardo Da Vinci,

who found time to invent pulleys, bridges, and underwater

breathing devices in between painting the Mona Lisa and

the Last Supper. Can I really go into medicine with an Arts

degree? Absolutely! If you are not sure if you want to be

a doctor or a lawyer, taking a BA program with a minor in

science keeps all of your options open. Your science minor

can fulfill the prerequisites to apply for medicine.

contact information

www.science.ualberta.ca [email protected] Tel: 780.492.4758

University of Alberta Student Services Office, Faculty of Science CW 223 Biological Sciences Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9

native studies bachelor of arts – minor in Native Studies

The Faculty of Native Studies provides students with an

interdisciplinary academic experience that focuses on

the issues identified as most vital by native communities

in the Canadian West and North. These issues, along

with the University’s emphasis on research, have shaped

course development. Also, because native communities

are dynamic, the Faculty responds to these changes and to

developments in the broader Canadian society. The Faculty’s

courses are interrelated and may be grouped in the following

key areas of study:

> Language and Culture

> Land and Resources

> Self-Governance

> Community-Based Research and Applied Skills.

contact information

www.ualberta.ca/nativestudies/ [email protected] Tel: 780.492.2991

University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies 2-31 Pembina Hall Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2H8

other areas of study for arts students

focus

reputationhistory

48 certificates

The Faculty of Arts offers students five different certificate

programs that can be completed in conjunction with their

degrees. These certificates offer you the opportunity to

enhance your understanding of particular topics and gain

more credentials to assist you when you enter the workforce.

(Note: Certificates are only granted at the time of graduation

you cannot receive a certificate without completing a U of A

degree)

translation studies

As with all of our certificates, a student can pursue this

certificate while fulfilling the requirements of his/her major

and minor. The certificate does not prepare you to be full-

fledged translator but it does provide the foundation for

pursuing further training in the profession. Furthermore, since

the certificate puts the emphasis on cultural literacy, students

who complete its requirements will have honed their skills

in their area of specialization and will be ready to embark

on many types of careers requiring cultural expertise (for

example: the foreign service, foreign trade, business abroad

or tourism).

Certificate available to majors or minors in:

> French

> German

> Japanese

> Spanish

> Ukrainian

middle eastern and african studies

Through a certificate in Middle Eastern & African Studies

(MEAS) you will gain a good foundational understanding of

the culture and issues facing the people of these two highly

significant regions. For more information, see the Middle

Eastern & African Studies section.

This certificate is open to any student in Arts and Science,

regardless of major

peace + post conflict studies

Peace & Post-Conflict Studies is a certificate program that

will introduce you to the world of diplomacy, humanitarian

interventions and peace-building. Meet and converse with

major international figures, including UN representatives,

diplomats, scholars, military leaders, politicians and

activists for non-governmental organizations. Go beyond

the classroom while you apply your studies in Sierra Leone,

Liberia, Rwanda or Ghana. Partake in major research

undertakings, such as the Children and War project.

Peace & Post-Conflict Studies is a certificate program that

will equip you with the knowledge and expertise to deal

with situations of conflict. Through interdisciplinary courses

and internships, you will learn how to design strategies for

building sustainable peace in war-torn areas of the world.

Are you interested in working for an intergovernmental

organization such as the United Nations, or a non-

governmental organization such as Amnesty International?

Would you like to work in a developing country, or in a

diplomatic post? Maybe you are interested in working in

government departments such as Foreign Affairs, National

Defence, or Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. If

these ideas sound appealing, you should seriously consider

completing your certificate in Peace & Post-Conflict Studies.

This certificate is open to any student in Arts and Science,

regardless of major.

contact information

www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/arts/ois.cfm [email protected] Tel: 780.492.9557

University of Alberta Office of Interdisciplinary Studies 1-17 Humanities Centre Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E5

globalization and governance

Globalization has brought fundamental changes to the

conduct and study of local, national, international and

transnational politics. The Certificate in Globalization &

Governance is a perfect opportunity for students interested

in the challenges presented by globalization to explore this

area more fully and to develop a deeper understanding of the

dynamics affecting governance and policy. This certificate is

only available for students with a major or minor in Political

Science. For more information, please explore the Political

Science section.

community service-learning

See entry

certificates

community

community service-learning 49

what is community service-learning (csl)?

Community Service-Learning (CSL) gives students the

opportunity to participate in the activities of a community

agency or social action group as part of a university course.

By taking part, students are joining a growing number of

students from across Canada who are connecting their

education to what matters in their local communities.

CSL provides students with the opportunity to develop

intellectual and practical skills, link academic learning to

social contexts, and build relationships with community

members and peers.

csl at u of aThrough Community Service-Learning, U of A students

and their instructors leave the classroom and engage with

their communities to make learning come alive. Community

Service-Learning helps you to make real-life connections

between your education and everyday issues in the

Edmonton community.

In partnership with the Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary

Organizations, the Community Service-Learning Program

integrates service-learning into existing Arts courses, in

areas such as women’s studies, visual anthropology, creative

writing, sociology of globalization, language studies, political

science and many others. While each course takes its own

creative path, each includes service in the community as

an integral component. Through their service, students are

contributing in real ways to community organizations, and

gaining valuable experience at the same time.


certificate in community service-learning

Gain formal recognition of your community service-learning

experience by applying for a certificate in Community

career info

The knowledge and experience gained through service-

learning are applicable to a wide range of careers,

including those in non-governmental organizations

(NGOs), the volunteer sector, business, government and

academic institutions.

Service-Learning, the only certificate of its kind in Canada.

Having this certificate on your transcript will set you apart

from other graduates and indicate to employers that you’ve

got what it takes to immerse yourself in their community.

Some examples of CSL specific courses:

> CSL 300: Theory and Practice of Community

Service-Learning

> CSL 350: Selected Topics in Community

Service- Learning

> CSL 360: Community Service-Learning Practicum

> CSL 480: Individual Study in Community

Service-Learning

Some examples of courses with CSL components:

> Introduction to Women’s Studies

> Philosophy of the Environment

> Citizenship for Democracy

> Sociology of Health and Illness

> Cultural Representations, World Media and Ethics

> Advanced Spanish

> Intergenerational Theatre



Students are involved in projects in over 80 community

organizations, doing front-line work, assisting in special

projects like planning events and fundraising activities, and

gathering information to address social issues and improve

organizational effectiveness.

Through CSL, you can take your learning one step further

and immerse yourself in a six-week intensive course that

focuses on issues of “Oil and Community.” Gain perspectives

on issues unique to Alberta, and reflect critically on how

the boom/bust cycle of the oil economy affects our province

and cities.

community service-learning

fast fact

Over 1,000 students have participated in course-based CSL

experiences since 2005. Through their CSL connections,

graduates have engaged in international development

projects, gained summer and full-time employment in non-

profit organizations, and been members of non-profit boards.

contact information

www.arts.ualberta.ca/csl [email protected] Tel: 780.492.2420

University of Alberta Community Service-Learning 11039 Saskatchewan Drive Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2B4

Note: This certificate is available to students in all areas

of study

community

50 affiliated colleges

st. joseph’s college

enrich your u of a experience!

St. Joseph’s College is the Catholic undergraduate College

on the University of Alberta Campus. It offers U of A credit

courses in religious education, scripture and theology, ethics,

and philosophy.

> Theology for Teachers

> Science and Religion

> Philosophy, Theology and Ethics

Undergraduate Courses Include:

> CHRTC 250 – The Theological Education of the

Catholic Teacher

> CHRTC 350 – Science and Religion

> CHRTC 341 – Contemporary Film and Christian

Values

> CHRTC 351 – Human Sexuality and Marriage:

Christian Perspectives

> PHIL 357 – Philosophy of Religion

programs

bachelor of arts – minor in christian theology

academia – 1st year cohort program

did you know? st. joseph’s college:> offers U of A credit courses

> has a U of A library

> has both men’s and women’s residences

question & answer

Q. Who may take courses at St. Joe’s?

A. Any U of A student.

Q. How do I register in a course at St. Joe’s?

A. Through Bear Tracks, the same way you would

register for any other U of A course.

Q. Do I have to be religious to take courses at St. Joe’s?

A. No, students from all backgrounds are welcome.

Even though courses include a Christian component,

other perspectives are welcome and encouraged.

did you know?

St. Joseph’s College has a comfortable study lounge for

students. Check it out!

contact information

www.stjosephscollege.ca [email protected] Tel: 780.492.7681

University of Alberta St. Joseph’s College Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2J5

st. stephen’s college

St. Stephen’s College is an interdenominational theological

College offering Arts options for the U of A. It proudly

celebrated its 100th anniversary, along with the wider

university, in 2008. Courses offered at St. Stephen’s examine

contemporary issues in theology at an introductory level

and are open to all University of Alberta students. Explore

transformative learning in an interfaith environment,

connecting faith questions and everyday living.

Undergraduate Courses include:

> CHRTP 301 Hebrew Scriptures

> CHRTP 305 Christian Scriptures

> CHRTP 313 Topics in Applied Christian Ethics

> CHRTP 315 Religion and Literature

> CHRTP 316 Sexuality and Spirituality

> CHRTP 317 New Issues in Theology

Register for these courses on Bear Tracks as part of your Arts degree!

contact information

www.ualberta.ca/St.Stephens/ [email protected] Tel: 780.439.7311

University of Alberta St. Stephen’s College Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1J6

faculty of arts – affiliated colleges

how to join us 51

explore and get to know the faculty of arts!

Take a look at our website (www.arts.ualberta.ca), explore

our course offerings and departments, and find out what our

students and alumni say about us. Also find us on Facebook

at www.facebook.com/UoAArts.

apply for admission

Visit www.registrar.ualberta.ca to complete your

online application and find out the specific requirements

for the program you wish to enter (look under

“Prospective Students”).

High School Requirements:

Five academic grade 12 subjects of which one must be

English. The remaining four can come from the following:

Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Languages Other Than

English, Math, a maximum of one Fine Arts subject.

Transfer Requirements:

A minimum of 24 units of transferrable course weight

and have the requirements specified above in the high

school section.

receive an offer of admission

If you have a competitive average, you will receive

early admission shortly after you apply. We will offer

you full admission after we receive your final transcripts

and documents.

register and prepare for your arts experience!

Choose and register for your courses on Bear Tracks

(www.beartracks.ualberta.ca) and get ready for the journey

to begin.

Note: In addition to the course requirements outined

for High School and Transfer applicants, students must

also present the competitive admission average on these

requirements in order to be admitted.

apply for housing

Visit www.ualberta.ca/residence. Apply early!

apply for scholarships and financial aid

(NOTE: we even have scholarships for Grade 11 marks)

Over $25 million in undergraduate scholarships each year –

visit www.ualberta.ca/awards . Other forms of financial aid:

www.su.ualberta.ca/sfaic

how to join us in the faculty of arts

achievementopportunity

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contact us

Faculty of Arts Undergraduate Student Services Office

6-5 Humanities Centre

University of Alberta

Edmonton, AB T6G 2E5

Tel: 780.492.4295 or 888.533.5735

Fax: 780.492.6325

[email protected]

www.arts.ualberta.ca

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