Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Co-op Optional)

at Cape Breton University Canada

Cape Breton Island is a hotbed of culture, with a rich, varied landscape of traditions and lore. Traditionally, folklore is the study of informal culture.

The study of a group’s folklore yields valuable insights into how that group operates in the world, but also reveals biases, prejudices and other obstacles to a more inclusive worldview. Most often, folklore is expressive and manifests itself in certain forms, such as story and song, festival and feast, architecture and craft. Although these forms may be manifested in a distinct way by each group, they recur in similar ways across cultures, so folklore examines both the particular context and the general formal patterns of expressive culture.

After providing a solid introduction to folklore genres, analytical approaches and ethnographic methods, folklore students take a balance of regional folklore courses (courses primarily about folklore in Atlantic Canada), and courses emphasizing genres and issues (such as urban legend, gender, food and cultural tourism).

CBU students learn practical skills in interviewing, fieldwork, and ethnographic research while also gaining an awareness of international heritage policy. Folklore’s interdisciplinary nature promotes sharing concerns, methods and insights with others. Through this group learning dynamic, folklore students acquire skills and knowledge that are applicable in a wide range of careers.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Understand how folklore informs our worldview.
• Recognize the prevalence of folklore in contemporary society.
• Ethnographic fieldwork.
• Analyze the use of traditional forms and styles in popular culture.
• Research and writing.

On a world-famous island such as Cape Breton, our economy works when smart financial decisions are made that impact lives every day. That’s why we take extra care to dedicate ourselves to excellence in accounting that meets the IFRS global standard in accounting business.

Accounting is much more than numbers. Global business and government departments are constantly in need of high-quality, dedicated employees with a thorough understanding of financial management, and current generally accepted accounting principles and best practices.

Commonly referred to as the language of business, accounting serves as the basis for financial decision making. Accounting is a dynamic, creative and interesting subject, and is the process of gathering, recording, interpreting and analyzing financial information.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Gain an understanding of global accounting practices and skills.
• Develop an international perspective.
• Learn current business practices.
• Develop decision-making skills.

Why study at CBU?

• Through a major in accounting at CBU, we prepare you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in one of the fastest growing professions with continued high demand.
• At CBU, this program truly gives you an education you can count on. An accounting major at CBU can open doors to numerous opportunities and steady career advancements. Graduates can enter into professional accounting programs to receive designations like Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Aboriginal Financial Officer Association (AFOA) with maximum exemptions.
• Students are well equipped to enter middle management accounting positions in small to medium-size firms, non-profit agencies or government. Studying accounting also provides students with a skill set that is ideal for entrepreneurship.

One look at island life and it becomes clear: CBU is a special place that is focused and determined to make the world a better place. The passion for innovation and collaboration runs deep in our history and fuels our future.

The engineering transfer program is offered at CBU on an associate basis with Dalhousie University. CBU is one of the few Associated Universities to offer the first two years of all seven engineering disciplines. These include civil, environmental, mineral resource, electrical, industrial, mechanical and chemical engineering. We deliver the first two years of the four-year Bachelor of Engineering program.

The first year of the program is common for all seven discipline options. At the end of the first year, you must make a decision on a specialty. Application is made at this time to both CBU and Dalhousie for a seat in the particular discipline of choice.

During year two, you will be registered at both CBU and Dalhousie University.

Students can also combine a BSc in either chemistry or mathematics with the Engineering Diploma. This program requires a third year of study at CBU to complete the BSc, followed by two years at Dalhousie University to complete the BEng.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Reduce complex problems using appropriate assumptions.
• Identify appropriate engineering tools for real-world problems.
• Learn to plan for safety and sustainability issues.
• Explain interactions between technical systems in various contexts.
• Become an effective leader and team member.

Why study at CBU?

• Our friendly, welcoming, respectful community helps engineering students connect solutions with real-world problems.
• By starting the BEng Transfer Program at a smaller institution, students get individualized attention and support from experienced faculty, which is critical for success.
• CBU is home to the newest Engineering Department in Nova Scotia, and second in size only to Dalhousie University. CBU is also one of the few Associated Universities to offer the first two years of all eight engineering disciplines.

Students from across the global and political spectrum come to Cape Breton University for a chance to make a real impact in the world around them. When you study political science at CBU, you learn from more than books. You’re learning from a rich environment shaped by local, national and global politics.

We pride ourselves on having accessible professors who are highly qualified and dedicated professionals. Some are authors of respected books, journal articles and research studies. Others are engaged as leaders in local, national and international activities that shape political science education. Their goal is the same as yours: to help you obtain an enhanced understanding of the subjects that will help pave your path to success.

The political science program at CBU responds to the issues of our time. Our Department of L‘nu, Political, and Social Studies offers a variety of courses in the fields of Canadian law, international law, social justice, public policy, public administration, international relations and political theory.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Analytical, independent and structural thinking
• Quantitative and qualitative research skills
• Understanding of how governments work
• Management and community development skills
• Critical understanding of important issues in global politics
• Develop an awareness of colonialism and decolonization

Why study at CBU?

• The political science program at CBU has a solid reputation for hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Firmly grounded in the liberal arts and social sciences, our program provides students with the analytical tools and critical thinking skills to constructively contribute to society.
• Political scientists are called upon to examine and challenge the groups, systems and institutions that perpetuate injustice. Issues that impact real communities are the types of issues we study every day, including worldwide issues such as global warming, or local issues such as social and economic development.
• Our approachable faculty enable you to draw knowledge from their experience with public administration, governance, community economic development, social justice, the environment and democracy.

With the winds of inspiration blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, you naturally get the energy you need to excel at anything you put your mind to. Our inspiring environment and relaxed atmosphere attracts students from more than 40 countries to live, work and play on the island we’re proud to call home. Voted #8 on the top islands to visit in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine, students come here for the abundance of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Experience the very best of education while studying sport and physical activity leadership with active, well-being-focused courses within the BACS degree.

At CBU, we aim to help students deepen their insights into issues around leadership of sport and physical activity. Students graduate with a deep understanding of how their field affects individuals and communities alike, gaining skills and experience in outdoor leadership, sport management and coaching. We teach the essentials needed to stay prepared for leadership in various careers that range from education to entertainment and beyond.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Understanding of physical activity at various levels
• Learn the relationship between sport and community
• Discover the importance of outdoor and indoor activities

Why study at CBU?
There are so many advantages to living, working and studying in Cape Breton. That’s because CBU has competitive advantages other places can’t offer. Wide open spaces. Incredible views. A welcoming community. Plus, our community-based sport, recreation and physical activity programs are facilitated by approachable faculty who use an experience-based learning style.

CBU is a top choice for students around the world. Partly because it’s the only program in Canada that focuses on sport and physical activity, which includes a core competence of interdisciplinary, community-oriented and process-based learning courses. Additionally, the flexibility and variety of options you can take in conjunction with the major in Sport and Physical Activity Leadership gives students opportunities to develop knowledge from multiple disciplines, subjects and perspectives.

Special collaborations happen here at Cape Breton University between students and faculty from completely different backgrounds, cultures and societies through courses that are reflective of the diverse world in which we live. Students who graduate from CBU do so with the confidence and flexibility they need to have an edge in the job market or find success in continued graduate studies.

At CBU, you will build the skills you actually need within the field of sociology. Sociology considers the factors driving relationships that exist in society by looking at the social and historical contexts that frame those experiences. Sociologists study the interactions of our social lives by examining their formations in socialization activities.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Ability to conduct thorough research
• Skills to analyze complex social interactions
• Critical thinking skills
• Ability to gather and analyze data sets

Why study at CBU?

• Here on Cape Breton Island, our rich history and famous landscapes have carved out a home for some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Some of the best food you’ll ever taste. And certainly some of the best times you’ll ever have. It’s a great place to call home, and an even better place to study.
• Our sociology courses are taught by accessible faculty with diverse research backgrounds in areas of sociology of family, gender, identity and sexuality, feminist theory, queer theory, critical pedagogy, environmental sociology, deviance, green criminology, animals and people, consumption and consumerism, qualitative research methods, sociology of home and statistical analysis. This diverse selection of topic areas provides students with a distinctive mix of subjects in their coursework all while providing a unified approach to sociological theory.
• With modern facilities and a diverse campus filled with lifelong friends waiting to meet you, CBU is a place where you can truly build a sustainable future.

From the soothing sounds of our singing shores, to the everlasting beat of our vibrant culture, Cape Breton holds music close to its heart.

Build your skills for a solid foundation in music and carve your own path, wherever the tempo takes you. Our BACS music major is the only undergraduate program in Canada to focus on traditional and tradition-based popular music, with particular emphasis on Cape Breton’s rich music traditions.

Students learn about music career options, develop a career network and gain valuable work experience through courses such as Understanding the Music Industry, and Arts Entrepreneurship, as well as our Archival Internship and work placements.

Our music offerings focus on three broad areas: Atlantic Canadian cultures and traditions; popular music; and the study of global traditions (e.g., West African, Eastern European, etc.) through ethnomusicology and folklore approaches.

In all of our program options, we offer a variety of courses, including courses in performance, music theory and composition, genre surveys and histories, issues (e.g., protest, cultural tourism), research methods and business.
What skills will I gain from this program?

• Awareness and appreciation of music from around the world
• Greater understanding of music’s roles and functions in society
• Ability to analyze music
• Improved ability to perform
• Knowledge of the music industry

Why study at CBU?
As a music student at CBU, you’ll be excited to learn some of Cape Breton’s best-known traditional musicians teach here, including popular local artists such as Kyle MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils. That means you’ll be taught by experienced instructors who are both accessible and approachable, which makes a major difference in the intricate world of music.

Our music program uniquely ties together liberal arts courses, performance classes, work placements and community learning to create a truly well-rounded experience. Join students from around the world in one of the most breathtaking locations on the planet, in harmony, as you realize your true potential in music.

Cape Breton is known for its musical traditions. As one of the most celebrated cultural regions in the country, we offer courses that introduce students to a variety of music. From local traditions to music from around the world, popular music to classical music, students learn to analyze the music they love in order to see how it works.

The English language is central to the way billions of people work, play, think and relate to one another. The English program at CBU teaches you to become an expert user of the language, understanding the history and applications in all its linguistically splendid detail and nuance.

A big part of that nuance will come from understanding humanity’s richest literary tradition, engaging with some of the world’s most profound imaginations.

Studying English means learning to think not just critically, but curiously and courageously. It’s opening your eyes to cutting-edge ideas while also being skeptical and analytical.

Studying English means coming to understand the way our language shapes us, our societies and even our physical environment. We study how we can use language – and its texts – to understand our past, to remake ourselves and to understand the world around us.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Deep critical interpretation skills
• Cultural literacy
• Advanced writing skills
• In-depth knowledge of literary texts and forms
• Flexible and adaptable research skills

Why study at CBU?

• Study English in a place where inspiration comes naturally. Our English faculty are active scholars with an impressive record of publications and awards. CBU faculty care deeply about inspiring their students to become engaged readers, brave writers and thoughtful citizens.
• We will be here from your first day as a student to your first day as a graduate and beyond, guiding you through the program and helping you engage with the intricacies of scholarship. We’ll be here to help you craft a brilliant writing style and hone unparalleled research skills. We’ll be here to help you sharpen your critical prose, to make your creative writing sing, and even to help you make a splash at your first academic conference.

Special collaborations happen here at Cape Breton University between students and faculty from completely different backgrounds, cultures and societies through courses that are reflective of the diverse world in which we live. Students who graduate from CBU do so with the confidence and flexibility they need to have an edge in the job market or find success in continued graduate studies.

At CBU, you will build the skills you actually need within the field of sociology. Sociology considers the factors driving relationships that exist in society by looking at the social and historical contexts that frame those experiences. Sociologists study the interactions of our social lives by examining their formations in socialization activities.

Sociology is considered a teachable subject by the Nova Scotia Department of Education.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Ability to conduct thorough research
• Skills to analyze complex social interactions
• Critical thinking skills
• Ability to gather and analyze data sets

Why study at CBU?
Here on Cape Breton Island, our rich history and famous landscapes have carved out a home for some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Some of the best food you’ll ever taste. And certainly some of the best times you’ll ever have. It’s a great place to call home, and an even better place to study.

Our sociology courses are taught by accessible faculty with diverse research backgrounds in areas of sociology of family, gender, identity and sexuality, feminist theory, queer theory, critical pedagogy, environmental sociology, deviance, green criminology, animals and people, consumption and consumerism, qualitative research methods, sociology of home and statistical analysis. This diverse selection of topic areas provides students with a distinctive mix of subjects in their coursework all while providing a unified approach to sociological theory.

With modern facilities and a diverse campus filled with lifelong friends waiting to meet you, CBU is a place where you can truly build a sustainable future.

The English language is central to the way billions of people work, play, think and relate to one another. The English program at CBU teaches you to become an expert user of the language, understanding the history and applications in all its linguistically splendid detail and nuance.

A big part of that nuance will come from understanding humanity’s richest literary tradition, engaging with some of the world’s most profound imaginations.

Studying English means learning to think not just critically, but curiously and courageously. It’s opening your eyes to cutting-edge ideas while also being skeptical and analytical.

Studying English means coming to understand the way our language shapes us, our societies and even our physical environment. We study how we can use language – and its texts – to understand our past, to remake ourselves and to understand the world around us.

What skills will I gain from this program?

• Deep critical interpretation skills
• Cultural literacy
• Advanced writing skills
• In-depth knowledge of literary texts and forms
• Flexible and adaptable research skills

Why study at CBU?

• Study English in a place where inspiration comes naturally. Our English faculty are active scholars with an impressive record of publications and awards. CBU faculty care deeply about inspiring their students to become engaged readers, brave writers and thoughtful citizens.
• We will be here from your first day as a student to your first day as a graduate and beyond, guiding you through the program and helping you engage with the intricacies of scholarship. We’ll be here to help you craft a brilliant writing style and hone unparalleled research skills. We’ll be here to help you sharpen your critical prose, to make your creative writing sing, and even to help you make a splash at your first academic conference.