Bachelor of Paralegal Studies (Honours)

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Humber’s Bachelor of Behavioural Science degree program provides you with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for in-depth work in the behavioural science field with individuals throughout the lifespan. The program is firmly grounded in the theory, principles and practices of behavioural science (applied behaviour analysis and cognitive behavioural approaches) and psychology. Applied behavioural analysis uses behavioural rules in everyday situations to help people change their behaviour to improve quality of life. The program focuses on data obtained through observation as it investigates behaviour, cognitive events and the influence of envronmental factors on behaviour.

Courses in the first two years of the program provide a strong foundation in behaviour analytic approaches, psychology, research and ethics, while highlighting specific special populations. This is followed in the final two years with further in-depth study of ethics and professionalism, individual and group counselling, issues in behavioural psychology, further special populations, and two courses of senior thesis work. Overall, the program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, interprofessional practice and leadership. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Critically review and utilize research and evidence in behavioural assessment, intervention and education.
• Analyze and review current theories, treatment options, and professional practices in Behavioural Science and general psychology.
• Examine and explain the application of Behavioural Science with specific populations.
• Design, implement and present single subject research.
• Research, analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative information in Behavioural Science within the wider context of clinical psychology and pharmacology.
• Apply theories and best practices for individual and group counselling in a behavioural context.
• Integrate and deliver behavioural services within a wide range of community settings including social, health and educational.
• Design, conduct and analyze behavioural and cognitive behavioural assessments.
• Propose, design, write and evaluate, utilizing behavioural measures, behavioural and cognitive behavioural interventions for a variety of client groups.
• Plan, co-facilitate and evaluate cognitive behavioural groups.
• Design and deliver educational material using a variety of modes, utilizing principles of adult education and knowledge translation.
• Write professional-style reports, behavior assessment and intervention plans, and educational materials.
• Teach mediators to implement assessment and intervention plans, and educational materials.
• Explain and teach behavioural concepts using accessible language and/or terminology depending on the needs of the learner, colleague, client or other stakeholder.
• Deliver professional services according to ethical guidelines within the scope of practice.
• Acknowledge the limits of knowledge in the field of behavioural science through professional practices and academic writing.
• Work collaboratively within an inter-professional team to deliver behavioural services to a variety of clients.
• Practice leadership and adult education principles to contribute to the development of the field of behavioural science and organizational development.
• Manage and direct own continuous learning, pursuing opportunities for constant renewal of skills, knowledge and attitudes.

Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) – Accelerated diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with special needs.
You’ll be taught by developmental services experts who are active in the field, in classes with comparatively low student to teacher ratios. Our curriculum is designed with input from the developmental services field ensuring courses are current and relevant.

You’ll begin your studies by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling.

Work Placement
We offer a wide range of innovative and traditional work-integrated learning opportunities. The field placement co-ordinator will consult with you regarding your interests and preferences in order to connect you to specific agencies. During your third semester, you will complete a 400 hour internship. Your third semester takes place from May through mid-August.

Humber’s Community and Justice Services diploma program focuses on both the community and the institutional sectors of the justice system. Our curriculum combines theory and applied skills, giving you the breadth of knowledge and experience needed to meet the demands of an entry-level position in this field. You’ll be prepared for occupations where you will work with offenders and other high-risk client groups and will explore the development of community programs, restorative justice initiatives and preventative measures. In addition, we practise inclusivity from a broad anti-oppressive perspective and place a strong emphasis on the practice of interpersonal, problem-solving and assessment skills.

Our faculty are skilled, committed, and have direct work experience within community and institutional correctional services. As a result, our program boasts strong community links. Additionally, experts also deliver further specialized community justice training. Our advisory committee regularly reviews our curriculum, ensuring our program is always on the cutting edge of developments in the field. 

You will have an opportunity to practise your skills during a supervised, comprehensive work placement in an institutional or community setting in Semesters 3 and 4, two days per week.

Our program allows you to help contribute towards creating safe and healthy communities. You may be involved in a variety of roles within the community such as:

• Community justice worker
• Provincial or federal adult correctional officer
• Provincial youth service officer
• Open custody youth worker
• Community crime prevention worker
• Victim services worker
• Residential worker
• Law enforcement officer

Gain the competitive edge that will qualify you for positions in a variety of settings such as:

• Community-based advocacy agencies
• Institutional or community correctional settings
• Law enforcement departments
• Courts

Humber’s Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) graduate certificate program builds confident and knowledgeable teachers who have a full understanding of best practices in teaching English as a second language (ESL). Our innovative curriculum is based on the latest ESL teaching approaches, methods and assessment systems including the Canadian Language Benchmarks and the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). You will be exposed to a wide range of theoretical issues including adult second language acquisition, learning theories, linguistics, the emerging field of teaching with technology, and portfolio-based assessment. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to immediately apply this learning through classroom observations and practice teaching.

Faculty members are highly respected, dedicated professionals with graduate credentials in the field and bring extensive ESL teaching and teacher training experience.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Plan syllabi, modules, lessons, activities, and assessment that support all learners in achieving their learning goals, drawing on knowledge of language, curriculum, instructional context, while addressing learners' needs and interests.
• Explain the central concepts and conventions of the English language, including linguistic systems, language skills (listening, speaking, read, & writing), organizational patterns, pragmatics, and strategic competence in order to plan effective learning experiences.
• Select from a wide range of teaching resources (print, digital, and realia) and technological tools to best meet learners' needs and enhance learners' engagement and motivation.
• Adapt various curricular models within a given teaching context, in order to determine most appropriate teaching approaches, and/or frameworks, supporting documents and resources.
• Deliver clear, engaging language instruction- face to face, online, or blended- that applies context- appropriate teaching approaches, strategies, techniques, and digital tools and draws on knowledge of language and second language learning processes.
• Reflect on ongoing professional development needs, through collegial discussion, action research, and dynamic interaction with learners in order to self-assess and challenge developing practice.
• Implement context-appropriate methods of assessment to monitor learner progress and to guide both instructors and learner's decision-making.
• Interact with colleagues and students in ways that show respect for their diverse background and experiences.
• Apply the principles and theories of second language acquisition and adult education, which also include linguistic, psychological, and soci-cultural factors affecting language acquisition, to pedagogical decisions in ELT contexts.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly, in the written, spoken and visual form in ways that fulfill the purpose and meet the needs of the students, employers, and peers.
• Seek and incorporate feedback, advice, and professional learning to continuously improve teaching practice.
• Curate a collection of professional artifacts reflecting a dynamic and evolving philosophy of language teaching and learning.

Work Placement
Students will complete a 50-hour graduated teaching practicum. Unlike many other institutions, our practicum is fully arranged and supervised, giving student teachers the time to focus on their learning and preparation. Students fulfill their practicum requirements in a variety of settings which may include:

• Humber’s English Language Centre in the English for Academic Purposes program
• Humber’s Continuing Education department, enhanced language training (ELT)-related programs
• Humber’s Writing Centre
• Adult ESL and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and community agencies

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Television Writing and Producing graduate certificate program prepares you to work as a television writer and producer, and to work in the production offices and on sets of current major television shows.

You will learn how to write, as well as create and produce, all genres of television shows from half-hour situation comedy, animation, children’s, one-hour episodic, reality and lifestyle to late night comedies, short films and screenplays. You will work with award-winning writers; producers; directors; set designers; editors; directors of photography; and development and network executives from Toronto, Vancouver and Los Angeles to learn the lucrative and creative business of television and film. Learn from well-known guests, lecturers and faculty how to create, write, develop, pitch and sell the ideas that may one day lead to successful employment in writers’ rooms, production offices and on sets of major network television shows.

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Outline the requirements for various scripts including Movies of the Week, Variety Television, Children’s Programming and Dramatic Series.
• Create “spec” scripts of types including Movies of the Week, Variety Television, Children’s Programming and Dramatic Series.
• Calculate profit and sales figures for given productions.
• Summarize trends in television sales, production and markets.
• Prepare strategies for pitching and packaging new products.
• Provide a critical summary of all the technical requirements associated with television production and give examples of the problems and challenges encountered in production areas such as sound, lighting, space, sets, animation needs, camera operation, make up, costume design and music.
• Perform the duties of a director or a director’s assistant.
• Demonstrate the skills of a story analyst, reader production assistant and writer’s assistant.
• Demonstrate the responsibilities and functions of a theatrical agent.
• Outline the entrepreneurial skills needed by script writers.
• Network with well-known television writers and producers.
• Exhibit team building and communication skills and profit from exercises that encourage self-understanding, peer respect and professional behaviours.

The truth-telling role of journalism has never been more important than it is today. Humber’s Bachelor of Journalism degree program helps you develop all of the skills you will need to report on the biggest and most compelling stories in your community and around the world. Journalism is the perfect field for students with a desire to inform and engage the public. In addition to traditional skills like critical thinking, researching, reporting and interviewing, you will also learn how to use audio, text, video, and photos to create compelling online stories for a wide range of digital platforms.

You will study both the theoretical and practical aspects of journalism, and you’ll do it using the latest industry-standard hardware and software in Humber’s Newsroom. You will have access to and learn from instructors with deep and varied journalism experience. You will have the chance to pursue your interests with journalism classes that will teach you to cover sports, arts, politics, lifestyle and more. Breadth education electives will help you expand your knowledge in a variety of areas.

Our program has been designed with input from journalists and media professionals ensuring that it provides the skills required for a wide variety of journalism careers.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Write and edit content for a variety of story forms and web-based applications.
• Interview contacts and sources for a variety of media applications.
• Examine and apply various journalistic and academic research methods assessing the credibility of international sources.
• Analyze media theory and the role of the media in society.
• Adhere to professional and ethical codes of conduct, guidelines and legal requirements.
• Produce images and content for web-based applications.
• Demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills.
• Analyze society’s fundamental systems (political, legal, social diversity) and their connections to the journalistic world.
• Analyze media law and journalistic responsibility.
• Critique and analyze media practices and products.
• Develop entrepreneurial skills related to the business of journalism.
• Develop a portfolio of journalistic projects for work search purposes.
• Establish a professional media identity based on an analysis of personal interests, opportunities, benefits, risks, marketing, strategies and audience.
• Demonstrate conflict management strategies and negotiation skills required in journalistic work.
• Work effectively and assertively in teams to achieve desired goals and resolve differing or opposing ideas and points of view.

Work Placement

• You will complete a 14-week work placement in the summer between years three and four. This placement provides an opportunity to gain experience in your chosen field and to meet professionals in journalism and digital communications settings. Many of the placements are offered in the Greater Toronto Area, a hub for Canada’s media industry. The work settings and the work itself support your professional development and will provide you with both the knowledge and skills required to enter the profession, as well as the confidence to perform the work required.

Humber’s Bachelor of Paralegal Studies program is the only four-year degree program to receive accreditation by The Law Society of Ontario as an accredited paralegal education program. This program combines legal theory with practical applications in courses covering ethics and professional responsibility, negotiation and mediation, evidence, advocacy, tort law, contract law, insurance law, and employment law. Students are provided with the legal foundation needed to consider a career as a licensed paralegal.  

We believe that properly representing a client includes understanding the client’s background and motivation. As a result, our program has eight electives which provide students with the opportunity to study social science, humanities and science electives. 

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Explain the relationship between a wide range of legal concepts, values, principles, and rules of law related to paralegal practice within the Canadian legal system.
  • Outline relevant philosophical, historical, political, social, cultural, economic, and ethical contexts in which law operates.
  • Define legal terminology accurately and give appropriate, current examples of their use.
  • Research relevant information from a wide range of professional texts and legal data bases using sophisticated search methods and standard techniques of legal interpretation.
  • Use of methods of negotiation and advocacy in order to advance a client’s legal position in a contentious context.
  • Solve complex legal problems through selection of appropriate legal remedies for substantive issues and the related legal and procedural issues.
  • Develop a cogent legal argument based on an organized body of relevant facts verified through corroborating sources.
  • Present legal issues and solutions in client-centered plain language. 
  • Summarize the issues and arguments in a range of complex law cases.
  • Write a range of polished documents used in paralegal practice with accuracy, clarity, conciseness and organization.   
  • Evaluate issues to determine whether a case falls within the paralegal scope of practice and where appropriate, seek support and/or refer the case to a lawyer.  
  • Contribute effectively and professionally in a team environment to complete required tasks within set deadlines.
  • Take initiative to expand personal and professional competence in order to make on-going improvements in meeting client needs.

Work Placement

• Work placements offer on-the-job experience where you will use and sharpen the skills you’ve learned in class and apply them to real-world situations.
• The work placement is from May to August after Semester 6 and lasts 14 weeks/420 hours. You will work with your placement advisor to find a placement that fits your career goals. We provide placement support, such as working with the legal community, to identify work placement employment opportunities.

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Theatre Arts - Performance program is known for its rigorous training in physical and devised theatre that enables you to find success wherever your career path takes you. We are nationally known for our innovative curriculum based in the creation of original work.

We believe in:

• Developing creative artists with a strong foundation in essential skills
• Ensuring our graduates have the business skills to make their livings as artists/performers
• Providing a well-rounded education as well as comprehensive training
• Developing collaborative work that is original, thoughtful and challenging
• Exploring intercultural and multidisciplinary theatre that speaks in the present to a vision of the future

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform dramatic roles in a variety of styles, such as in children's plays, plays geared for school audiences, experimental plays presented by alternate theatres, in standard repertoire of current and classical plays presented by regional theatres and festivals, as well as in musicals, revues and cabaret productions.
• Perform non-classical, vocal material – solo and choral - and execute basic dance steps and choreography as required by musical productions and classical plays.
• Apply different techniques required to perform on proscenium, thrust or arena stages, as well as open air theatres.
• Adapt performing style to the electronic media; working for the camera (film, television and video production) as well as the microphone as in various aspects in radio broadcasting.
• Provide services as drama resource person for community theatre, recreational programs, children's programs and private teaching.
• Accept employment as a professional actor and provide services to professional standards.

The Humber Advantage
Humber Productions

• Each year, Humber Theatre presents a number of original productions which demand the full creative engagement of performance and production students under the guidance of internationally recognized artists.

Hands-On Experience

• Students in Humber's Theatre Arts - Performance program are on stage throughout their time at school, building hours and hours of in-class experience.