Bachelor of Arts and Science (Honours) in Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentration in Human Nature

at Lakehead University - Orillia Campus Canada

Our Interdisciplinary Studies program is flexible in its design, allowing you to customize your educational experience. You will be encouraged to think beyond the confines of a traditional undergraduate degree and take a range of courses in different disciplines that are oriented to your individual career aspirations.

As an Interdisciplinary Studies major, you can choose any two disciplinary areas from the following:

• Anthropology
• Biology
• Criminology
• English
• General Science
• Geography
• History
• Media, Film and Communications
• Political Science
• Psychology?
• Sociology 

You will develop advanced critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies and specialized knowledge pertaining to a variety of topics. We also offer the ability to pursue concentrations in Environment in Politics and Culture, Human Nature, Social Justice, and International Conflict and Human Rights.

Environment in Politics and Culture
The Environmental in Politics and Culture concentration offers students a blended approach that combines disciplinary courses in social science, science, and the humanities with interdisciplinary questions such as:

1. What makes a community? How do communities live well in place? 
2. What groups are most affected by environmental problems? Who is responsible? Who should make the decisions for environmental and community planning? Who should bear the costs?
3. What role do government, law, and policy play in prevention, management, and remediation of environmental challenges? How do local efforts relate to global systems?
4. How do we reconcile immediate interests with long-term challenges? Local needs with distant ones? Inequality with economic growth?
5. Why is it so hard to create social change on environmental issues? What roles could be played by formal and informal education, art, media, story-telling, and popular culture?

Environmental problems are complex.  In this concentration, students ask broad questions about how we come to be facing environmental problems and the ethical, political, and cultural challenges they pose. Topics include social and environmental justice in food and agroecology sovereignty movements, gendered approaches to the environment, animal rights and representation, and the challenges of what it means to be an environmental educator inside and outside a classroom.

The program of study emerges from social science and humanities approaches to the environment, focusing on the ethical, political, social and cultural challenges posed by environmental problems, political organization and governance structures involved in social change, and the cultural frameworks through which environment has been understood in various periods, places, media, and aesthetic modes. Students will use problem-based learning to explore effective responses to environmental problems in contexts such as local governance, political organizing, policy development, art, media, popular culture, storytelling, and formal and informal education.

The Environment in Politics and Culture concentration appeals to individuals who are community and volunteer-oriented and willing to engage as citizens and problem-solvers on the state of their lived environments. It would also appeal to active and life-long learners, educators, artists, writers, and politically active individuals. This concentration leads to work, career, community, and further study opportunities in the fields of education, public service, the charity and not-for-profit sector, law and policy development, community organizing, media and journalism, law, and the arts.

Our Department of Biology offers a graduate program in the biological sciences, under the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies. Students who successfully complete the program will achieve a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree.

The Department's faculty and adjuncts offer exciting graduate research opportunities in all areas of Biology including studies in association with the following:

• Department of Anthropology,
• Lakehead's Biorefining Research Institute,
• The Northern Ontario School of Medicine,
• The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre,
• The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute,
• And the Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research. 

The Department maintains modern laboratories and animal care facilities, unique field sites, and access to a wide spectrum of analytical services. Research themes include testing theories of global significance to applications in environmental biology, wildlife management, and human health.

Our Interdisciplinary Studies program is flexible in its design, allowing you to customize your educational experience. You will be encouraged to think beyond the confines of a traditional undergraduate degree and take a range of courses in different disciplines that are oriented to your individual career aspirations.

As an Interdisciplinary Studies major, you can choose any two disciplinary areas from the following:

• Anthropology
• Biology
• Criminology
• English
• General Science
• Geography
• History
• Media Studies
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology 

You will develop advanced critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies and specialized knowledge pertaining to a variety of topics. We also offer the ability to pursue concentrations in Human Nature, Social Justice, and International Conflict and Human Rights.

Human Nature Concentration
The concentration focuses on human nature, the psychological and social traits that universally characterize humankind, especially in contrast with other species. From a nonsecular, scientific perspective, human nature is generally viewed as a function of our evolved biology, therefore, this concentration focuses heavily on human biology and evolutionary theory. Attention is also paid to the role of human nature in development and enculturation, for though humans are set apart in the depth and degree to which culture influences our psychological and social character, it is primarily by considering the pre-cultural capacities that are part of our human nature that we can account for the differences between human and other species in this regard. Hence, this concentration is designed to appeal to students interested in the broader influence on biology on human affairs.

Contrary to popular belief, the study of English is not simply about books. English is a wide-ranging field of study that uses textual analysis to dig deeper into our society and the world around us.

At Lakehead University, the flexibility of our English program encourages you to follow your own interests within the discipline. You’ll learn about the historical development of English language literature - from the Medieval to the contemporary period - as well as different theoretical approaches to the study of literary and cultural texts.

We offer a broad range of courses including:

• Poetry
• Film
• Popular Culture
• Creative, Academic, and Professional Writing
• Gender Studies
• Children’s Literature
• Fiction
• And much more

Our General Arts program is a great choice if you are looking for a multidisciplinary education that allows you the freedom to explore your interests. It is very easy to move from the General Arts program into a specific major at any point - this is recommended if you wish to apply to graduate or a professional school after.

Our General Arts program has fifteen departments, within the Faculty of Social Science & Humanities, choose courses from:

• Criminology
• English
• History
• Indigenous Learning
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Languages
• Media Studies
• Music
• Northern Studies
• Outdoor Recreations, Parks and Tourism
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Visual Arts
• Women's Studies

These disciplines will boost your creativity, sharpen your communication skills, improve your ability to think critically, and provide you with a wide-range of knowledge that can be applied to many industries post-graduation.

We offer our General Arts program entirely online if you are looking for a flexible approach to your education, should time or mobility be an issue. Additionally, college graduates from General Arts & Science and Liberal Arts programs are welcome to apply for admission consideration through our College Transfer Program.

Our Interdisciplinary Studies program is flexible in its design, allowing you to customize your educational experience. You will be encouraged to think beyond the confines of a traditional undergraduate degree and take a range of courses in different disciplines that are oriented to your individual career aspirations.

As an Interdisciplinary Studies major, you can choose any two disciplinary areas from the following:

• Anthropology
• Biology
• Criminology
• English
• General Science
• Geography
• History
• Media Studies
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology 

You will develop advanced critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies and specialized knowledge pertaining to a variety of topics. We also offer the ability to pursue concentrations in Human Nature, Social Justice, and International Conflict and Human Rights.

Social Justice Concentration
The study of social justice centres on questions relating to the distribution of society’s benefits across its population.   This concentration takes students into discussions about their role in the creation of democratic communities that actively promote social equality, human rights, and fair opportunities for everyone, regardless of differences in class, race, gender, ethnicity, ability, or sexual orientation.  The program of study includes problem-based inquiries into poverty, marginalization, and discrimination as well as exploration of various ways in which media, educational systems, literature, public policies, social institutions, and legal structures might construct and perpetuate inequalities or assist in addressing and overcoming systemic and other oppressions.  A particular focus on Indigenous justice is explored in some courses.  Moreover, some courses make active connections between the classroom and local organizations, including not-for profit agencies and community groups.   

A focus on Social Justice is one of the pillars of Lakehead University, not only in the Academic Plan but also the Strategic Management Agreement.  Given the importance for society of questions relating to social justice, debates on this topic are inherently interdisciplinary. Most disciplines provide key descriptions and definitions of many injustices and ideal solutions present in society.   This is an area in which sociologists, criminologists, political scientists, and scholars of media and literature all work together to analyze the complexity of problematic situations and envision equitable solutions.  As a result, this program offers a spectrum of courses drawn from a range of Social Science and Humanities disciplines, addressing questions such as: 

1. What is social justice?  How is social justice different from just plain justice?
2. How does a society decide how much social justice is the right amount?  Do different societies value social justice in different amounts?
3. Why do modern societies seem to becoming more and more unequal over time?  Should we do anything about this? Is inequality “natural”? 
4. What are the criminological impacts of social inequality and systemic discrimination?  
5. Why are the inmates of Canada’s jails and prisons drawn disproportionately from the ranks of poor people and racial minorities, and especially from First Nations and Afro-Canadian communities?
6. How are race, class, gender, and sexuality stereotypes reinforced and/or challenged in literature and in different forms of media?
7. How can imaginative constructions, fictional stories, or digital media strategies assist in probing and resisting sexism, racism, homophobia, and other injustices?
8. How do social policies and political processes shape the future of local and global justice?  What is involved in ethical decision making? 
9. How can a peaceful, just society be created and maintained?
10. What types of skills and professional careers can contribute the most to the development of socially just societies?

A concentration in social justice gives students interdisciplinary opportunities and critical skills to investigate various inequalities as well as the potential to imagine and propose positive social change through policy and practice.  

The Social Justice concentration will appeal to individuals who are community-oriented and willing to engage as citizens and problem-solvers with respect to equity and human rights.  It would also appeal to active and life-long learners, educators, artists, writers, and politically active individuals.  This concentration leads to work, career, community engagement, and further study opportunities in the fields of education, policing, public service, social work, women’s studies, community justice, the charity and not-for-profit sectors, law and policy development, community organizing, media and journalism, and the arts. For those interested in graduate studies, Lakehead offers an MA in Social Justice for which this concentration would provide an ideal background, although other graduate programs would be appropriate as well.

Lakehead University’s Faculty of Education is one of Canada’s most diverse and innovative centres of learning. We’re leading the way in teacher education through our commitment to the very best in multidisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential instruction.

Concurrent Education allows you to start your teaching career faster and earn two degrees at the same time. Study the program of your choice, while also taking classes within the Faculty of Education, before spending two years exclusively with the Faculty of Education in order to qualify for certification by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

Our program emphasizes practical learning through placements, practicums, community engagement, and international opportunities to ensure you are fully prepared to enter into the workforce post-graduation.

With programs in two campus locations - Thunder Bay and Orillia - our Education program will provide you with the expertise you need to develop as an educator, and prepare you for the dynamic and rewarding profession of teaching today.

Our General Science program is a great choice if you are looking for a multidisciplinary education that allows you the freedom to explore your interests. It is very easy to move from the General Science program into a specific major at any point during your undergraduate degree. 

Our General Science program has 10 departments for you to choose courses from:

• Anthropology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Geography
• Mathematical Sciences
• Geology 
• Sustainability Sciences
• Physics 

You are also able to take courses in Environmental Studies, Applied Life Sciences, Environmental Science and Water Resource Sciences 

These departments can be arranged into four subfields if you have determined a topical interest:

Life Sciences
This area focuses on the study of living organisms and how those living systems work. Our natural world is reduced to its most basic principles to observe patterns in organisms from bacteria to humans. Learn more about Applied Life Science, Anthropology, Bioinformatics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics within this area.

Environmental Science & Policy
This area studies the distribution and interaction between humans and the physical features of our world. You will focus on understanding and evaluating environmental issues and choices in a sound scientific manner. Learn more about Earth Sciences, Economics, Geography, Geoarchaeology and Water Resource Science within this area.

Physical Science & Mathematics
Physical Science & Mathematics is about problem solving. You will focus on understanding structures in our day-to-day life and the theories behind them including the study of matter and how matter interacts. Dynamic modelling is a key element of the programs within this area. Learn more about Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences and Physics.

Technology
This area is all about using the right tools to analyze the data in our world. These tools enable us to shape the future as they study physical characteristics of the world and beyond. Communications, information storage and human-computer interaction are common features of this area. Learn more about Computer Science, Bioinformatics and Physics.

Government policies influence virtually every aspect of our lives, from housing to education to crime. Our Political Science program studies the institutions, ideas, practices, and power that shape government and policy at all levels. Students will gain a thorough understanding of political systems - with a particular focus on Canadian politics - and overarching notions of freedom, equality, and justice.

Our goal is to provide a well-rounded Political Science education by applying both theoretical and practical modes of analysis to examine sociological, economic, and historical contexts.

If you have an interest in political systems abroad, you will also have the opportunity to explore the politics of America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Additionally, you will study:

• International Relations
• Political Theory
• Law and Politics
• Public Administration and Policy
• Indigenous Governance
• Comparative Politics

The Lakehead Advantage
Our diverse course content, combined with an intimate learning environment, provides a comprehensive education in classic and contemporary government, law, and politics, as well as highly developed writing, research and analytical skills.

If you are thinking about applying to law school in the future, consider taking our specialized Pre-Law Program. It is designed to introduce you to the study of law by emphasizing subject matter related to the legal process, in addition to politics. Graduates from this program are regularly accepted to excellent law schools.

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce Program at the Orillia Campus is a four-year undergraduate program intended for students that wish to have an education focused on business management, with an emphasis on a particular specialization.

There are two major programs along with two majors with co-op options in which you may enrol to earn the Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree. These are:

• Global Entrepreneurship
• Global Entrepreneurship (Co-op Option)
• Business Administration
• Business Administration (Co-op Option)

Global Entrepreneurship
Global Entrepreneurship consists of a series of courses designed to improve the competence of individuals in starting up and running their own entrepreneurial business in the global environment.