Associate of Arts in Canadian Studies

at Langara College Canada

The Computing Science & Information Systems Department offers a Diploma in Computer Studies. The Diploma in Computer Studies can be completed in two years*, and offers a foundation in computer science and information systems education. The program covers topics including program design, systems analysis and design, fundamentals of microcomputers, web development, networking, and more.

The Diploma in Computer Studies also offers a co-op option, providing students with the opportunity to get further hands-on experience in a work environment.

This two-year program is designed for students who wish to study university engineering, but do not yet meet all the pre-requisites, or who need time to transition into the heavy workload that the study of engineering requires. Students will gain a thorough grounding in mathematics and natural sciences, including laboratory practice, and technical communications. They will also be introduced to Canadian engineering practice, history and social context, and engineering principles of case study and design.

This eight-month full-time or six-semester part-time certificate program prepares students for career opportunities in the education system working alongside teachers supporting students with disabilities as Education Assistants. The program combines a range of courses that provide a balance between a strong theoretical foundation and practical experiences so students graduate well prepared to begin their career.

In the public school system, a movement away from segregated classrooms toward inclusive classrooms has resulted in dramatic changes in the ways students with disabilities are educated. In this framework, there is a need to provide Education Assistants with the theoretical and practical knowledge and experience that meets the individual needs of all children. An important goal of the Education Assistant Program is to provide Langara College students with opportunities to become competent and employable educators.

The Role of the Education Assistant
Successful Education Assistants have an aptitude for working with adults and with children, are patient, interested in education and in learning, consider schools to be interesting and exciting places, and enjoy working in a world of rapidly changing ideas. The Education Assistant performs a variety of paraprofessional duties in the public school system:

• Works under the direction of teachers, administrators, or other professionals;
• Assists in the development and implementation of individualized or group communication skills, behavioural support, learning support, life-skills development, and work experience;
• Assists in the modification and adaptation of curriculum to meet the individual learning needs of students;
• Attends to and provides personal assistance to students who require assistance with toileting, positioning, diapering, mobility, feeding, grooming, and dressing;
• Transfers and assists students moving to/from wheelchairs, desks, and work areas;
• Supervises students in a variety of community-based activities;
• Attends and participates in school-based team meetings (and other meetings) as required by the support teachers or school administrators;
• Participates in parent-teacher meetings where required; and
• Performs other related work as required

This certificate program is designed for those with post-secondary education to take specialized journalism and communications training at an accelerated pace. This intensive, skills-oriented experience is designed to build on a student’s academic background, providing the student with the tools to work as a well-informed journalist or professional communicator. The first semester focuses on introductory and basic skills courses; the second semester on advanced practices.

Langara College’s Social Service Worker Program prepares students for immediate entry into all social service sectors, as well as for further education in Social Work and other helping professions.

Students who successfully complete the nine-month program earn a Social Service Worker Certificate. They also have the option of adding 30 Arts and Sciences credits to the Certificate to earn a Coordinated Diploma.

Employment opportunities for graduates of the Social Service Worker Certificate and Diploma Programs vary based on new and emerging needs, funding priorities, development of new services, and expansion of existing programs. Graduates of the program find employment in both private and public sector agencies and in a variety of programs. Among the types of organizations and services that employ graduates are Neighbourhood Houses, youth service agencies, family centres, women’s programs, immigrant service agencies, rehabilitation centres, First Nations bands and councils, advocacy organizations, social and recreational programs, the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry for Children and Families.

The Kinesiology Program (formerly Human Kinetics) at Langara College is a two-year university-transfer program that allows students to continue toward the completion of a university degree in disciplines such as kinesiology, physical education, human kinetics, or other interdisciplinary studies.

The Kinesiology Program requirements may be met through part-time or full-time study. A wide selection of first and second-year courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters and select courses are also offered during the summer semester. Students may begin their studies in any of the three semesters.

First and second-year topics include:

• Exercise physiology
• Functional anatomy
• Motor learning and control
• Sport psychology
• Sports medicine
• Biomechanics
• Fitness and training
• Growth and development
• Health and lifestyles
• Leisure and sport studies

The Fine Arts Diploma Program at Langara College is an intense study of visual arts and design that provides students with a wide set of studio skills, as well as the opportunity to specialize in one or more of the studio disciplines. Our program emphasizes studio skills, with students gaining strong foundation skills in any or all of the following disciplines: drawing, design, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, digital design, public art.

The program is committed to promoting self-awareness and personal growth in art and design. Our Faculty include practicing artists and designers who are experts in their areas as well as educators that are sincerly dedicated in seeing our students develop and grow. Many of our alumni continue their education and pursue careers in the arts and design.
 
The rigourous full-time program involves 6 classes/semester, with approximately 20-24 hours of studio classes each week, as well as course work in English and Art History. Students should expect to commit the same amount of time each week to research, project completion and course reading requirements. The program may also be completed through part-time study.

The Social Service Worker (Gerontology) Certificate program prepares graduates for employment in the community-based seniors’ services sector. This entry-level certificate program does not require applicants to have previous post-secondary experience. The program also ladders directly into the existing Diploma in Gerontology program at Langara College for those who would like advanced certification.

The 8-month program is the only certificate program in British Columbia that equips graduates with the necessary skills and competencies needed to support older adults and their families using a ?strengths-based and social justice approach.

The applied social service aspect of the program is unique from other programs which focus on research or health care.  In this interdisciplinary program, students gain a broad and critical understanding of aging processes and social policy issues that affect older persons and their families.

The program is ideal for individuals without experience in the field who want to enhance their knowledge and engage in direct service with older adults, as well as individuals with current or prior experience wishing to complete a specialized credential. Working from a holistic perspective, and drawing on the disciplines of social work, gerontology, psychology and recreation, students develop advocacy skills and strategies to support and respond to individual and systemic issues to improve the lives of older adults. Students also gain direct experience working with older adults through completing over 200 practicum hours in a field practicum setting.

The program curricula and practica prepares students ?with no prior experience for employment in various settings, such as residential senior living settings (independent, supported, assisted, long term care residences), neighbourhood houses, At Home Programs, senior centres, adult day programs, recreation centres, and other community-based senior settings. It  also enhances the knowledge and skills of students with current or prior experience in the field with or without previous related credentials who wish to obtain an advanced or initial credential in gerontology.

The Diploma in Arts and Science (Commerce) Program provides courses needed for equivalency to pre-Commerce and first-year Commerce. The diploma program in place at Langara College is geared more specifically to UBC, but if space is available and with some amendments, this program also facilitates transfer to SFU and UVic. (Please consult with a counsellor regarding requirements.) The diploma program also provides a basis for entry into general business fields and a business-oriented direction for mathematically inclined students. The program leads to a Diploma in Arts and Science (Commerce). It is also possible for students to complete an Associate of Arts Degree in Commerce and Business Studies.

Our Advanced 3D Animation program is designed to provide you with comprehensive 3D animation skills so that you are prepared and confident to enter production-ready roles upon graduation. Shaped for students with an established background in art, this program prepares students for a rewarding career through expert-taught courses, interactions with and feedback from industry representatives, and a program curriculum crafted to develop artists into skilled and specialized professionals ready to launch their own journey into digital production.

Leveraging the strength of the curriculum and new facilities in the heart of Vancouver's animation district at the Centre of Entertainment Arts, the Continuing Studies Diploma in Advanced 3D Animation supports students through a two-year, full-time program that offers a comprehensive coverage of core practical and artistic skills. In addition to training students for a career after graduation, the program enables students to hone their strengths and shape a specialized professional focus.