Associate of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies

at Langara College Canada

Whether you are studying to be an astronaut, accountant, social worker, scientist, marketer, nurse, school teacher, engineer, manager, computer scientist ... almost every career requires mathematics and/or statistics. Mathematics and Statistics are a part of everyday life, from analyzing the stock market to reading the newspaper to trusting the bridge you drive on. Our goal is to help all our students develop a command and appreciation of the power, beauty, utility, and recreational value of mathematical and statistical ideas.

During their time at Langara, most students will register for at least one Mathematics or Statistics course, as a program or degree requirement or out of interest and enthusiasm for these subject areas. Langara offers a wide range of mathematics and statistics courses, many of which are university-transferable and can be applied towards the first two years of a university degree. Some of our courses are specifically designed for students who did not complete math in high school. Langara’s Math and Stats Department has an excellent track record of students successfully transferring to universities such as UBC and SFU. Moreover, our students typically do well in their third and fourth years because smaller class settings, greater number of contact hours, and approachable instructors prepare them for the transition into university.

The Asian Studies Program is unique in Canada. Beginning in 1983, it was the first two-year program in a Canadian community college to focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Having evolved substantially, the program is currently designed for university-transfer students who seek a better understanding of the cultures of the Asia-Pacific region.

The courses and seminars that give students in-depth insight into the cultures of China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. South Asia and BC Asian societies are also surveyed in some courses. Students who take Asian Studies courses are very well prepared for transfer to Asian Studies and other social science departments in university.

The program is popular with people who have worked or traveled in Asia, and who desire a deeper appreciation of the cultural patterns they have experienced. Many first generation Asian-Canadians and international students find the program insightful regarding their own backgrounds, and how western social science perceives their native culture.

The greatest economic growth in the world is occurring in the Asia-Pacific. These nations are powering the new globalized economy, a situation that will not change in the foreseeable future. Knowledge of their international situations, their lifestyles and their cultural values is the key to creating and maintaining solid relationships with our Pacific neighbours.

Theatre Arts at Studio 58 offers a three-year Acting Diploma Program and a two-year Production Diploma Program designed to prepare students for a professional career in theatre, film, television, and related arts. The programs graduate actors and production personnel who have a professional level of commitment and aptitude and who have acquired the skills to become contributing members of these professions.

The instructors are professional working artists in their respective fields. We maintain a close liaison with professional companies in Vancouver, casting agents, and directors, most of whom regularly employ our graduates. Some lecture and theory are part of the training, but the practical application of various skills is given greatest emphasis.

PRODUCTION OPTION
This program is designed for individuals with previous backstage theatre experience who wish to learn and develop additional skills in a practical theatre setting. Prospective students should have a clear notion in which areas of technical/backstage theatre they wish to concentrate their studies. The Production Option, after the first term, consists of classwork, practicum and directed studies.

This option is not a general interest course in technical theatre. Students will be given projects related to their field of study and will have the opportunity to work with professional designers and directors. Students are given a well-rounded understanding of acting, voice, and movement in their first term. After the first term, production students assume major responsibilities on Studio 58 productions.

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary science dealing with the application of computer science to the study of biology. Bioinformatics education is in demand for many careers in science and health care. Students completing a Diploma in Bioinformatics will be well prepared to complete their BSc at any university in BC.

Peace and Conflict Studies (PCCN) is an interdisciplinary field of study which is concerned with the problem of human conflict, especially violent and destructive conflict, and the means by which it can be constructively and non-violently resolved. Its interdisciplinary approach to analysis draws on the perspectives of the physical and social sciences, history and philosophy. Guest lecturers from these academic disciplines, as well as guests from the active world of conflict resolution - labour mediators, politicians, peace leaders - will enhance the core courses. Each of the courses listed as requirements for a diploma program in Peace and Conflict Studies adds to an understanding of this most complex and pressing human issue.

We have published authors in both academic and creative areas, but with our small classes and dedication to the needs of individual students, instruction has always been our department’s priority.

The English Department offers you reading and writing skills which will help you to:

• Enter a profession or trade career with practical communication skills
• Arrive at the university with experience and training in academic writing 
• Navigate future career opportunities which you haven't yet thought about
• Critically explore current society which will be interesting in its own right
• Help you to be a more engaged doctor, nurse, teacher or business person 
• Be an aware and critical citizen

We offer courses in the following areas:

• Literature: Most of our courses have a strong literature component because we are convinced that an appreciation for literature will not only open your mind to explore the various forms and genres of literature but also enable you to gain insights into the human condition. Whether you are confronted with the ever-changing world of technical innovation or the daily pressures of life, literature can provide models for reflection and action. 
• Creative Writing: Some of our faculty are published and acclaimed authors and editors. They will share their talents with you in creative writing classes that explore creative writing in workshop situations.
• Communications: Learn to express yourself professionally in the workplace in our communications courses. Whether you are fulfilling a degree requirement (for the BBA) or want to upgrade your communications skills, the presentation skills we teach you will contribute to your future success. Furthermore, the discussion of moral dilemmas as they occur in the workplace is a favourite feature of our communications courses.
• ESL & Academic Preparation: Whether you are a recent immigrant and non-native speaker or a native speaker who feels the need to upgrade your English skills, our ESL & Academic Preparation courses will bring your reading and writing skills up to speed in order to go on to our university transfer courses. Our academic preparation courses have especially small class sizes (20 students max) that allow the instructors to work very closely with you to improve your English skills.

With the opportunity to explore and design your own academic program, your studies will culminate in a two-year Associate of Arts Degree. You will have the opportunity to choose your specialization areas and tailor the curriculum to your needs. The emphasis is on developing a deeper insight into multiple disciplines, all while building critical thinking, writing, and analyzing abilities. With a solid foundation, these studies will lead seamlessly into further academic studies.

Students will gain knowledge in multiple areas of study in liberal arts and languages, and social and cultural studies. Holistically, the program aims to develop critical thinking abilities, strengthen research skills, and introduce a variety of theories.

The animation industry is one of the fastest growing global job sectors. Our 16-month intensive diploma program equips students with the skills they need to thrive in this exciting field.

Combine your artistic abilities with technical skills through our 2D animation and digital art program. Draw and design your own characters and bring them to life through animation, sound, and storytelling. You’ll learn how to capture movement and form through life drawing and how to move a project from storyboard to final product under the guidance of expert instructors. Students receive their own laptop (loaded with all the required licensed software) as well as a drawing tablet and external hard drive, all of which they keep after graduation.

This in-depth program prepares graduates for a range of roles in the animation industry. Our program runs for four consecutive terms to fast-track you into launching your career, simulating the intensity of working in a real-world production studio. Graduates will exit the program with a diploma from one of BC’s most respected public colleges and a professional portfolio and demo reel.

Our Partner
The Centre for Arts and Technology has been running their 2D and 3D animation programs for 20 years, fine-tuning their program to keep pace with industry expectations. We are proud to offer their program curriculum at Langara.

The Aboriginal Studies Program is an integrated university-transferable program that addresses historic and contemporary Aboriginal issues in Canada. The Aboriginal Studies Program is unique and comprehensive. The program welcomes all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.

The program strives to empower its students through education. The program encourages each student to reach their full potential through a unique, diverse and comprehensive approach to post-secondary education.

The curriculum content provides students with a thorough understanding of the historic and current circumstances of Aboriginal life in Canada and internationally and looks to the future at such issues as Aboriginal self-government and economic self-sufficiency. Equal emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills, critical thinking and communication skills, as well as laying a solid foundation for additional educational pursuits.

A unique and integral aspect of the Aboriginal Studies Program is the seminar component. Program students and faculty participate in the seminars equally. The purpose of these seminars is to expose the students to and stimulate discussion on topics that may or may not be covered in the classroom. The seminars also promote and foster a sense of community among students and faculty. This sense of community provides support for the student on many levels and provides an atmosphere for frank and open discussion.

Langara College's Aboriginal Education Policy
To increase the success rates of Aboriginal students and to increase the representation and retention of Aboriginal students, Langara College implemented the first formal Aboriginal Education Policy in British Columbia. The policy sets in motion an education and employment equity program which:

• Is committed to increasing the participation and success rate of Aboriginal Learners to the National Average (a provincial advisory committee reported (1989) that 3% of the Aboriginal Population pursues post-secondary education, compared with 15% of the general population);
• will ensure the involvement of Aboriginal representatives in any decisions affecting Aboriginal Education;
• will provide full opportunity and support for Aboriginal students to achieve their academic potential;
• recognize the need to recruit and employ Aboriginal personnel in faculty, staff and administrative positions.

The Social Service Worker program is closed for applications as the Fall 2020 intake is now full. We will re-open for applications on October 1, 2020 for the Fall 2021 intake. 

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. Program participation and employment in the social services field require commitments of physical and emotional energies.

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.

The Certificate Program consists of two semesters of full-time studies. There are two practicum placements, including a five-week full-time block placement at the end of the second semester.