Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Science

at York University - School of Continuing Studies Canada

The Sexuality Studies program is an undergraduate program affiliated with York’s world renowned School of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies.

Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores artistic, cultural, economic, geographic, historical, literary, political, psychological and social aspects of sexuality. Our program examines sexuality in transnational contexts and investigates intersections of sexuality with ability, age, class, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, health, nationality, race and religion.

You will learn alternative ways of organizing sexualities and alternatives to sexuality, in the past, present and future, as well as explore and gain a comprehensive understanding of sexual:

• Desires
• Acts
• Identities
• Communities
• Movements

Students in Sexuality Studies can choose from more than 50 courses from various academic areas and take discipline-based courses in fields such as anthropology, geography, history, literature, philosophy, political science, and sociology. Explore further with interdisciplinary courses that use diverse theories and methods derived from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, fine arts and professional studies. Courses, seminars, lectures and special events address lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersexual, cissexual, heterosexual and heteronormative topics.

• You will have the opportunity to learn from more than 20 affiliated professors with international reputations for outstanding work in the field of sexuality studies.
• Sexuality Studies at York is unlike other programs because it is interdisciplinary and transnational. You can combine a sexuality studies degree (major or minor) with another more traditional degree (like psychology), or complete a Sexuality Studies certificate (open to all, regardless of educational background).
• Outside the classroom, you can participate in the activities of the Centre for Women and Trans People at York which offers resources, seminars, and activities. At the Keele Campus students are welcome to join SexGen, a program responsible for addressing issues and concerns of sexual and gender diversity, whether in terms of university policy areas, academic climate or the general university environment.

Ever wish someone listened to you as a child? Our Children, Childhood and Youth program focuses on the experiences, knowledge and concerns of children. You will learn ethnographic techniques specific to children and their cultures. You'll analyze children's voices in contemporary and historical contexts and gain an understanding of the human condition from the child's perspective. You'll also participate in community-based partnerships and be encouraged to take part in advocacy work.

Children, Childhood and Youth explores global childhood experiences in philosophical and social terms and their personal, societal and human consequences. Attention is paid to the nature and significance of children's culture – distinguishing between culture created by adults for children and the culture of children themselves. You will learn how to engage children, discern children's voices in historical and cultural contexts and come to understand the human condition from their perspective.

The Children, Childhood and Youth program is truly interdisciplinary, incorporating expertise and courses from programs such as sociology and psychology. Courses include:

• Introduction to Children, Childhood and Youth Studies
• Global Cultures of Children and Young People
• Research with Children and Young People
• Honours Research Project
• Internships / Practicums

Students in our program access to a variety of unique advantages:

• York is home to the Canadian Children's Culture Collection, a major archive of child-related materials including York-based studies and unique toy collections designed by children. York is also home to the LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research, which supports research in health, education, relationships and development of infants, children, adolescents, emerging adults and families. Additionally, York hosts the Alexander F. Chamberlain speaker series, which features lectures and seminars from leading scholars in the Children's Studies field.
• Learn with professors that are actively involved in research with children and young people in Canada and around the world, covering a range of topics from literature and ethnomusicology to critical race studies and the global cultures of children and young people
• You will have the opportunity to enhance your studies and add to your university experience by participating in an exchange program with the Children’s Studies program at the National University in Galway, Ireland. You also have the opportunity to explore the cultures of children and youth in international contexts such as Limpopo, South Africa, by taking an international field study course.
• Join a child/youth-centred club or association. Local chapters of the advocacy groups "Free the Children" and "Right to Play" are found on York's campus and play an important role in the program. The York student club Peace by PEACE works with children, empowering them to prevent, manage and resolve conflict peacefully.
• The Children, Childhood & Youth Student Association (CCYSA) offers students an opportunity to gain further knowledge of children and their cultures; to advocate for children's rights; to build lasting friendships and partnerships in the community through social and cultural events, advocacy projects, and information sessions; and to provide resources for its members such as mentoring, leadership training, and volunteer opportunities.

York has Canada’s largest and most renowned team of scholars in labour relations, work and global political economy.

Work and Labour Studies explores the complex nature of work and employment, the impact of globalization and the role of trade unions. Work occupies much of our lives and it informs how we live and how we think about the world. Work & Labour Studies explores what work is, who decides who does what, how workers respond to the conditions of the workplace, and the relationship of capital, the state and labour.

Key factors include:

• The economy
• Globalization
• The changing nature of work and the workplace
• Industrial relations
• Gender
• Class
• Inequality
• How labour is portrayed by the media
• How politics is shaped by mass media and how workers' culture both informs and diverts class struggle

Our program's strengths include labour law and labour policy, the future of work and employment, women and work, globalization and its impact on work and workers, and our unique fourth year placement course. Labour Studies also offers courses in collective bargaining that will prepare you for contemporary and relevant workplace situations.

You will be well prepared for employment in the labour movement, private industry, government service, journalism, public or private administration, social work, law or teaching. Many students go on to graduate work in political science, industrial relations and labour law.

York's Theatre programs immerse students in all aspects of theatre, fostering the ability to specialize or to assume a wide range of roles and apply various approaches to performance.  Through their creative and scholarly practice, students learn to constantly reassess the meaning of their work in the context of our ever-changing society, and to develop the critical thinking to understand and make a contribution to the world around them.

Program Structure
All Theatre students share a common first foundation year, in which they take courses across the various fields of theatre and performance. At the end of forst year students branch into one of four streams based on their interests and goals.*
Throughout the programs, students work together as actors and as members of creative and production teams in the department's many productions.

Streams
Acting Conservatory
With intensive studies in acting, movement and voice, the Acting Conservatory takes students deep into scene study, script analysis and character development. Upper year Conservatory members are cast in Theatre @ York's mainstage shows, featuring classic and contemporary masterpieces from Canada and around the world, chosen to address some of the big cultural and politacal debates facing society.

Performance Creation
This BFA degree stream places emphasis on studio coursework, such as Stagecraft, Devised Theatre, Scene Study and Directing. In keeping with the broader scope of Performance Creation work, this degree prepares students to move fluidly across artistic disciplines and to assume a range of roles in collaborative performance settings. This degree is ideal for students who want to produce sophisticated, meaningful performance work that engages with larger issues of social justice and sustainability.

Production and Design
Combining hands-on technical skills with creative aspects of theatre as storytelling, this program engages students in all elements of theatrical design and stage production. Courses in sound, lighting, scenery and costume design and construction are complimented by studies in technical direction and management.

Theatre Studies
This BA program focuses on studies in dramatic and performance theory, cristicism and history, and in theatre education. Students may choose to specialize in Playwriting and New Play Dramaturgy learning to write for the stage, or Devised Theatre focusing on collaborative creation of original works, incorporating all elements of playmaking, design and management to performance.

Flooding, terrorism, global warming and hurricanes are all disasters and emergencies that can be effectively managed – and, in some cases even mitigated – through good planning and response. The recent earthquake in Haiti, the H1N1 pandemic and memories of 9/11 are reminders of the pressing need for qualified and trained professionals in the field.

Disaster & Emergency Management is the discipline of dealing with and avoiding risks. In this exciting and rapidly expanding field you’ll explore key concepts, methodologies and technologies used by emergency management professionals while honing your analytical and critical skills. You'll also gain a comprehensive understanding of how emergency management intersects with other disciplines such as psychology and sociology. Discover strategies to help save lives and property, reduce damage and speed a community’s recovery from natural and human-induced disasters and emergencies.

You'll examine a diverse range of topics including:

• Business continuity planning
• Emergency management communications
• Disaster risk management
• Ethics
• Terrorism

In addition to this, you will learn to apply key concepts, methodologies and technologies used by emergency management professionals to complex real-life challenges.

This program prepares you to synthesize large amounts of complex information and make sound decisions in challenging and often difficult circumstances. As a graduate you will be equipped with the skills for a career in emergency preparedness, public safety or consultancy work for a range of opportunities from positions in federal and provincial governments to large multinational companies and non-governmental organizations like the Red Cross/Red Crescent, World Bank, Oxfam or UNICEF.

• Upon graduating, you'll join one of the fastest growing industries in North America.
• You have the option of continuing your education within the disaster and emergency field with York's Master of Disaster & Emergency Management degree — the only graduate program of its kind in Ontario and one of only two in Canada.
• You'll have the opportunity to join The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting the goals of saving lives and protecting property during emergencies and disasters.
• Take advantage of experiential learning opportunities and interact with leading professionals who will provide you with a deeper insight into the field. You'll have the option to complete a field experience that will help to foster a greater understanding of the complexities and realities emergency management professionals face.
• You are also encouraged to take advantage of the regular events held by the School of Disaster & Emergency Management. These include conferences and symposiums held throughout the school year to help you apply your education to real-life situations.

Specialize in one of these streams: Atmospheric Science, Geomatics Science or Space Science. Atmospheric Science explores meteorology from the turbulent micro-scale to the large synoptic-scale weather systems. Geomatics Science delivers the knowledge and skills to work with terrestrial, aerial and space-observing platforms. Space Science explores the near-Earth space environment, as well as other planets. 

What You’ll Learn
Atmospheric Science explores meteorology from the turbulent micro scale to the large synoptic scale weather systems. In our program, you will learn how we use computer models to forecast the weather and will develop a deeper understanding of the processes that drive severe weather, climate and climate change. You can top off your degree with a Certificate in Meteorology.

In Geomatics Science (formerly Earth Science), you will study about modern geophysics, Earth’s gravity field, satellite geodesy, reference systems, plus surveying and mapping with emphasis in the areas of geospatial science and applications. Our program provides you the knowledge and skills to work with terrestrial, aerial and space observing platforms. Add depth to your degree with a certificate in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing.

Space Science explores the near Earth space environment as well as other planets. You will learn how to investigate and establish new satellite programs for optical aeronomy, dynamics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere and monitoring the recovering ozone layer.

Mathematics for Education is designed for students considering a career in teaching. Students can be enrolled in York's concurrent education program or may intend to take a two year consecutive education program. This program offers a broader background in a wider perspective on the teaching and learning of mathematics.

York offers two teacher education programs:

• Concurrent undergraduate programs for students already enrolled in other undergraduate Faculties
• Consecutive undergraduate full-time program for prospective teachers who have already graduated in another discipline

You enter the concurrent program in your third or fourth year. Selection is based on:

• Academic achievement
• Oral communication abilities
• Personal characteristics relevant to the teaching profession

Two years are added to your undergraduate studies and in the remaining four years you work concurrently to complete the requirements of your undergraduate program as well as the professional teaching program.

You enter the two-year consecutive full-time program if you hold an undergraduate degree. Selection is based on:

• Education-related experience
• Academic achievement
• Oral communication skills
• Personal characteristics relevant to the teaching profession

York offers some of the best Math support services in the country including a Math Tutorial Lab, a Statistics Tutorial Lab, a regular schedule of help sessions offered by professors, peer tutoring and study groups.

In AMPD's Department of Cinema and Media Arts students experientially learn to understand, think and work in the language of the moving image across all media. From idea to screenplay, camera to screen, screen to critical inquiry, our integrated curriculum offers exceptional training across the spectrum.

The BFA in Screenwriting, offering Canada’s only undergraduate screenwriting degree, provides intensive training in the art of moving image storytelling across genres, from short films to TV series, feature films to new media. Writing for today’s multi-platform universe, screenwriting students have the opportunity to collaborate with production students to see their work brought to life on screen.

This small program, which accepts a maximum of twenty students, supports intimate, intensive learning and high level of mentorship by the department's internationally recognized faculty.

The rich Cinema and Media Studies component included in the BFA in Screenwriting gives students an edge, developing their ability to not only write for screen-based media, but to think, talk and write about cinema and media, and to understand the historical and theoretical framework in which they are produced.

Join the first and only technical blockchain certificate delivered by a Canadian university. Create real-world blockchain solutions as you build upon your existing knowledge and prepare to confidently launch your career.

What is Blockchain Development?
Blockchain is decentralized, transparent, and mostly unalterable. It improves data integrity through using an entire network of computers to record and validate transactions. This technology became popular within commerce, but its potential is being realized across numerous industries, including supply chain management, healthcare, finance, and public administration, specifically with electronic voting systems.

What you will learn
You’ll learn to go beyond understanding cryptography and data structures, by gaining the confidence to advise organizations on how blockchain can offer significant business value and knowing when and when not to implement the technology. You’ll develop the knowledge and competencies to be strategic about implementing blockchain technologies from concept to deployment at your organization. Aside from critical technical skills, you will build and practice foundational cross-functional skills like complex problem solving, business acumen, and social perceptiveness.

Program Benefits
Created in collaboration with industry executives, this full-time 9-course program allows you to create real-world blockchain solutions as you collaborate with like-minded peers. The program concludes with a unique capstone course, allowing you to further demonstrate your knowledge and graduate with a diverse portfolio of work. After completing the program, you’ll be prepared for real blockchain job functions, helping you secure your next career opportunity and greater success.

Set yourself apart by studying with leading authorities about Canadian topics, including our national culture, environmental history, labour issues in Quebec and endangered Aboriginal languages.

Glendon's liberal arts environment is the perfect complement to its Canadian Studies program, and easily allows for cross-discipline research and study. If you're considering government or public sector work, gain a competitive edge with a bilingual degree and an understanding of the country in its various dimensions: political and legal systems, languages and cultures, history and Canada’s position in the global arena.

Apply your learning at the annual Crossing Borders Conference, support government officials and scholars from both sides of the Canadian-US border or get debate experience on current Canadian issues at provincial Canadian Studies conferences.