Canadian Studies | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Are you fiercely patriotic? Does the sound of the Canadian national anthem fill your chest with pride? Do you believe—without doubt—that we live in the best country in the world?

Feed your passion in our Canadian Studies Program.

Faculty of Arts & ScienceCanadian Studies

What does it mean to be Canadian? What makes our society different from and similar to others around the world? How do we, as Canadians, express our identities? Understanding who we are as Canadians begins with a thorough knowledge of the places, people and ideas that form our daily lives.

Canadian Studies focuses on developing a deeper appreciation of our Canadian identity by considering Canadian perspectives on issues and debates as viewed from various perspectives and across a wide range of disciplines.

The program gives you the flexibility to take courses in disciplines that interest you, while focusing on Canadian issues and Canada’s place in the world. You will be introduced to the history, people, industry and politics of Canada, as well as our unique institutions, policies and identities.

You will also be exposed to various social, religious, geographical, political, cultural, economic, educational and legal perspectives. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to study complex issues such as bilingualism and biculturalism, and examine their relevance to our modern, multicultural nation.

This multidisciplinary major draws heavily on the Humanities and the Social Sciences and is delivered by the History, Economics, English, Modern Languages, Native American Studies and Political Science Departments.

Canadian Studies will provide you with skills and knowledge you will find invaluable in your career, whether you are working as teacher, government employee or in the private sector. Whatever your career path, you will develop outstanding analytical skills from this multidisciplinary approach to learning.

Canadian Studies CoursesThe multidisciplinary major in Canadian Studies is a 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program. As a Canadian Studies student, you can select a major in Economics, English, History, Modern Languages, Native American Studies or Political Science. You can also opt for Canadian Studies as your BA major for the Combined BA/BEd or BA/BMgt programs.

You will be required to take a minimum of 20 courses to complete the major. This includes courses in English and French, as well as courses three additional disciplines and one Independent Study.

For more information, see your Program Planning Guide or speak to an Academic Advisor.

Samples of some of the courses offered in the Canadian Studies program include:

Honours ThesisIf your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree. Contact the Program Coordinator for information.

What is Canadian Studies?

“You’re pretty much nobody in a big school. In Lethbridge you can be who and what you want to be.

Kyle Shaw

“• Contemporary Canadian

Communities• Canadian Indian History• Canadian Drama• Canadian Poetry• Canadian Literature• French• Canada Since 1867• Culture & Civilization

• Canadian Art History• Canadian Politics & Government• Canadian Foreign Policy• History of Western Canada• Geography of Canada• Aboriginal Peoples & Law • Traditional Aboriginal Political

Economy• Sociology of Gender

Skills AcquiredIn addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in the program, you will also develop your critical and analytical thinking skills, your information acquisition and management skills, as well as your attention to detail. All of these abilities are highly sought after in the business world and can be applied to practically any working scenario.

Graduate StudiesResearch in Canadian Studies is traditionally undertaken by students holding a Master’s Degree (MA) or a Doctorate (PhD). Your undergrad degree will prepare you for post-graduate studies, whether you choose to pursue your Master’s in Canadian Studies at the University of Lethbridge or another institution anywhere in the world.

Professional DisciplinesYour Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) in Canadian Studies also provides an excellent foundation for Law, Journalism, Management or Education.

Related FieldsAs a graduate of the program, you could easily pursue a career in any of the following areas: • Creative Writing• Governmental Diplomacy• Historic Site Administration• Restoration• Public Relations• City Planning• Art Appraisal• Demography

• Civil Service• Cultural Industries• Tourism• Corporate Relations• Import/Export • Community Planning• Market Forecasting• Documentation Editing

What Are Your Future Prospects?

Our Faculty Members & Their ResearchFaculty members at the University of Lethbridge are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects—giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.

Current Research & Areas of Interest:• Canadian Society & Women’s

Religious Orders • Canadian Religious History• Canadian Popular Culture• Local History & Identity

• The History of the Canadian/American Border

• Environment & National Parks• Citizenship, Gender & Identity

ulethbridge.ca @ulethbridge.caJoin us online!

*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.

Put Your Knowledge to WorkWhether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the programs outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career—whatever direction you decide to go.

Research & Independent StudiesIn addition to your regular courses, you have the opportunity to participate in Independent Studies. You’re able to contribute to departmental activities by volunteering on research projects or through employment as a Research Assistant.

If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies. There are field school opportunities available in some disciplines, as well as many opportunities to study abroad.

For current Research or Independent Studies opportunities, contact the Department directly.

Applied StudiesApplied Studies is another special opportunity offered to all Arts & Science students as a way to earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or Community Service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information on Applied Studies, visit:ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education & InternshipsThe Faculty of Arts & Science is proud to offer you the chance to participate in our award-winning Co-op Program—the only one of its kind in Alberta. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a Co-op designation on yourdegree and, most importantly, a kick-start to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information on Co-operative Education & Internships, visit:ulethbridge.ca/coop/artsci

University of Lethbridge4401 University DriveLethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403 329 [email protected]/canadian

Academic AdvisingSU060Students’ Union Building403 329 [email protected]/artsci/advising