Social Sciences

Ensemble 1

Course Number	Course Name	C - L - H	Hrs
Geography
320-BWS-03	Cultural and Political Geography	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to basic geographical concepts and examines current problems of our time (e.g. resource-based competition) from a spatial perspective. Students are required to complete a research paper demonstrating their understanding of the interplay of cultural, economic and political changes taking place in a specific region.
320-BWS-03	Geography of Quebec	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course focuses on the cultural characteristics of Quebec's territory and population in order to analyze contemporary social and economic changes from a geographical perspective. Students are required to complete a term paper examining a major transformation in the province's human and natural environments.
320-BWS-03	Introduction to Geography and the Environment	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The Earth is increasingly crowded, polluted, urbanized and biologically stressed. Currently, world mean temperatures are higher than they have been in centuries. This should be a matter of great concern to all residents of the Earth. The environment encompasses the natural world, of which we are a part, and the built world, which we have created. This course introduces students to the dynamic character of society and its interaction with the natural environment. The course will introduce basic geography skills such as map reading, mapmaking and the use of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It will then explore key concepts such as demography, weather and climate, environmental ethics and social, cultural and economic geography.
320-BWS-03	The World Map	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Students in this course learn the concepts and practical techniques involved in interpreting regional problems such as inequality, linguistic conflict, cultural conflict, etc. Students are required to complete a research paper evaluating the contribution of geography to the understanding of social changes and their regional implications.
History
330-BWS-03	History of Civilizations	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to the concepts of civilization through the study of different types of civilizations. It examines contemporary issues such as different political and economic systems, cultural institutions, ethnic and class relations, and religious traditions through the history of particular civilizations (i.e. medieval civilization, the Mediterranean world, Russia, Native America, etc.)
330-BWS-03	History of Science and Technology	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The intent of this course is to invite non-social science students to study the history of the development of science and technology. This course will trace the development of chosen scientific issues and the responses to them during the development of the West. This theme, to be approached from a historical perspective, is interdisciplinary. It focuses on the social impact of science and technology in their time. Sociological, economic and political concerns are integral to the history of science and together these insights are of great significance for students. Chosen themes may be drawn from topics such as the study of man (anatomy, physiology, pathology and the concept of healing); the study of the natural environment (technology and motivation for physical exploration); the study of astronomy (the nature of the universe and its consequences); the study of applied physics (in warfare and civil and mechanical engineering); and the study of transport and communication.
330-BWS-03	Social and Economic History	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course aims to provide students with a better understanding of the interplay between economic and socio-political phenomena in the contemporary world. It is a thematic course which focuses on one or more social and economic problem in a variety to countries (i.e. Europe), examining the problem from an historical perspective.
Philosophy
340-BWS-03	Introduction to Philosophy	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will survey central philosophical questions and how influential philosophers have attempted to answer them. Major topics such as the nature of reality, truth, knowledge, justice, personal identity, freedom, responsibility, and meaning will be covered. In a broad sense, this course explores the human condition, and the ways we humans have tried to understand and define ourselves, our world and our possibilities. As this is an introductory course, students will also learn and practice the philosophical fundamentals of sound argumentation. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of basic problems of philosophy and their development. They will also have a sense of philosophy’s relevance and importance for the social sciences, the natural sciences, and contemporary issues.
340-BWS-03	Social and Political Thought	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Students in this course become familiar with the main theoretical approaches used in the social sciences (e.g. positivism), and learn how these approaches can be applied to contemporary issues (e.g. racism). The course also seeks to illustrate how the methods of social science can influence social issues (e.g. polling and the outcome of elections).
340-BWS-03	The Scope of Human Knowledge	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: What is truth? What is the difference between knowledge and mere opinion? On what is knowledge based? Are there different ways of knowing? How do we know that our theories match the world? Can we know reality as it truly is? These are some of the questions that will be investigated in this course. The aim of the course will be to introduce students to philosophy and the different philosophical approaches that have shaped our understanding of the world.
Psychology
350-BWS-03	Learning: Psychology and Law	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to clinical psychology and its relationship to other fields of psychology. Students examine how psychology is used in the legal system to deal with contemporary issues such as violence in the family, divorce, the effects of media violence on behaviour, etc. Guest speakers will include lawyers, Crown prosecutors and Superior Court judges; a field trip to criminal court will also be organized.
350-BWS-03	Psychology of Sexuality	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The goal of this course is to encourage students to think and talk about issues of sexuality that are relevant to their lives, and to bring about a better understanding of sexuality from both an historical and contemporary point of view. Among the important contemporary issues discussed are normal and abnormal sexual behaviour, the sexuality of children and the shaping of attitudes towards sexuality. Class activities involve lectures, assignments, discussions and guest speakers.
350-BWS-03	Social and Environmental Psychology	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This courses introduces students to social psychology, its major issues, and the approaches used by social psychologists to tackle these issues. Among the particular topics covered are prejudice, attitude change and altruism. Students also discuss the ethics of various research methods.
Religion
370-BWS-03	Religion	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to the major elements of religion. It maps religious diversity by surveying the places and spaces that at least two major religious traditions regard as sacred. It investigates prominent aspects of both personal spirituality and the relationship between religion and society by analyzing selected ritual practices, symbolic representations (in art and decoration), texts, beliefs and social structures. This course will also introduce students to some major theorists of religion and some methods for analyzing selected religious phenomena.
370-BWS-03	Religion and Sexuality: Eastern Tradition	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to the basic religious beliefs and practices of Hinduism and Islam. It explores how these two religious traditions have treated the sexual aspect of human life. In particular, attitudes towards sex, love, marriage, pregnancy, contraception, childbirth and divorce will be discussed.
370-BWS-03	Sexuality in the Western Tradition	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Students in this course will examine how Judaism and Christianity approach human sexuality. Among the particular aspects of sexuality to be discussed are dating, marriage, divorce, homosexuality and sex education. Challenges to religious values will also be studied.
370-BWS-03	The Holocaust	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course traces the social and religious history of genocide; it demonstrates how the study of religion can be applied to contemporary problems. Modern social science research methods are used in this course, which also attempts to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Anthropology
381-BWS-03	Culture on the Move: The Anthropology of Travel and Mobility	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will approach culture, travel and mobility from an anthropological perspective. Grounded in the experiences of those who are “on the move” we will look at a number of case studies touching on themes such as immigration, working abroad, backpacking, the international primate trade, the global spread of Hip Hop, the practice of yoga in the west and more. Further, we will consider the lack of mobility experienced by many Aboriginal Canadians in residential schools. Motivations, social aspects and impacts (emotional, environmental and economic) will be examined to reveal complexities and nuances of travel and mobility (or lack thereof) in today’s world.
381-BWS-03	Culture on the Move: The Anthropology of Travel and Mobility	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will approach culture and travel from an anthropological perspective. Grounded in the experiences of those who travel (and those who host), examples such as backpacking youth, RVing seniors, volunteer tourists, migrant workers and even chimpanzees in the entertainment/medical industries, will be explored. Motivations, social aspects and impacts (environmental and economic) of travel will be examined to reveal complexities and nuances of travel in today’s world.
381-BWS-03	Introduction to Anthropology	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Anthropology provides the most holistic study of humankind. It is concerned with the social, religious, political, artistic, economic, technological, linguistic and familial activities that make up human cultures around the world. It is also concerned with the biological characteristics of our species, Homo sapiens, and our origins and evolution within the animal kingdom. One basic assumption of anthropology is that all of our past and present, local and remote, cultural and biological features fit together into meaningful patterns.
381-BWS-03	Men, Women and Culture	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: A course for non-social science students on anthropological understandings of gender and sexuality. Deals with diversity of social and cultural forms of love, courtship, sex and marriage, as well as the roles of socialization and enculturation in the development of sexuality
381-BWS-03	Women in Developing Countries	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course examines the role of women in modernizing societies from various theoretical perspectives (i.e. historical, anthropological and economic perspectives). Students explore the impact of colonialism and development on the status of women in modernizing societies, as well as the socio-cultural impact of the integration of women into the global economy.
Economics
383-BWS-03	Current Economic Issues	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The course is concerned with major economic problems of today, focusing attention on their nature and significance; causes and alternative policy measures to deal with them. Topics to be covered include the issues of unemployment, inflation, budget deficits and national debt, environmental crisis, big business and government regulations, social safety net, economics of health and higher education, international poverty, NAFTA and globalization of international markets, and economics of sovereignty.
383-BWS-03	Economics and Technology	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: In this course students examine the relationship between technological change and the economy (i.e. the impact of computers on the economy and society in terms of labour markets and industrial structures and processes). They learn that the control of technology is not only an economic issue, but also a social and political one. Among the topics discussed are robots, genetic engineering and environmental pressures on technology.
Poli. Sci.
385-BWS-03	Business and Government	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to the theory and practice of public administration. It examines the structures and functions of state administrative institutions at the social, cultural, economic and political levels, and analyses the differences and similarities between decision-making processes in the private and public sectors of society. Students will look at methods of state intervention in society, including the economy and the impact of government regulation, ownership, services and control.
385-BWS-03	International Politics	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This introductory course deals with the relations between the nation-states of the world. It analyses the causes of conflict between states, as well as the mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of conflict. Starting with the basic vocabulary and concepts of international politics, students will go on to examine some of the major international issues, the strategic realities determining state policies and the differences between the "old order" and the "new world order," and the place of Quebec and Canada in the world today.
385-BWS-03	Mass Media and Politics	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course concentrates on the role of mass media in politics. It deals with how mass media shapes public opinion, the relationship between the media and political institutions and politicians, the importance of the media in the production of information, the use of information in election campaigns, pressure groups politics and in the political socialization process.
385-BWS-03	Political and Social Thought	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to the role of political philosophy and political theory in shaping our understanding of the principles of government. It examines some of the writings and ideas of political thinkers throughout history, such as Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Marx and others and how their ideas gave rise to political movements and ideologies, such as liberalism, socialism and facism that have shaped human societies.
385-BWS-03	Political Life	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: All the basics of politics are covered in this course, including an analysis of major contemporary political issues and their underlying social, economic, and ideological causes. Students will learn the basic political concepts and a study of political process which consists of political organizations, parties, pressure groups, the mass media, the role and measurement of public opinion, voting behaviour and election compaigns.
385-BWS-03	Political Regimes and Ideologies	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course, an introduction to the field of comparative government and politics, will focus on a variety of different countries, analyzing the social, cultural and economic foundations of society and how these affect government, the state and its institutions. The types of issues dealt with include the conflicts between secular and religious values, democratic versus authoritarian regimes, traditional versus modern political institutions.
Sociology
387-BWS-03	Individual and Society	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to the contribution sociology can make to the understanding of the issues of current social, cultural and political discourse. Students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of the sociological perspective, and they will be taught to use sociological data to deepen their understanding of debates concerning ongoing changes in the structure and function of major social institutions.
387-BWS-03	Introduction to Sociology	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to the basic ideas and perspectives of sociological investigation and interpretation. It focuses on the ways individuals are shaped by and respond to culture and social organization. Students are introduced to the major areas of sociological research, including representative studies and their findings about Canada, Quebec and other societies, in order to provide a systematic understanding of the contemporary social world.
387-BWS-03	Sexuality and Society	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course examines gender and society from a sociological perspective. Contemporary images and ideologies of feminine and masculine sexuality will be described and related to patterns of sexual behaviour in Quebec and Canada. The controversies surrounding rape, pornography, incest and sex education will be examined.
387-BWS-03	Social Problems	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The goal of this course is to expose students to the concepts and approaches used in distinguishing and comparing different social systems. The course focuses on the conceptualization of culture and major social institutions. Students analyze a particular social problem from a sociological perspective.
387-BWS-03	Sociology of Culture and Media	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course presents a sociological approach to studying the changing role and structure of the media. Students will be exposed to the fundamental elements of the sociological perspective and major sociological viewpoints. They will be taught to use sociological data to deepen their understanding of the structure and function of the media of communications and of the controversies surrounding changes to their role and structure.
387-BWS-03	Sociology of the Family	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course presents a sociological approach to a major contemporary issue: the changing role and structure of the family. Students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of the sociological perspective and to major sociological viewpoints. They will be taught to use sociological data to deepen their understanding of the culture and social structure of the family and of the controversies surrounding the ongoing changes in its role and structure.
Social Service
388-BWS-DW	The Power of Non-Violent Communication	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Using the concept of non-violence as a basis, this 45 hour course will explore a structural analysis of this contemporary issue. The issue will be studied from both micro and macro levels. At the macro-level, the course will look at ways that social (service) work has conceptualised violence and its alternatives. At the micro-level, students will develop interpersonal non-violent communication skills. From a social (service) work perspective, the issue of non-violence and how we can promote a society based on valuing dignity and respect of individuals and groups will be explored. Looking at how individuals and groups can meet their needs using alternatives to violence will be a focus for this module. A brief look at how other social sciences have approached this issue will be discussed.
388-BWS-DW	The Power of Non-Violent Communication	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will help you to build non-violent communication skills at both personal and community levels. From a social (service) work perspective, the issue of non-violence and how we can promote a society based on valuing dignity and respect of individuals and groups will be explored. Looking at how individuals and groups can meet their needs using alternatives to violence will be a focus. Students will be then introduced to, and practice, non-violent communication skills including assertiveness, listening, conflict-resolution and emotional management. The course will then ask students to explore how the issue of non-violence is being addressed at the community level. Students will familiarize themselves with community initiatives both within Dawson College and Montreal as well as other parts of the country and the world.
388-BWS-DW	The Power of Non-Violent Communication	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will help you to build non-violent communication skills at both personal and community levels. From a social (service) work perspective, the issue of non-violence and how we can promote a society based on valuing dignity and respect of individuals and groups will be explored. Looking at how individuals and groups can meet their needs using alternatives to violence will be a focus. Students will then be introduced to, and practice, non-violent communication skills including assertiveness, listening, conflict-resolution and emotional management. The course will then ask students to explore how the issue of non-violence is being addressed at the community level. Students will familiarize themselves with community initiatives both within Dawson College and Montreal as well as other parts of the country and the world.
Communications
589-BWS-03	Advertising	1 - 2 - 3	45
Description: The goal of this course is to illustrate how advertising is an agent of control in a democratic, pluralistic society. The course focuses on advertising strategies, attitudinal change, message interpretation, ethics, values and motivation. Research techniques common to this field are also examined. 1 hr. theory,2 hrs. lab per week
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Ensemble 2

Course Number	Course Name	C - L - H	Hrs
Geography
320-BXS-03	Environmental Problems and Challenges	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The goal of this course is to introduce students to basic geographic concepts and to the economic and social effects of various environmental problems. Solutions to these problems will also be explored. Field trips may be arranged so that students can observe the recycling of goods and sewage/solid waste disposal.
320-BXS-03	Geography and Tourism	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: In this course, students are introduced to basic geographic concepts and to problems associated with tourism. Some of the problems examined include cultural disruption, land use conflicts and regional economic disparities. Students must write a paper which demonstrates their understanding of social science methodologies.
320-BXS-03	Regional Geography: The Ocean World	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The main objective of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of how the phenomena of the oceanic environment are distributed, structured and behave, as well as their significance to mankind. The content of this course will consist of topics such as the discovery of the oceans and their characteristics, the origin of the oceans, currents, tides, waves, life in the oceans, and the effects of the oceans on the environment.
320-BXS-03	Urban Geography	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to some of the major problems caused by urbanization: pollution, urban sprawl, crime, transportation overload, waste disposal difficulties, overcrowding, etc. Using appropriate research methodologies, students are required to produce a paper demonstrating their understanding of an urban geographic problem.
History
330-BXS-03	20th Century History	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will focus on the Western world and its former colonies and later areas of influence in the 20th century, with special emphasis on how ideology, technology and warfare shaped global events in this period of history. The course will explore the rise of a more aggressive Western imperialism in the late 19th century and how this contributed to the First World War. It will then analyze the disruptions caused by this conflict, how they contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War, and how this last then paved the way for the Cold War, decolonization and nationalist movements. These events and developments will be examined using various historical sources. Different historical methods will also be introduced.
330-BXS-03	20th Century History: "Snapshots of the Twentieth Century"	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Snapshots capture a moment in time. However, they may also disclose issues of an era. Imagine 2 snapshots that convey the following question: from horseback to jetpack - how was this possible in only 100 years? In our course, we might answer this question by concluding that the 20th century was a time of challenge, change, and discontinuity. Yet we will find that there was continuity, that not everything changed abruptly. One of the earliest moments that we will examine is the opening of the Cathedral of Consumption (London 1845). Other 20th century snapshots will include films of World War I pilots; surrealist paintings (post World War I); the Declaration of Human Rights (1948); Brit music, Japanese electronics, and youth culture (1960s); photos of breaching the Berlin Wall (1989); and graphs and maps capturing environmental information (late 20th century). We will traverse key topics in 20th century history, and students will analyze issues using social scientific approaches.
330-BXS-03	20th Century History: War and Conflict	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will focus on the Western world and its former colonies and later areas of influence in the 20th century, with special emphasis on how ideology, technology and warfare shaped global events in this period of history. The course will explore the rise of a more aggressive Western imperialism in the late 19th century and how this contributed to the First World War. It will then analyze the disruptions caused by this conflict, how they contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War, and how this last then paved the way for the Cold War, decolonization and nationalist movements. These events and developments will be examined using various historical sources. Different historical methods will also be introduced.
330-BXS-03	History of Canada	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course examines the political, economic and socio-cultural changes in Canada from European settlement to the present day. Particular emphasis will be placed on some of the following themes: Native Canadians and their inter-actions with Europeans up to the present; the growth of conflicting nationalism within Canada and Quebec and the interrelationships between Canada, France, Great Britian and the United States; the evolution of ethnic communities and Canadian immigration policy; and the changing roles of women and the family throughout Canadian history.
330-BXS-03	History of the 20th Century	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The 20th century has been the most turbulent in human history, witnessing wars, revolutions, ethnic conflicts, environmental disasters, and dramatic changes in the lives of almost all groups throughout the world. This course will focus on such themes as nationalism, imperialism, racism, anti-Semitism, Communism and fascism; World War I and the rise of totalitarian regimes; World War II and the Holocaust; the Cold War and the collapse of Communism; and the spread of religious fundamentalism and terrorism.
330-BXS-03	Quebec History	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will survey the political, social and economic development of Quebec since the establishment of New France, with the major emphasis on the period since Confederation. The rise of nationalism will be examined, as well as the roles played by the English and later immigrants. The course will also focus on such themes as industrialism, rebellion, the effect of war on civilian society, the results of foreign conquests, interaction with native peoples, and the clash among ethnic and cultural groups.
330-BXS-03	Third-World History	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will study the political, economic, religious and social changes in selected Third World societies in Asia, Africa and Latin America during the past 500 years. Special attention will be devoted to the responses of these societies to Western imperialism and cultural influences. The post independence problems of neo-colonialism, political and economic instability, ethnic conflicts, and rapid social and cultural changes will also be discussed.
330-BXS-03	Tolstoy's War and Peace	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course is part of a Reflections seminar (that pairs with a Humanities course) and will use Tolstoy’s War and Peace for a historical analysis of Russia’s society and economy. Students will be required to read Tolstoy’s epic novel in its entirety. Some key historical concepts include culture, religion, language, gender, class, ethnicity, nationalism, and militarism. To study this work, methods will include (but not be limited to): data analysis, textual analysis, historical-analytical comparisons, cultural production, performance, and cross-cultural analysis. This course is a complementary course that requires students to analyse one of the major problems of our time using one or more social scientific approaches. This competency comprises the following elements: 1. to formulate a problem using one or more social scientific approaches; 2. to deal with an issue using one or more social scientific approaches; 3. to draw conclusions.
330-BXS-03	United States History	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will investigate the colonial heritage of the United States, the American Revolution and the early days of the American Republic. It will then examine the territorial and economic expansion of the country, the issue of race relations from slavery through to the modern civil rights movement. It will also discuss the expansion of capitalism, the redefinition of the role of government as a result of the Great Depression and American foreign relations.
Psychology
350-BXS-03	Childhood	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Students in this course examine issues such as the effects of child abuse and TV violence, nutrition and development, and genetics and development – issues commonly encountered in the social service field. They are also introduced to various research methods used to study human development.
350-BXS-03	Developmental Psychology	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: As well as introducing developmental psychology, this course allows the student to address a contemporary problem in developmental psychology and draw conclusions after a systematic consideration of pertinent data, research methods and historical context. Emphasis is placed on the transactional relationship between the individual and his/her environment.
350-BXS-03	Human Development I: Child Psychology	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: In this course, students analyze contemporary problems in child development (e.g. TV violence and its effects on development). Particular attention is devoted to research methods used to study human development: their strengths, weaknesses and application.
350-BXS-03	Individual Development	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course focuses on contemporary problems in individual development (e.g. violence in society, conflict resolution). Theoretical and practical approaches to these problems are also discussed. Students formulate their own theories of personality, drawing on the different theories discussed in class.
350-BXS-03	Interaction and Communication (EARLY INTENSIVE)	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Interactions and Communication is designed to allow students to examine the principles and methods of effective interpersonal communication. We study, among other things, verbal and nonverbal communication, people perceptions, interpersonal relationships, and effective conflict resolution, strategies. Students experience activities in small groups that allow and encourage them to assimilate and apply new concepts and strategies to life situations.
350-BXS-03	Interaction and Communication (INTENSIVE)	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Interactions and Communication is designed to allow students to examine problems of communication in our life. To this effect, principles and methods of interpersonal communication will be analyzed. We study, among other things, verbal and nonverbal communication, people perceptions, interpersonal relationships, and effective conflict resolution strategies. Students experience activities in small groups that allow them to identify real life communication issues plus develop and implement effective strategies that can improve communication in the different spheres of life.
350-BXS-03	Interactions and Communications	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Interactions and Communication is designed to allow students to examine the principles and methods of effective interpersonal communication. Along with lectures, students experience activities in small groups that allow and encourage them to assimilate and apply new concepts and strategies to life situations. Application of concepts will be done in exam, homework exercises, classroom exercises, presentation and term paper. Strategies will be applied in classroom exercises, term paper and presentation. Links will be worked in all components of the course.
350-BXS-03	Interactions and Communications	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course encourages students to explore their own interpersonal communication skills as well as alternatives to these skills. Through written projects, oral presentations and role play activities, students will analyze specific problems related to communication (e.g. racism or prejudice) in order to better understand interpersonal communications in contemporary society. Class discussions will focus on: conflict resolution; verbal and non-verbal communication; characteristics of functional and dysfunctional relationships; and obstacles to, and methods for improving, effective communication.
350-BXS-03	Interactions and Communications	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to psychological concepts and research methods, and involves analysis of a problem found in the contemporary workplace. Contemporary problems such as poor morale, ineffective communication etc. could also be explored.
350-BXS-03	Psychology in Business and Industry	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Through written assignments and oral presentations, students in this course will analyze problems associated with the contemporary workplace (e.g. changes associated with new technologies). Specific attention is given to theoretical models, research methods and elements of communication.
350-BXS-03	Psychology of Mental Health	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Through written projects and oral presentations, students examine contemporary issues in mental health. These might include methodological, diagnostic and ethical difficulties and treatments for various disorders as well as the relativity of mental health. Students learn to consider pertinent data, experimental and survey methods, and appropriate assessment criteria before drawing conclusions about a problem.
Religion
370-BXS-03	Contemporary Social Concerns	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Using one of the approaches of the social sciences, students in this course will analyze a contemporary social problem from an ethical religious standpoint. Among the moral perspectives to be studied are the deontological, utilitarian and existential perspectives.
370-BXS-03	Contemporary Social Concerns: Sex, Gender and Religion	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course explores the relationships between religion, sexuality, and gender. We will examine attitudes towards sexuality within different religions, and see how these attitudes form the basis for gender roles that, once entrenched, are very difficult to change.
370-BXS-03	Religious Cults and Sects	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course examines the reasons why young people turn to unconventional spirituality; in particular, areas of conflict between church and state, and communal and spiritual family patterns will be studied. Sociological and psychological theories concerning the “cult” phenomenon are discussed, as are the history, beliefs and rituals of seven new religions.
370-BXS-03	Religious Cults and Sects	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course explores the origins, beliefs, rituals, and social organization of some of the new religious movements that contribute to the religious landscape in North America. The disciplinary approaches employed to examine this controversial topic will include sociological, historical and psychological approaches to the study of new religious movements. Amongst the topics to be covered are theories of conversion, the “brainwashing”/deprogramming controversy, charismatic authority and the ritual process within these movements. The controversial status of the Scientology, the Wiccan and the Raelian movements will be analysed, as well their relationships with their host societies.
Anthropology
381-BXS-DW	Evolution of Humans	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: The purpose of this course is to thoroughly analyze the anthropological approach as it relates to the contemporary theme of human evolution. The course content will consist of placing current and critical debates around human evolution in the context of what anthropology knows about our origins. We will also demonstrate key findings and their implications for contemporary research and ethics as to our place amongst other animals. Film, news and other media as well as fossil skull, skeletons and stone tools will help us to understand who we are and were.
Economics
383-BXS-03	Personal Finance and Consumer Economics	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Given that being in debt is fairly common in our world, this course provides a useful introduction to consumer credit and personal finance. Class discussions focus on the growth of consumer credit, and its distribution, sources and methods of financing, effective money management and low-cost borrowing.
Poli. Sci.
385-BXS-03	Canadian Politics	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This is an introductory course in the field of Canadian government and politics with particular attention given to the particularities of Quebec within the Canadian political system. The course deals with the political values of Canadians, the role of the constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the functioning of the federal system, the process of parliamentary government, elections, political parties and interest groups.
385-BXS-03	City Politics	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: In this course, students examine how the political process operates locally to deal with problems in our cities such as rising crime, increased poverty, deteriorating municipal services and urban sprawl. Students study how elections are organized in our cities, how government is structured and financed, and how services are delivered. They will examine election data, conduct field research and study documents to understand the role of municipal governments in shaping our lives.
385-BXS-03	Developing Countries	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course examines the historical, social, economic and political foundations of the relations between Northern Hemispheric and Southern Hemispheric countries (North- South relations). The internal structures and functions of the political systems of Third World countries will be examined, as well as the role superpowers, the military, nationalism and imperialism have in shaping the internal politics of these states. Strategies for social and economic development will be studied as will the alliances and coalitions of Third World countries in confronting developing countries.
385-BXS-03	Politics and Ethnicity	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: Ethnic diversity is an important feature of the social make-up of most countries around the world. Whether successful or problematic, this form of pluralism has a significant impact on politics, both internally and internationally. The purpose of this course is to examine the nature and scope of ethnic diversity as well as its political dimension in a given country (e.g. the former Yugoslavia).
Sociology
387-BXS-03	Sociology of Health and Illness	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: In this course students examine the changing role and structure of medicine and medical care from a sociological perspective. They will be introduced to the main elements of the sociological perspective and to major sociological viewpoints. They will also explore the controversies surrounding ongoing changes in cultural and social structural responses to ill health.
387-BXS-03	Sociology of Institutions	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course introduces students to fundamental elements of the sociological perspective and exposes them to major sociological viewpoints to facilitate an understanding of the institutions that shape social life. Each section of the course focuses on a specific social institution (e.g. education or religion). Class activities will include lectures, discussions and group presentations. Students must complete a research paper analyzing the sociological dimensions of a controversy concerning a particular institution.
387-BXS-03	Sociology of Quebec Society	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: In this course, students study the evolution of Quebec as a society and changes to its role in Canada. Students are introduced to fundamental elements of the sociological perspective and to major sociological viewpoints. They will use sociological data to deepen their understanding of the history, culture and social structure of Quebec and of conflicting interpretations of ongoing changes in its composition, structure and role.
387-BXS-03	Sociology of Work	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: In this course, the changing role and structure of work is examined from a sociological perspective. The fundamental elements of the sociological perspective are introduced, as are major sociological viewpoints. Students will be taught to use sociological data to deepen their understanding of work and of the controversies surrounding changes to its role and structure.
Social Service
388-BXS-DW	The Role of Alcohol in Society	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This course will help you to develop an understanding of the role that alcohol plays in our society. You will learn about alcohol and addiction from a social work perspective as it affects individuals, families, communities, and our society as a whole. This course will provide you with a theoretical foundation in the field of addiction. It will also explore current social science research and practice within the field.
Business Administrat
401-BXS-03	Entrepreneurship	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This is a complementary course in social sciences developed to prepare students for the complexities of starting and managing a small business. The focus of the course will be the practical aspects of entrepreneurship by showing students how to develop an effective as well as realistic business plan that would greatly increase the probability of success.
401-BXS-03	Starting a Small Business	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This complementary course will prepare students for the complexities of starting and managing a small business. The focus of the course will be the practical aspects of entrepreneurship by showing students how to develop an effective as well as realistic business plan that would greatly increase the probability of success.
401-BXS-03	Starting a Small Business: Entrepreneurship	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This is a complementary course developed to prepare students for the complexities of starting and managing a small business. The focus of the course will be the practical aspects of entrepreneurship by showing students how to develop an effective as well as realistic business plan that would greatly increase the probability of success.
401-BXS-03	Starting a Small Business: Entrepreneurship	3 - 0 - 3	45
Description: This is a complementary course in Social Sciences developed to prepare students for the complexities of starting and managing a small business. The focus of the course will be the practical aspects of entrepreneurship by showing students how to develop an effective as well as realistic business plan that would greatly increase the probability of success.
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Last Modified: July 28, 2014