Course Descriptions

ANTH 112 (3) (Spring semester 2014)
Introductory Anthropology: Sociocultural Anthropology
A cross-cultural approach to sociocultural anthropology, involving both simple and complex societies. Topics include the relationship between anthropology and the philosophy of science, cultural ecology, systems of government, supernatural beliefs and practices, marriage and the family, law and social control, economy, age and gender, art and aesthetics, technology, and the dynamics of cultural change.
Instructor:Liz Webster
Prerequisite: None
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CREW 120 (3) (Fall semester 2013)
Introduction to Writing Fiction
An introduction to the basic structures and approaches in the writing of fiction. Analysis and discussion of professional work will form and develop guidelines for effective criticism and revision of student writing.
Delivered by video conference - limited enrolment - please register early.
Instructor:Jay Ruzesky
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Min. "C+" in either English 12 or ENGL 115
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CRIM 135 level course (3) (Spring semester 2014)*
Intro to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions: A Criminal Justice Perspective
An introduction to the principles of jurisprudence and the legal institutions of Canada. Topics include the history of Canadian law, the development of the Canadian constitution, Canadian courts and the legal profession, the nature of legal reasoning, the doctrine of precedent, principles of statutory interpretation, constitutional law, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, contract, torts, administrative and family law, and the process of law reform in Canada.
*Note: Start date is February 2014 to accommodate dual-credit students.
Instructor: Michael Thoms
Prerequisite: Min “C” in English 12 or equivalent.
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CRIM 200 (3) (Fall semester 2013)
Aboriginal Issues in the Canadian Criminal Justice
System
A survey of contemporary topics as they pertain to Native issues in the Canadian criminal justice system. This includes historical linkages to Native justice issues today, public perceptions of Natives and crime, government inquiries into miscarriages of justice, traditional systems of social control, the criminal law, developments in Native policing, aboriginal courtworkers, the
over-representation of Natives in corrections, and possibilities through self government. Focuses on historical, sociological and cultural perspectives as they pertain to aboriginal peoples, deviance, crime and social control.
A mandatory field trip to visit Guthrie House in Nanaimo is part of the course curriculum.
Instructor: Michael Thoms
Prerequisite: Min “C” in English 12 or equivalent.
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ENGL 115 (3) (Fall semester 2013)
University Writing and Research
An introduction to critical thinking and reading, academic writing, and research skills, consistent with the conditions and expectations students encounter as readers and writers at university. Students are not permitted to register in more than one first-year English course concurrently.
Instructor: Zora Soprovich
Prerequisite: Min “C” in English 12 or equivalent.
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ENGL 125 (3) (Spring semester 2014)
Literature & Culture
An introduction to the concept of literary genres that explores the relation between literature and its historical and cultural contexts. This course emphasizes reading, research, and writing. Students are not permitted to register in more than one first-year English course concurrently.
Instructor: Zora Soprovich
Prerequisite: Min “C” in English 12 or equivalent.
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ENGL 221 (3) (Fall semester 2013)
North American Indigenous Literatures
An exploration of indigenous literatures that may range from oral traditions to contemporary writings and may focus on such topics as indigenous knowledge, relationship to the land, family and community, or decolonization. ENGL 221 was formerly called ENGL 213 and ENGL 214; credit will not be granted for both courses.
Delivered by video conference - limited enrolment - please register early.
Instructor: Sally Carpentier 
Prerequisite: Two semesters of first-year university English courses, with at least one literature course, and a minimum grade of "C" in both.
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GLST 211 (3) (Fall semester 2013)
Global Political and Economic Systems and Institutions
A survey of the various economic and political systems, and the international institutions that influence and shape people's actions in a global environment. Topics include the functions of UN-based bodies as well as other international political and economic treaty arrangements.
Instructor:TBA
Prerequisite: None
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LBST 210/310 (6) (Fall semester 2013)
Modern Culture’s Ancient Sources
An exploration of the modern legacy, in Western culture, of ancient Greek, Roman and Biblical poetry, drama, art, philosophy and science. In seminars students and faculty examine classical views of such topics as justice, human nature, war, love, sexuality, faith, and rationality. Contemporary texts may be read for comparison. Credit will only be granted for one of LBST 310 or LBST 210.
Delivered by video conference - limited enrolment - please register early.
Instructor: David Livingstone 
Prerequisite for 210: 2nd year standing
Prerequisite for 310: Either: second-year standing including course in Liberal Studies, Philosophy or English with a min.“B-; or third-year standing; or permission of instructor(s).
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LBST 320 (6) (Spring semester 2014)
Medieval and Renaissance Thought: Imagination, Reason, Faith
An exploration of the rich world of medieval and Renaissance thought and its modern legacy. In seminars students and faculty examine such topics as Dante's poetry, Machiavelli's politics, Hildegard's music, Galileo's science, Descartes' philosophy, and medieval Islamic writing. Contemporary texts may be read for comparison.
Delivered by video conference - limited enrolment - please register early.
Instructor: Mark Blackell 
Prerequisite: Either: second-year standing including course in Liberal Studies, Philosophy or English with a min.“B-; or third-year standing; or permission of instructor(s).
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PSYC 111 (3) (Fall semester 2013)
Contemporary Psychology 1
A survey of the current status of selected areas, emphasizing the scientific approach to the study of behaviour of humans and animals. Topics include physiology, sensation, perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, methodology, and introduction to statistics.
Instructor: Marie Piche
Prerequisite: None (Grade 12 English recommended)
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PSYC 112 (3) (Spring semester 2014)
Contemporary Psychology II
A survey of the current status of selected areas, emphasizing the scientific approach to the study of behaviour of humans and animals. Topics include development, language and thought, personality assessment, intelligence, personality theory, adjustment, abnormal behaviour, therapies, and social behaviour.
Instructor: Marie Piche
Prerequisite: None
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SOCI 111 (3) (Fall semester 2013)
Introduction to Sociology
An introduction to the sociological understanding of society and an exploration of how social conditions and historical context shape the life chances of individuals and groups. Topics include theoretical perspectives, culture, socialization, groups and organizations, social structure, social class, inequality, deviance and social control, gender, race and ethnicity.
Instructor: Michael Thoms
Prerequisite: None
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SOCI 112 (3) (Spring semester 2014)
Introduction to Sociology: Canadian Society in the Contemporary World
An introduction to the sociological understanding of society and an exploration of how social conditions and historical context shape the life chances of individuals and groups. Topics include theoretical perspectives, culture, socialization, groups and organizations, social structure, social class, inequality, deviance and social control, gender, race and ethnicity.
Instructor: Michael Thoms
Prerequisite: None
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