Course Offerings for 2017/18

This course invites students to consider pressing global issues as a project in interdisciplinarity. Students will develop skills for identifying theoretical frameworks, and synthesizing and integrating disciplinary perspectives. Key content may include gender inequality, access to education and healthcare, economic disparity, climate change and environmental degradation, the role of religion and faith, industrial and transnational food systems, the politics of Indigeneity and the persistence and impact of war. Topics will be examined in light of political, ideological and cultural influences aimed at sustaining, questioning, or overturning the status quo.

Fall 2017:

• Lecture: M 11:30–1:20p.m., Peter Farrugia
• Tutorial 1A: F 10-10:50a.m., Peter Farrugia

Provides students with an overview of the discipline of Indigenous Studies including the history, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Fall 2017; Winter 2018:

• BR1 (fall): TR 2:30-3:50p.m., Gary Warrick
• BR2 (fall): WF 11:30-12:50p.m., Lianne Leddy
• BR3 (winter): TR 5:30-6:50 p.m., TBA

This course examines human health and disease from antiquity to the present. Relevant studies in epidemiology, bioarchaeology, anthropology, and history will be used to build a long-term picture of trends in health and disease and the role of epidemic disease in the transformation of human societies on a global scale.

Winter 2018:

• TR 4:00-5:20 p.m., TBA

The popular image of Indigenous people has been shaped by anthropology and the wider academy. This course will explore the interaction between Indigenous peoples and anthropology and archaeology. The course offers a brief history of anthropology, followed by examination of such topics as indigeneity, Indigenous knowledge, cultural and intellectual property, museums, archaeology and repatriation, biological research, applied anthropology, ethics in anthropology, and community-based research. The value of anthropology to Indigenous people will be debated and discussed.

Winter 2018:

• TR 11:30-12:50p.m., Gary Warrick

This course is an introduction to the nature and limits of scientific knowledge. Students will learn how the scientific method works, and how it claims to discover objective truths about the world. However, several challenges have been raised against the idea that science is an objective, value-free inquiry that progresses towards the truth. Instead of discovering eternal truths, scientific activity may be merely constructing knowledge that is inescapably influenced by our time and place. Extra-scientific commitments, like politics, religion and money, play crucial roles in both constructing and justifying scientific theories. Students will learn the arguments on both sides of this debate about the rationality of science. The course assumes no previous knowledge of science. 

Winter 2018:

• WF 2:30-3:50p.m., Stephen Haller 

This course will examine the relationship of human society to the environment from a long-term historical perspective and investigate the impact of environmental change. Case studies from around the world will be featured, from pre-agricultural to modern times. 

Winter 2018:

• TR 11:30-12:50p.m., TBA

This course examines environment and sustainability themes related to the Grand River region, while working to highlight and understand how these both intersect, and are interdependent with, similar concerns elsewhere in the world. Students will acquire a level of knowledge of local and regional environment and sustainability issues, while recognizing and exploring their interconnectedness with social, political and cultural variables–from the Grand to the globe.

Fall 2017:

• TR 2:30-3:50 p.m., Robert Feagan

This course provides students with the theoretical building blocks to think critically about the powerful ways that information communication technologies are taken up in social, cultural and individual practices. By surveying key themes in the emerging landscape of digital and social media, this course highlights the privacy, commodification, and surveillance implications of participation in the new media political economy.

Fall 2017:

• M 11:30-2:20 p.m., Kenneth Werbin

This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of contemporary issues from a social science perspective that may incorporate psychological, sociological, historical and political science perspectives. The contribution that social science research can make to our understanding of contemporary issues; social science methodology; and the relationship between the social sciences and policy-making are discussed. Topics covered may include normality and abnormality, conflict, sexuality, interpersonal relationships, group behaviour, and the self and identity.

Fall 2017:

• TR 11:30-12:50p.m., TBA

An introduction to the social, philosophical and historical contexts in which we can understand the role that the contemporary media play in our lives. Specific topics may include the nature of writing for the media; media bias; the history and structure of mass media; changes in media technology; the media's coverage of scientific, cultural and economic issues; and issues of communication and cultural policy in Canada and a global world.

Fall 2017:

• WF 11:30-12:50p.m., TBA

Physical and cognitive changes can be part of the aging process. How we understand, describe and respond to these changes has evolved over recent generations. This course examines social understandings and ideologies in relation to the biological changes associated with aging.

Fall 2017:

• WF 2:30-3:50p.m, TBA

In this course, students will consider how they, and others, are positioned inside the broad matrix of economic globalization. Topics include the history of modern capitalism, the changing world of work, the rise of consumer society, the ‘knowledge economy’, the relationship of modern capitalism to national and global inequality, and how capitalism relates to changing experiences of gender, the family, the environment and democracy. Students will also consider challenges to economic globalization from labour, environmentalists, consumer activists, and a number of other social groups.

Fall 2017:

• TR 8:30-9:50a.m., Todd Gordon

A look at ancient Western classics which discusses their relevance to contemporary lives and ways of thinking; and their influence on modern and contemporary language, writing and thought. The continuing relevance or permanence of 'classical themes' will be discussed.

Fall 2017:

• MW 10:00-11:20a.m., Stephen Haller

This course analyzes past and current struggles over the meaning and practice of democracy. It compares official and critical perspectives on what ‘rule by the people’ should look like, and encourages students to reflect upon their own role in a system based upon the principle of popular power. The course examines ongoing struggles over what aspects of life should be democratically controlled, and engages debates about core concepts such as freedom, equality, citizenship, representation, government, and the economy.

Fall 2017; Winter 2018:

• BR1 (fall): TR 10:00–11:20a.m., James Cairns 
• BR2 (winter): WF 10:00-11:20a.m., James Cairns

Focusing primarily on civil and political rights, this course introduces students to the idea and origins of human rights, the institutions that have been designed to protect them, and contemporary controversies surrounding them. Case studies and examples of violations will be addressed as appropriate.

Fall 2017; Winter 2018:

• BR1 (fall): TR 2:30-3:50p.m., Robert Ame
• BR2 (winter): R 4:00-6:50p.m., TBA

Students will explore the major theories and methods that characterize the study of representation and the production of meaning through signs and symbols. Different forms of popular culture will be discussed as illustrations of the production of meaning. Possible topics for discussion include music videos, movies, new media, sports, dance, food, community festivals and fashion.

Fall 2017:

• TR 4:00-5:20p.m., TBA

What is Canada? How has “the Canadian nation” been represented, and on what grounds have dominant representations been challenged? This course addresses these and other questions about the role of culture in producing and challenging a range of identities in Canada. Topics might include: expressions of Canada in literature, art, sport, and school curricula; the role of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation; debates over Canadian multiculturalism, class inequality and gender discrimination; struggles for Aboriginal nationhood and Québec sovereignty; differences between Canadian and American culture; and perceptions of Canada globally.

Fall 2017; Winter 2018:

• BR1 (fall) T 7:00-9:50p.m., TBA
• BR2 (winter) WF 11:30-12:50p.m., Ian MacRae

Global climate change has influenced the course of human history. Climate change will continue to affect the future in profound ways. This course provides an overview of the complexity of climate change, with a special emphasis on the role of humans in climate change, the impacts of climate change on societies, and the ability of humans to alter the course of climate change.

Winter 2018:

• WF 8:30-9:50a.m., Brenda Murphy

This course will discuss mainstream and alternative economic theories concerning their various concepts of economic justice, markets, wages, profits, efficiency and economic crises. We will pay particular attention to the role of class in these various economic theories, and the potential for government action to enhance economic justice. Students will apply these economic theories to the analysis of current debates in a variety of fields such as legal studies, journalism, and human rights.

Fall 2017:

• TR 1:00-2:50 p.m., TBA

The term ‘globalization’ is often associated with the idea of a ‘shrinking world’ as regional cultures, languages, values, and people come into increasing contact through advances in technology and mobility. These exchanges can be a source of transformation, innovation, collaboration and conflict. This course helps students gain an understanding of the terminology, trends and challenges of globalization while also looking at the effects of this development on a variety of culturally-informed spheres such as language, food, religion, popular culture, gender roles, education, art, sports, fashion, politics, health care and others.

Fall 2017:

• F 8:30-11:20a.m., Edward Shizha

This course examines a range of media and products developed for and marketed to children. Students will analyze texts such as television shows, video games, movies, books and toys, in relation to theories about media and children's culture.

Fall 2017; Winter 2018

• BR1 (fall): M 11:30-2:20p.m., Susan Ferguson
• BR2 (fall): W 8:30-11:20a.m., TBA
• BR3 (winter): M 8:30-11:20a.m., TBA

Contemporary society is a complex network of relations among racial and ethnic groups and other minorities that occupy unequal economic, political and social positions in Canadian society and the world over. This course will examine how these relations are constantly negotiated and renegotiated. It will also consider efforts to advance equality and overcome social exclusion. 

Winter 2018:

• T 4:00-6:50p.m., Edward Shizha 

This course will explore how gender shapes our lives and the world around us. Using theories of gender we will examine topics such as: social constructions of masculinity and femininity, the connections between gender and sexuality, and links between gender, the media and popular culture. This approach enables us to view gender as much more than a simple biological difference. As part of this examination we will look at how factors such as race/ethnicity, class, age, and ability intersect with gendered identities.

Winter 2018:

• TR 8:30-9:50a.m., TBA

This two-semester full-credit (1.0) course explores the concept of ‘community’ both in class, and via a community service-learning experience (CSL). Students work individually and/or in teams with their selected community organization for a significant part of the year, with initial class time spent on preparation for this internship, and the final month of the year back in class devoted to sharing this experience with the other students. Assessment is focused on the student service-learning experience, and on the related in-class efforts around CSL which have both written and oral components.

Fall-Winter 2017/18:

• M 7:00-9:50p.m., Robert Feagan

This course will explore the phenomenon of humour, combining the insights of psychology, philosophy, history and literary studies among other disciplines with a view to better understanding how and why we laugh. Some of the questions that will be examined in this course include whether there is an evolutionary purpose to humour? How does humour reflect culture? How can humour be used to bring about social change? And are there certain topics about which one should never joke? 

Fall 2017:

• WF 8:30-9:50a.m., Peter Farrugia 

Canada’s North occupies about half of the country’s landmass and two-thirds of its coastline, yet remains little-known to most Canadians. In this course we learn about the High Arctic and about the people who live there, by highlighting Inuit perspectives and other multidisciplinary understandings of this increasingly important and rapidly changing archipelago. In the context of a warming world, we draw ideas from across the humanities, social sciences and environmental studies and use films, oral histories, and other texts which over time and across cultures have come to represent the Canadian Arctic. 

Fall 2017:

• F 8:30-11:20a.m., Ian MacRae

This capstone course requires students conduct an interdisciplinary environmental and/or sustainability study in a seminar setting. The themes examined can be diverse though the project will ideally be focused on a local-level environmental and/or sustainability issue. A community service-learning approach is an option in this course.

Fall 2017:

• R 7:00-9:50p.m., TBA

A one semester study of a special topic of relevance to the Environment and Sustainability area of focus in the Society, Culture, and Environment program. Different topics will be featured. 

Fall 2017:

• BR1 - TR 1:00-2:20p.m., Nick Garside "Sustaining What? Environmentalism in the Age of the Anthropocene" This class examines how environmentalists have or have not adapted to the realization that we have moved into a new geological epoch known as the Anthropocene.  We will begin by exploring questions such as: What exactly is the Anthropocene?; is embracing the concept of the Anthropocene a good idea?; and what kinds of responsibilities are attached to the realization that humans have become a geological force capable of affecting all life on the planet?  We will then move on to more action focused questions such as: What might a passionate ecological citizen do to resist the dominant consequences attached to the condition(s) of the Anthropocene; and how might the environmental movement situate itself in relation to the concept of the Anthropocene?   A key focus of the second half of the course will be exploring the role environmentalists can play as props or critics of the Anthropocene era/concept.​​

• BR2 - W 7:00-9:50p.m., Bryce Gunson "Facility Siting - Confrontations and Response" This course examines the problem of siting risk-generating facilities and locally unwated land uses (drug treatment centres, power plants, waste management facilities, wind farms, industrial farming operations). It outlines the processes and practices of facility siting and assesses the risks and benefits that these facilities impose on community residents. Cases of community conflict over these contentious developments will be reviewed, with a focus on understanding the underlying causes and potential solutions.

This course focuses on multiple dimensions of environmental justice including justice as distribution, process, recognition and inter-generational concerns. Canadian and international examples could include the siting of unwanted facilities, climate change, the distribution of green space and vulnerability to disasters. Active student participation in class discussions and activities will be a key component of this course. 

Fall 2017:

• W 11:30-2:20p.m., Brenda Murphy 

This course aims to engage students in critical and creative dialogues with contemporary youth cultures. The interplay between social control and resistance in youth cultures will be a key focus. Topics may include youth marketing, theories of subcultures, queer youth, intergenerational dialogues, homelessness and grassroots activism.

Fall 2017; Winter 2018:

• BR1 (fall): F 8:30-11:20a.m., TBA
• BR2 (winter): R 11:30-2:20p.m., Edward Shiza 
• BR3 (winter): F 11:30-2:20p.m., Lisa Wood 

This course will provide an overview of the rise of the city and explore urban life from a variety of perspectives. Topics to be discussed may include the factors contributing to urbanization, utopian ideals of city design, the environmental impact of cities, urban architecture, the enduring importance of neighbourhoods, the battle over public space, brownfields and the city in literature and film.

Fall 2017:

• T 7:00-9:50p.m., TBA

This course will apply the theoretical tools acquired in the social structures stream to examine contemporary economic and political struggles. The course pays specific attention to the concept of ‘class’ and its role in the relationship between democracy and capitalism. We will use this analysis to explore present day clashes over economic and political issues such as austerity policies instituted in the wake of global economic crises, economic and social inequality, environmental sustainability, anti-capitalist protest movements, and youth unemployment/underemployment. Students will be encouraged to analyze connections between these broad social trends and events in their own lives.

Winter 2018:

• W 8:30-11:20a.m., TBA

This course examines the developments behind two longstanding but ever-changing concepts: Jus ad Bellum (the Just War) and Jus in Bello (Justice in War). The study of Jus ad Bellum requires thinking about under what circumstances it is permissible to fight, and how that concept has been changed by modern concepts such as the War on Terror and the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P). The study of Jus in Bello requires thinking about what actions are permissible on the modern battlefield, how the interaction of military and non-military personnel in moderns conflicts (including media and aid workers) have changed the understood dynamics, and whether it is possible to fight an ethical guerrilla war. Above all else, this course requires thought about the position of morals and ethics regarding war, from absolute opposition to unqualified support.

Fall 2017:

• T 4:00-6:50p.m., TBA

Fall 2017:

• TR 10:00-11:20a.m., Stephen Haller

This course critically examines popular representations of the millennial generation. It uses political, economic, and cultural data to determine whether there's truth in the common-sense wisdom portraying members of Generation Y (18 to 35-year-olds) as being uniquely entitled, narcissistic, lazy, and coddled. By contrast, Gen Y has also been called Generation Screwed. On this view, millennials have it harder than previous generations because they face a harsh job market, growing student debt, and a mounting environmental crisis. This courses assesses these contending perspectives on the millennial generation, and uses them to ask broader questions about what we mean by the very concept of entitlement. How do "normal" levels of deservingness get established in the first place, and why have they changed at different points in history? As you prepare for lives as workers and community members beyond graduation, the course encourages you to reflect on the question: Who should be entitled to what resources, and who should be entitled to feel what?

Fall 2017:

• T 4:00-6:50p.m., James Cairns

Fall 2017:

• WF 2:30-3:50p.m., Charles Wells 

As the world becomes more interconnected and interdependent, various challenges arise for education at all levels. In this seminar students will examine the problems globalization presents for education. Highlighting the cultural dynamics in global education, the course will seek to address them through human rights and global citizenship theories.

Fall 2017:

• W 4:00-6:50p.m., Chad Hillier