General Education Course Descriptions

NOTE: Not all courses are offered in all Timeblocks. As well, some programs may have restrictions imposed on General Education courses which closely match the content of their Diploma or Certificate program courses.

            This list does not include program specific mandated general education courses.

CULT10001G – The Impact of Culture on the Canadian Workplace

In this course, students investigate personal, Canadian and organizational culture and the ways in which these manifest themselves generally and specifically in occupations and related workplaces. Newcomers to Canadian workplaces examine the impact that language and behaviour have on their ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, managers and clients. Students reflect on their own values, communication styles and workplace behaviours in order to develop and refine their ability to demonstrate appropriate workplace behaviours in a variety of situations such as meetings, performance reviews and daily workplace interactions. In addition, students review Canadian human rights legislation and its impact on workplace behaviour. They learn the expectations (often unwritten) and acquire the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their own behaviour in the workplace.

CULT10025G – The Culture of Photography

In this course students develop and gain an artistic understanding and appreciation of the culture of photography. Students focus on the evolution and history of the medium with special emphasis on the creative aspects of photography. Students learn the fundamental visual
elements of photography and interpret a variety of visual representations and documentary photography. Through interactive lectures, discussion, image projections, websites, films, gallery visitations, and hands-on projects, students develop a sense of aesthetic appreciation of photography. Students demonstrate their learning by designing and creating three image production projects.

CULT10102G – Identity, Status, Power: Issues In Social Media

In this online distance education course, students learn how social media has transformed how they see themselves, how they interact with others, how they work, and how they play. Students explore themes of identity, status and power and issues that arise from them. They participate in and reflect on the culture of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

CULT14579G – Intro to Spanish Culture

This course is designed to introduce students to one of the world's richest cultures, through an investigation of important geographic, historical, economic and cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries. Through in-class and research activities, students examine similarities and differences among these countries, and acquire greater insight into the variations that exist in Spanish culture to expand the student's understanding. The course provides opportunities to develop the broader understanding necessary for effective intercultural interaction.

CULT14857G – Exploring our Global Village

In this course, students learn to see beyond their culture, community and themselves. Students examine the world, starting from the local community within which we live and connect that community globally. They explore the "global village," where private sector decisions often have a public sector impact both nationally and internationally. Students preparing for travel and/or for work in diverse communities will be challenged to think critically about privilege and power and to foster a critical analysis of local and global conditions.

CULT15738G – Multicultural Voices: Canadian Immigrant Writers **(DE)

This online distance education course focuses on the writing of migrants to Canada. Students consider how migrants have constructed their identities in the hyphenated space between the culture of their homeland and their new country of settlement. Through online course materials, discussions and written assignments, students examine changes in Canadian migration trends and policies which have given rise to diverse voices from outside the literary mainstream. Students demonstrate their learning by researching and posting a presentation on a writer who has migrated to Canada, writing journal responses on the work of select authors and analyzing the story of their family's migration to Canada. This is a web-based course offered online, using WebCT. To take this course, students will need reliable access to the Internet. They should have a basic level of comfort using computers as well as self-discipline to work online.

CULT15892G – Introduction to Japanese Culture

This course is designed to introduce students to key cultural, historical, geographical and economic issues about Japan. Students have opportunities to discuss and reflect on intercultural and cross-cultural differences among diverse societies. Through interactive lectures, independent research, in-class activities, video and group-led discussions, students develop their communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills.

CULT18378G - International Protocol

This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop strategies for interacting successfully on an international or global level, with specific attention to the protocols involved in other cultures.

CULT19815G – Living & Working in a Diverse Society

This course has been designed to provide an overview of the increasingly diverse nature of Canadian society. Gender, race, ethnicity and culture affect us all personally, from how we see others and ourselves to how the institutions in our society operate. Students will develop an understanding of and skills necessary for daily interactions when living and working in a diverse Canadian society.

HEAL13271G – Wellness & Healthy Living

This course is a cross-college general education elective course that will be of interest to students concerned about their own personal health and well-being as well as those intending to pursue a career in health-related or care-giving fields. A second theme includes the limitations of Western style medicine and health care delivery and the increasing integration of conventional medicine with alternative or complementary medicine.

HEAL13428G – Health Awareness

This course provides students with opportunities to research and analyze health-related issues, and make informed decisions about personal wellness. Students are engaged in learning activities that assist them in assessing current health status and planning for, and making changes to, improve personal health. Topics include: weight control and fitness; nutrition, effective food choices and dieting; skin cancer and its prevention; herbal medicines; musclebuilding supplements and nutritional supplements; over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs; sexuality; workplace hazards; cosmetic surgery; and the economic and medical implications of certain personal decisions. Students will be involved in a series of activities that include interactive lecture, discussion, presentation, primary and secondary research and writing.

HIST19936G - Canada in the Making: Understanding Canadian History

In this course, students explore the social, political, cultural and military tapestry that forms the basis of the Canadian multicultural society today.  This course covers Canadian history from the Fur Trade to the Spage Age, focusing on the complexities of Canadian society in a historical context.

HUMN11306G -  Changing Concepts of Sexuality

This course is designed to provide an overview of the study of human sexuality, focusing on historical perspective, cultural diversity and socialization.  Topics include analysis of sociological, psychological and physiological viewpoints of sexuality.

HUMN11713G – Perspectives on World Issues

Boundaries between local, national and international issues have become increasingly blurred in the age of globalization. Issues such as trade inequities, environmental protection, climate change, the scarcity of resources, poverty and the rise of 'tribalism' and religious
fundamentalism transcend national borders. How do we reconcile principles such as sustainable growth, human rights and democracy with the demands of industry, global financial institutions, and the market system as a whole? This discussion-based course will provide you with an overview of the key issues that affect you, your community, Canada, and the world.

HUMN13333G – Truth & Perception in the Middle East

In this course, students acquire foundational knowledge about the most salient issues in the Middle East from World War I to the present. Topics include an overview of the main events, players, movements, and groups who have had a pivotal influence or effect on the region over the past century. In addition, students have opportunities to critically analyze various news items and topics under discussion. Through lectures, video presentations, group work and debates, students will learn the different approaches and contexts related to current issues in the Middle East.

HUMN13921 – Leadership in Action: Engaging the Student Leader

Students gain a theoretical and applied understanding of leadership, peer mentoring, and collaborative learning in the context of higher education. Utilizing project management skills, students develop leadership projects in areas of service to the Sheridan community.

HUMN15738G - Canadian Studies:  Representing the Northern Experience

This course is designed to examine representations of the northern experience in Canadian literature, art, film and news archives.  Students consider the concepts of 'Canadian Identity' and 'North' to contemplate how these are shaped by shifting attitudes toward language, gender, race and history.

HUMN16693G – Human Relations: The Interpersonal Experience

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to principles and theories related to interpersonal communication. It takes an interdisciplinary approach that draws on principles of psychology, sociology, philosophy, and communications theory. This approach is based on the assumption that effective interpersonal communication is closely related to matters of personal growth and development. Topics include verbal and non-verbal communication processes, listening, perception, personality, motivation, leadership, defensiveness, conflict, stress, culture and gender. As well as examining theoretical principles, students are encouraged to reflect upon their communication needs, strengths and weaknesses by completing self-diagnostic exercises. Students are provided with opportunities to develop and enhance their personal and professional communications skills. Learning through the use of Interactive Lectures, Audio and Video Clips, Demonstrations, Role Plays, Individual and Group Activities, Presentations, Discussions, and Guest speakers.

HUMN16859G – Living with the Undead: The Construction of the Vampire in Western Culture

This course introduces students to the vampire in myth, literature and film, and examines the ways in which the figure of the vampire has been continuously reshaped by Western society to reflect changing sexual and social values. Through interactive lecture, discussions, seminars and written assignments, students examine and analyze a variety of vampyric characters and track the changing physical and social face of the vampire through 150 years of history.

HUMN18448G – Fantasy and Fairy Tale

In this course, students investigate why fairy tales to which people are exposed as children are retained with such clarity even into adulthood. They examine the history and legacy of stories that have descended from anonymous oral tradition in multiple versions that span cultures. Students also examine original fairy tales written from as early as the second century to contemporary times, in the spirit of the tradition in which they were created. Through interactive lecture, discussion, films, seminars, and written assignments, students assess the interpretations of these magical stories, and draw conclusions about the beliefs, behaviours, and values they reinforce.

HUMN18888G – Aging Matters in a Changing Society: Who’s Aging Now **(DE)

In this course, students explore the issues related to aging in a changing society. Their study focuses on demographic, institutional and maturational changes related to aging. In addition, students investigate matters of importance to older adults and their families, including self image, health care, housing and design, transportation, leisure and recreation. Students learn online through textbook reading, research and case studies, as well as assigned discussions, online chats, electronic games, and other activities.

LITT11234G - The Graphic Novel

In this hybrid course, students investigate the graphic novel in the 20th Century. They consider its history, and explore how graphic novels reflect and represent social, political and popular cultures. Course themes include the construction of the hero in the Twentieth Century, revolution and political instability, and social change.

LITT14310G – Personal Journeys: Life Writing **(DE)

Whatever we call the form--Life Writing, memoir, personal narrative, journal, diary--telling stories about one's own life is a powerful human need. This distance-education course is designed to examine different forms of life writing. Students consider essential elements of personal narrative to investigate how these elements shape and are shaped by the social and cultural context of the times. Students research issues in life writing and investigate trends by researching and using new media such as web blogs and podcasts to explore contemporary life writing. Through e-learning such as lectures, online discussions, and written assignments, students read, analyze and compare different forms of personal narrative. Students demonstrate their learning by researching and writing responses to the material; creating and analyzing a personal memoir; writing quizzes; and developing a group PowerPoint presentation on a selected memoir and its author.

LITT15436G - Following Clues - Detective Fictions in Film and Literature

This course focuses on detective fictions in film and literature.  Students identify the characteristics of detective genre and compare the personalities, strengths and idiosyncrasies of a variety of male and female sleuths and the means by which they solve cases.

LITT16367G - Pleasure and Perception:  An Introduction to the Elements of Poetry

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of poetry, including variations such as pop music lyrics and dub poetry.  Topics include poetic elements, forms of poetry and interpreting poems.  Through interactive lecture, discussion and assignments, students examine poetic achievements and the role that poetry plays in enhancing our awareness and understanding of the world around us. 

LITT19798G – Classical Mythology

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to classical mythology with an emphasis on the primary literature. Origins of classical mythology and the cultural influence of the Greeks and Romans on the art of the western world are examined. Specific topics include: the nature of the gods, heroes and mortals as they are celebrated in story, the variety of authors who narrated the myths, and the contexts in which the myths were created. By examining the qualities of myth, students develop an understanding of the timeless and universal appeal of the ancient myths to contemporary society. The canon of stories provides enduring insights into the human condition and our continuing struggle to understand both our environment and our emotions, which are still reflected in the disciplines of art, literature, and psychology today.

MEDA10004G - Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling is the twenty-first century expression of the personal and community narratives found in pub-culture, hearth-side chats and home-movie nights.  This course is designed to introduce students to the critical methods of storytelling with digital narrative structures.

MEDA10036G – Documentary Film

Students critically examine documentary films from acclaimed international film-makers as an on-going process - from early achievements to current presentations. 

MEDA14099G – Art of the Cinema

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to some of the basic concepts and methods used to examine and analyze films. This includes an introduction to the concepts of film production. Theoretical and historical foundations include topics such as key concepts in the construction of form and aesthetics as well as genre and film production roles. A survey of international and Canadian film and video provides opportunities to understand the role of film culture from a global perspective. Through interactive lecture, discussion, written analysis and selected screenings, students will analyze film styles, narrative structures, genre forms, and thematic expression in the popular media.

MEDA14857G - Understanding Canadian Television:  Growing Up Degrassi, Dying for DaVinci

Using selected Canadian and American shows and the Degrassi and Da Vinci series as case studies, students investigate how English-speaking fictional Canadian television narrative operates in the Canadian Broadcasting system, how it reflects and influences Canadian society, and how it struggles to maintain distinctiveness within an American dominated medium.

MEDA18621G – The Media & Current Events

This course provides opportunities for students to acquire foundation knowledge about the mass media and how news is reported and analyzed, focusing on the interplay between current events and the mass media. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to think for themselves and to critically analyze various news items and topics under discussion. Course delivery includes a variety of methodologies from standard lecture format to topical video presentations and group work.

NUTR19207G – Nutrition for Well Being

In this course, students explore how human nutrition affects overall health by examining the role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Students also learn how to interpret food labels and create diets that
support good health.

PHIL15650G – Introduction to Philosophy & Ethics

This course is a challenging introduction to philosophical and ethical thought. It introduces students to an overview of the lives, beliefs and contributions that revolutionary philosophers have made to civilization. Study will consist of an overview of who they were, where they came from, what they thought and said, their ethical beliefs and how these views affect our culture and civilization in general. We will debate and evaluate ethical viewpoints on current topics, such as: abortion, capital punishment, stem cell research, cloning, genetically engineered foods, terrorism, privatization, reality T.V., hate speech and pornography, using critical and analytical skills. Questions such as: What is the meaning of life? What is real? Are our actions free or determined? What standards do we use to evaluate our actions? What is freedom? Do we have rights? What responsibilities do we have and to whom? will be discussed. We will critically questions the perceptions and assumptions upon which these questions and ideas are based thereby demonstrating a greater understanding of who we are, what we value and believe in, and our place in the overall scheme of things.

PHIL17545G – Philosophy of Love and Sex

In this course, students critically examine a variety of concepts and philosophies about love and sex. In addition, they explore a number of related issues and themes, formulate their own definitions and analyze their personal philosophies and definitions. Topics include the following questions: What is the true significance of marriage? What is the difference between sex and gender? Is love selfish or selfless? What constitutes sexual violence? What is the difference between art and pornography? What makes someone's sexual practices normal or abnormal, and who gets to decide? Most importantly, what do our ideas about love and sex tell us about ourselves and the way in which we relate to other people? What can they tell us about our values and beliefs? Through debate, discussion, interactive lecture, case studies from the media, and selected examples of art, students compare and analyze societal norms and traditions.

PHIL18147G – Philosophy of Religion

This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to examine themes central to the philosophy of religion. Using methodologies such as in-class group work, informal presentations, interactive lecture and discussion, and problem-based learning within a philosophical framework, students will examine the complex issues surrounding such religion based themes as the nature and existence of God(s), the meaning of evil, the value of ethics and morality, the arguments of religion vs. science, the characteristics of miracles and life-after-death, the meaning of religious experience, and concepts of religious pluralism juxtaposed to secularism within contemporary society.

PSYC15065G – Psychology: Core Concepts

This course provides students with an introduction to psychology, the science of behaviour and mental processes. Basic concepts, theories and research findings are examined within biological, behavioural, psychoanalytical, humanistic and cognitive perspectives. Core topics covered include: scientific methodologies; biopsychology; learning; memory and cognition; motivation and emotion; and personality theories. Two optional topics from the following list will also be addressed during the course: sensation, perception, consciousness, development, health, psychological disorders, psychological treatment, and social psychology. Students will have the opportunity to apply psychology to their personal life.

PSYC15892G – Stigma: Understanding Prejudice

In this survey course, students examine the concepts of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination. They study the historical significance of prejudice, its various forms, as well as its current issues and challenges relating to its cessation. Specific topics include the history of prejudice, modern prejudice, development of prejudice in children, the reduction of prejudice, understanding our own biases, and well-recognized forms of prejudice such as racism, sexism, heterosexism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and ageism. Through interactive lecture, in-class activities and research, students explore the impact of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination on society and individuals.

PSYC19599G – Understanding Cults

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the study of cults and cultic behaviour. Students examine the historical development of cults, their place in contemporary society, and the reasons why individuals are attracted to cults. Topics include the phenomenon of brainwashing, social and psychological methods used to recruit and assimilate members, the function of cults in society, and specific cults (e.g. the Church of Scientology, the Solar Temple, Heaven's Gate). Through interactive lecture, in-class activities and research, students explore the impact of cults on society and individuals.

RELG12403G - Paths of Faith

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of major world religions. It will engage students in critical inquiry in order to explore the impact that religions have had on cultures and on the development of their followers' worldviews. It explores how religions have influenced society and shaped historical events, cultural values, and philosophical questions. Concurrently, it challenges students to explore their own worldviews to see how significantly their own values and assumptions affect their interpretation of other cultures and traditions. Topics include: origins of religions; religious/scientific approaches to understanding the world; Hinduism; Buddhism; Chinese religions; Judaism; Christianity; Islam; Native Spirituality; and modern religious movements. Through interactive lectures, independent research, case studies, in-class activities, interactive debates, videos, reflective journals and group-led discussions, students develop and enhance their communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills.

SCIE10003G – Criminalistics & Forensic Science: The Dead Tell Tales

The proliferation of criminal scene investigation television shows and forensic fiction and nonfiction thrillers has influenced the way people view crimes, criminals and investigators. Contemporary consumers of mass media want to know the details, right down to the hairs and fibers of the crime scene. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to forensic science and how it is used in criminal cases. Students use a science-based approach to investigate matters pertaining to crime scene investigation. Students consider the role and the responsibilities of the expert witness and coroner, analyze and evaluate evidence from a science-based and societal perspective. Through interactive lecture, case studies, videos, discussion, independent and collaborative activities, students analyze the applications of forensic science.

SCIE10386G – Agony and Ecstasy: Addictions

In this course students use a sociological and science-based approach to explore historical and psychosocial issues related to a variety of common addictions such as smoking, alcohol, gaming and shopping. In addition, students examine addictions to psychoactive drugs. Topics include concepts of addiction, political approaches to substance abuse, and an examination of specific addictions. Through interactive lecture, video, in-class activities, and investigating current trends in addiction research through internet readings and group presentations, students explore the impact of these problems from a societal and biological perspective.

SOCI10146G – Soccer and its Impact on Society

In this course, students examine how the game of soccer impacts socio-economic, religious, political, and cultural views in countries around the globe. Students discover and analyze cultural trends and human behaviours influenced by soccer ideology and its effects on “pop culture.”

SOCI10264G – Profiles in Crime

Profiles in Crime explores society's reactions to crime, the causes of criminal behavior and the implications for contemporary life through case studies of individuals and groups. Topics include serial killers, organized crime, corporate crime, family and workplace violence, gangs, technology and crime, victims, mental illness, drugs and gambling. Psychological and sociological approaches are used to help explain why some people behave criminally. Through case studies, independent research, in class activities, interactive debates, videos and group led discussions students will develop and enhance their critical thinking skills as they examine issues connected to the Canadian Criminal Justice System.

SOCI13454G – Cybernation**(DE)

This course introduces students to developments in technology and to what motivates and drives these developments. It discusses how new technologies influence the way in which we work and live, and how we can understand and manage current technological change. In on-line discussions and through a research project students will debate and analyze the dangers and promises of new technological developments in communications, biomedical applications, environmental and genetic engineering. Cybernation is a Web-based course offered entirely online. All the materials needed for the course are available on the course pages and the Internet. To take this course, students will need a reliable access to the Internet and the willingness and self- discipline to work on-line.

SOCI16039G – Introduction to Sociology

This course is designed to provide students with an introductory overview of sociology in the context of Canadian society. This includes an examination of the complex nature of the social dynamics within our society. Topics include the sociological imagination, sociological perspectives, analysis of culture, interaction in social groups and institutions, crime and deviance and economic and social differences related to access of opportunity. Through interactive lecture, videos, in-class activities, role play, discussion, and small group work, students will develop their understanding of the social world in which they live.

SOCS10206G – Social and Behavioural Sciences

This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to examine the relationship between individuals and their societies. This includes the fundamental principles of social science disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, political science, and the behavioural science discipline of psychology. Students will learn the nature of the various disciplines, specific topics within the disciplines, and the methodologies used to collect data and develop conclusions. Learning will be facilitated through the use of Interactive Lectures, Audio and Video Clips, Demonstrations, Role Plays, Individual and Group Activities, Presentations, and Discussions.

SOCS10261G – Scams, Frauds & Identity Theft: Crimes of Deception in the Information Age(available in class or by DE)

Students critically examine scams, frauds, and the growing crime of identity theft in a global context. Topics include scams, Ponzi schemes, low tech and high tech frauds, telecommunications frauds, white collar crime, counterfeits, piracy, identity theft, applicable legislation and preventative techniques. The crime of fraud is analyzed through a globalization lens, including, trends, causes and societal responses to this new wave of global and economic crime. Through a combination of interactive lectures, course exercises, case studies, research, videos, discussions, and assignments students assess how modern society in general and technology in particular may serve to facilitate crimes of deception in the information age.