Advantage Advantage Arts Arts
Faculty of Arts students become innovative and critical thinkers, skilled researchers, effective communicators and accomplished writers.
The Mount Royal University Advantage
Alberta’s Oldest New University
Established in 1910, Mount Royal University is renowned for its academic excellence, its dedication to undergraduate student success, and its focus on teaching and learning informed by scholarship. Today, Mount Royal provides more than 50 high-quality bachelor’s degree, applied degree, university transfer, diploma and certificate programs, all designed to support students in becoming thoughtful critical thinkers with a true understanding of community and citizenship.
Comprehensive Education
Each Mount Royal degree is underpinned by a General Education component providing fundamental core competencies and breadth of vision in: »» Numeracy and Scientific Literacy; »» Values, Beliefs and Identity; »» Community and Society; and »» Communication. Every course fulfills specific university-wide aims for an enriched undergraduate education: »» intellectual and practical skills; »» integrative and applied learning; »» knowledge of human cultures and the physical, natural and technological world; and »» personal and social responsibility.
Our Commitment: Face to Face
Although a community of more than 13,500, the University retains the feel of a small and friendly town. At Mount
Royal, professors know your name. Our average class size, even in the first year, is less than 30, and 99 per cent of classes currently have fewer than 50 students. By contrast, according to the latest figures (2010) from the Common University Data Ontario, only 35 per cent of first-year classes have fewer than 30 students while 27 per cent have 40 or more students across that province’s 20 post-secondary institutions.
Excelling in Student Learning and Satisfaction
The grades are in, and Mount Royal is at the top of the list. The 2012 Canadian University Survey Consortium reports that 92 per cent of first-year respondents and 94 per cent of graduating students rated their Mount Royal experience as excellent or good, which exceeds the national average by nearly 15 per cent.
Preparation for Life
With extensive opportunities for paid internships, Co-operative Education and experience-based learning, Mount Royal programs offer students real-world insights and hands-on learning. The Alberta Graduate Outcomes Survey reports that among those 2009 – 2010 Mount Royal graduates who are currently employed or looking for work, the employment rate is 98 per cent.
Responsible to Aboriginal Peoples
Every Arts degree and diploma program reserves a percentage of seats for qualified Aboriginal applicants. The Faculty of Arts aims to reach seven per cent First Nations, Metis and Inuit enrolment by 2018.
Mount Royal scores high grades with its students »» »» »» »»
Class size: A+ Quality of Teaching and Learning: A Student/Faculty Interaction: A Recreation and Athletics: A
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Instructors’ Teaching Style: AMost satisfied students: ACampus atmosphere: ACity satisfaction: A-
Source: 2013 Globe and Mail Canadian University Report
The Faculty of Arts: Opening Worlds of Opportunity
Expertise and Excellence
With more than 2,000 students and 115 full-time professors, Arts is the largest faculty at Mount Royal. It offers majors in Anthropology, English, History, Policy Studies, Psychology, Sociology and Spanish within the Bachelor of Arts plus a Bachelor of Applied Interior Design degree. Students can also select a minor from a wide variety of areas across many disciplines such as Canadian Studies, French, Film Studies, Humanities, Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Teaching English as a Second Language, and Women's Studies.
An expert advisory board drawn from business, education, the arts, industry and Aboriginal communities helps Arts faculty develop programs and courses that are relevant to today’s world. By offering more than 100 opportunities for scholarships and bursaries, the Faculty of Arts puts students first.
Students are our Business
An Arts degree provides fundamental knowledge and skills. Students become innovative, flexible and nuanced thinkers; experts at research, analysis, writing and communications; and more engaged citizens committed to building stronger communities.
Numerous courses include a field study experiential learning component which enables students to travel the world, integrating research and volunteer work that addresses community and social needs. In the past, students have completed courses in Ghana, Europe, and the United States.
At Mount Royal, student success is our calling card. University students are the leaders of tomorrow, and every Faculty of Arts department is committed to preparing them for that responsibility. We instill students with broad, informed thinking and engaged, compassionate citizenship.
The Faculty of Arts also offers tremendous opportunities to: »» research, present and publish with professors; »» participate in paid internships, Co-op placements and course-based volunteer assignments; and »» enrich learning through international credit-based field study courses.
Arts Graduates Get Jobs
Mount Royal’s exceptional Arts faculty have received national and international recognition for their teaching and research. Faculty members regularly publish in premier academic journals and non-academic publications and have shared their insights and expertise with the New York Times, USA Today, CBC, CTV, Global TV and others.
Rewarding careers with competitive salaries for Arts graduates
The Canadian University Survey Consortium’s 2012 Graduating Students Survey reports that more Mount Royal Faculty of Arts students (52 per cent) have arranged employment prior to graduation than all students from all participating institutions surveyed (41 per cent). Government of Canada labour market projections point to continued strong demand in careers that revolve around communication, information management, writing, translation, public administration, and creativity — skills fostered in any Bachelor of Arts program.
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Archivist: $74,000 Human resource manager: $73,000 Interior designer: $61,000 Policy researcher: $70,000 Psychologist: $77,000 Senior government manager: $127,000
(according to 2012 statistics from the Government of Alberta on average annual income)
English
The study of English sparks creativity and the ability to inspire people intellectually and emotionally. Express Yourself
The study of English brings awareness of culture and tradition, emotions and motivations. It is a means of understanding our identities as individuals, communities and global citizens. Dedicated to the art of expression, Mount Royal’s Department of English emphasizes interpreting and communicating information, ideas and creativity through poetry, fiction, essays, drama, film and technical publications. Besides covering English literature in its historical, analytical and creative dimensions, the department offers an interdisciplinary minor in Film Studies that examines genres worldwide from historical, technical, aesthetic, ideological and philosophical perspectives.
Careers in Creativity
Many people study English for pure enjoyment. Bookstores and libraries are destination points — places to browse for hours and step into worlds of imagination. But the study of English also imparts invaluable skills. It enhances the ability to read a range of texts critically and to use language with dexterity. English is also the world’s only global language, particularly when it comes to commerce and business. Every job requires people who can write, reason, analyze and communicate, whether through memos, reports, news and media releases, strategic plans, documentaries, or websites. With a degree in English, graduates can find work in virtually any field: teaching, public relations, publishing, fundraising, freelance writing, library work, web development, marketing, business, administration, law, the performing arts, journalism, and the movie and TV industries.
“As a full-time writer, I periodically take creative writing classes at Mount Royal for new ideas and energy, and my work has progressed to the point where my short fiction wins awards.” Rea Tarvydas, Part-time student, Faculty of Arts
Programs and People
Moving from introductory courses in poetry, dramatic literature, fiction and film, students can: »» explore Canadian, British, American, Aboriginal, African and Medieval writing; »» focus on great authors such as Chaucer and Shakespeare; »» specialize in composition, critical theory or script writing; »» study newer trends such as the graphic novel. Professors with Mount Royal’s Department of English are highly accomplished writers, teachers and scholars who have published widely with university and commercial presses. Many have had their work honoured by groups including the Writers’ Union of Canada and the American Studies Association, and many have received or been shortlisted for prizes such as the Governor General's Literary Awards and the Canadian National Playwriting Award.
Humanities
Humanities students become experts at assessing evidence, synthesizing and organizing material, and sharing information. Explore the Human Condition
Humanities is a multidisciplinary department offering a major in History and minors in Philosophy, Religious Studies, Canadian Studies, Indigenous Studies, Women’s Studies, and Humanities. Critically examine topics such as multiculturalism, gender and class, in both historical and contemporary contexts. Grapple with the complexity of issues, piece together the past, understand what motivates people, and gain a deeper perspective about societies and cultures in today’s world.
Rewarding Careers
History graduates are prepared to pursue graduate or professional studies in fields such as law, journalism or teaching. They are employed as writers, editors and information managers, and as researchers, analysts, advisors and policy-makers for government, foundations, think-tanks and advocacy groups. They can work in museums, libraries and publishing houses, and throughout the private sector.
Worlds: Past and Present
Explore pre- to post-Confederation Canada; ante- to post-bellum America; or ancient civilizations to the computer age. Delve into metaphysics, bioethics or existentialism; learn about Christianity, Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Buddhism; or become an expert on feminist theory and the intersections of gender with aging, race, culture and technology.
Programs and People
Innovative and engaging, Humanities courses incorporate approaches that include historical detective work and role-playing. Students engage in public history and heritage projects and have opportunities to participate in course-based field schools, which include visits to American Civil War battlefields and to Europe’s iconic historic sites. Humanities professors at Mount Royal are widely known for exceptional teaching and outstanding research. They have received numerous local, provincial and national awards for teaching as well as honours for their scholarship that include the Fulbright fellowship, the Prix Louise-Dêchene, and the State University of New York Press Dissertation / First Book Prize.
“ The Military Museums has been working with the History program at Mount Royal since 2010 and we have found this association very beneficial. We have tried to give real-world, practical projects to the students in this program and as a result we’ve been given some great groundwork for future exhibits, storage plans and volunteer orientation. The enthusiasm of the students has been very impressive, and in many cases their dedication has translated into ongoing volunteering at the museum after completion of their coursework.” Rory M. Cory Senior Curator/ Director of Collections The Military Museums
Interior Design and Art History
Interior designers create innovative environments for living, working, entertaining and healing. Leaders in the Field
Mount Royal’s Interior Design program is Alberta’s only undergraduate program accredited by the Council for Interior Design. It integrates theory and practice, inspiring students to link the aesthetic, technical and pragmatic aspects of design. Students have access to dedicated studio spaces, individual workstations, an in-house design Resource Centre, a computer lab with the latest industry software applications, and multi-use collaborative education spaces. All students complete two four-month work terms and have the opportunity to engage in faculty-led field trips to Chicago or New York. Industry professionals serve on the program’s advisory board, and Department Faculty maintain an affiliation with professional organizations such as the Interior Designers of Alberta and the Alberta Association of Architects.
Life of a Professional Designer
Interior designers create innovative environments for living, working, entertaining and healing. Their design solutions can increase economic and operational efficiency, protect public safety, promote health and welfare, and profoundly improve the quality of life. Many graduates find employment in Calgary or Edmonton; some have established their own design firms; others are working nationally and internationally for companies based in Toronto, New York, Hong Kong, and London.
“After graduating from the Interior Design program in 2006, I obtained a position with Manasc Isaac Architects. Straight out of school, my first 'real' project was a $1.9 million post-secondary interior renovation, my second was a $10 million ground-up new construction project... and my most recent completion is the City of Calgary's Emergency Operation Centre, valued at $50 million.� Lindsay Gurevitch Designer, BID LEED AP reimagine interiors by Manasc Isaac
Programs and People
In accordance with industry standards, the Interior Design program graduates students who are well versed in residential and commercial design, construction, building codes, colour, light and materials. Professors bring diverse industry experience to the classroom and studio. Many are leaders in professional associations and maintain strong connections with the local design industry. The department also offers a minor in Art History.
Languages and Cultures
In today’s globalized world, and in modern multicultural Canada, knowledge of languages opens up innumerable possibilities. Passport to Possibilities
The Department of Languages and Cultures teaches students how to communicate in a foreign language and introduces them to the cultures and societies that shape the spoken word. With Canada a leader in NAFTA, students majoring in Spanish can thrive throughout the Americas. The Department also offers a minor in French, an undeniable asset since Canada is an officially bilingual nation. Students can also take classes in German, Italian, Japanese and Chinese. Through Linguistics, they can explore the structure of language, its universal properties, and first and second language acquisition. Through Latin American studies, they learn about the region’s complex social and cultural environment. And through Romance Studies, they come to understand the common and unique features of groups inhabiting the Mediterranean basin.
Communication for Success
Learning languages requires great personal dedication, but the benefits are significant. It is personally enriching, enabling one to explore the art, music and literature of other lands and cultures. Multinational companies require people who can operate with ease in the global economy. International organizations require translators. Students specializing in languages commonly pursue careers in international aid, government and non-government organizations; as immigration support workers; as journalists; as language teachers; and as interpreters at museums and heritage sites.
Programs and People The Spanish major takes students from beginner’s level to fluency. In addition to courses on reading, writing and oral communication, students can also explore literature, translation and film.
Widely published in leading national and international journals, professors within this Department have received many honours for their teaching and research, including the Prix de la francophonie des Amériques.
“By taking a Spanish major at Mount Royal, I now feel like I am truly a global citizen in that I can connect with people within the Hispanic community in Calgary and in Hispanic countries if I am abroad. In a world where we are becoming more connected, it's important to learn about other cultures and to make strong ties with them.” Kendra Dalke Fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student, with a major in Spanish
Policy Studies
The Policy Studies program provides students with expertise in political science, public policy and economics. A League of its Own
The Policy Studies program is the only undergraduate program of its type in Western Canada. Students enjoy paid internships in the private sector, public sector and nonprofit sector. They also interact with the Institute for Public Administration in Canada, the Economics Society of Calgary, and the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration.
Exceptional Opportunities
Graduates of this program are in high demand. They enjoy an exceptional job placement rate and rewarding careers in areas such as economic and policy analysis, public relations, financial planning, project management and information management.
“ We were very impressed with the business acumen and professionalism of the Mount Royal student interns. They understood how government regulatory boards impact our roles as planners and brought a strong policy studies and economics background.” Shafik Hirani, Director Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
Programs and People
Students can cover areas such as consumerism; public finance; international trade, investment and development; gender economics; econometrics; diplomacy; international relations; federalism; interest group behaviour; women and politics; professional practice, public administration, law and politics; and politics and the media. Experiential learning innovation also characterizes this degree. Working as delegations, students participate in a weekendlong Model United Nations. Also, with the assistance of lawyers from Bennett Jones, they prepare an appeal of a Supreme Court of Canada decision that is presented at a Moot Court held at the Court of Queen’s Bench. Professors bring a wealth of real-world knowledge into the classroom gained from experience with organizations such as Canada’s Competition Bureau, the World Bank and Canada’s Department of Finance.
Psychology
Psychologists explore areas such as sexuality, aging, memory, brain functioning, learning and deviant behaviour. The Human Condition
The term “psychology� comes from the Greek words psyche, meaning mind or soul, and logos, which means study. Psychologists seek to unlock the mysteries of who we are and why we act in certain ways. This is explored not only through the realm of ideas, but also through rigorous data collection and painstaking analysis. Success in psychology requires not only comfort with complex statistics, but also research methods and knowledge derived from both the arts and sciences.
Careers
The American Psychological Association recognizes more than 50 subdivisions of psychology — complexity that is matched by career opportunities. Many graduates go on to become professional psychologists. But psychology also provides excellent preparation for employment in law, education, counselling and management roles. Companies recruit psychologists to undertake market research, to develop advertising strategies and to manage interpersonal relations.
Programs and People
Building from introductory courses on psychology in the natural and social sciences, students move to master sophisticated statistical analysis and research methods and to explore themes such as death and dying, teamwork, conflict resolution, sexuality, social persuasion, counselling, and infant, child and adolescent behaviour and cognition. Faculty in Mount Royal’s Department of Psychology are exceptional teachers and researchers. Many boast major awards from Canada’s tri-council funding agencies (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council). They not only supervise student researchers, but often collaborate with them to copresent and publish results.
“[Mount Royal Psychology] students have come to us prepared, ready to work and with very practical skills. Our most recent Co-op student completed a research paper on fundraising issues and options which our Board of Trustees used to set policy and make decisions for the future.” Michelle Clarke Executive Director Burns Memorial Fund
Sociology and Anthropology
The Department of Sociology & Anthropology creates experts on cultures and societies from the distant past to the present. Past AND Present
Anthropologists explore human existence through areas such as culture, kinship patterns, social organization and interaction. Innovative researchers, they work with evidence that includes literature, songs, film, skeletal remains and artifacts. Sociologists explain recent and present-day society by examining social stratification, power relations, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, urban life and education.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work in social service organizations, corporations, governments, relief agencies, non-government and international aid organizations, education, the justice system, museums, research centres, policy think-tanks, environmental organizations, unions, women’s centres, the news media and First Nations, immigrant and ethnic organizations.
Programs and People
Building from introductory classes in human evolution, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology and ancient peoples, Anthropology majors focus on geographic regions such as South Asia and North America and explore a range of topics, such as marriage, family and kinship; cross-cultural communication; Aboriginal issues; Islam; ceramic analysis; and bone analysis. The range is no less impressive in Sociology, where courses cover areas that include crime and society; health and illness; gender and families; aging; race; religion; sexuality; work; economic development; and disaster planning and response. Professors with this department are highly accomplished teachers and researchers, actively engaged in and advancing their field of study. Several have received major awards, including the Mount Royal University Distinguished Faculty Award and the Harry Braverman Award.
“ We felt extremely lucky to hire our last summer student from the Mount Royal Faculty of Arts. His background included a degree in Sociology, which gave him the experience of working with data and reports. He had excellent research skills which allowed him to make significant contributions. In our experience, Mount Royal University prepares its students for the workforce through its programs, work experience training and academic requirements." Lia Robinson Manager Communications and Member Services BOMA Calgary
Mount Royal University’s mission
We are an undergraduate university focused on teaching and learning informed by scholarship. We are committed to personalized, experiential and outcome-based learning. We deliver high quality programs built on a foundation of General Education. Recognizing that diversity strengthens us all, Mount Royal University welcomes, supports and celebrates all its communities. We are also dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion. Dynamic, relevant and responsive to our students and communities, we are making Mount Royal Canada’s premier undergraduate university.
Mount Royal's vision
Inspiring learning for a world of possibilities.
Contact Information Faculty of Arts Mount Royal University EA3109 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3E 6K6 403.440.6961
English: Room EA3146 403.440.5912
mtroyal.ca
Interior Design and Art History: Room N363 403.440.5143
Humanities: Room EA3147 403.440.6054
Languages and Cultures: Room EA3040A 403.440.6528 Policy Studies: Room EA3039 403.440.6527 Psychology: Room EA3040B 403.440.6467/403.440.6412 Sociology and Anthropology: Room B349O 403.440.6425
Mount Royal University 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3E 6K6
mtroyal.ca