Are you fiercely patriotic? Does the sound of the Canadian national anthem fill your chest with pride? Do you believe — without doubt — that we live in the best country in the world?
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What does it mean to be Canadian? What makes our society different from and similar to others around the world? How do we, as Canadians, express our identities? Understanding who we are as Canadians begins with a thorough knowledge of the places, people and ideas that form our daily lives.
Our Canadian studies major focuses on developing a deeper appreciation of our Canadian identity by considering Canadian perspectives on issues and debates as viewed from various perspectives and across a wide range of disciplines.
The program gives you the flexibility to take courses in disciplines that interest you while focusing on Canadian issues and Canada’s place in the world. You will be introduced to the history, people, industry and politics of Canada, as well as our unique institutions, policies and identities.
You will also be exposed to various social, religious, geographical, political, cultural, economic, educational and legal perspectives. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to study complex issues such as bilingualism and biculturalism, and examine their relevance to our modern, multicultural nation.
This multidisciplinary major draws heavily on the humanities an d the social sciences and is delivered by the Departments of History, Economics, English, Modern Languages & Linguistics, Indigenous Studies and Political Science.
Canadian studies will provide you with skills and knowledge you will find invaluable in your career, whether you are working as a teacher, government employee or in the private sector. Whatever your career path, you will develop outstanding analytical skills from this multidisciplinary approach to learning.
Canadian Studies Degrees. The multidisciplinary major in Canadian studies is a 40-course Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program. As a Canadian studies student, you can select a major in economics, English, history, modern languages, Indigenous studies or political science. You can also opt for Canadian studies as your BA major for the Combined BA/ BEd or BA/BMgt programs.
Canadian Studies Courses. You will be required to take a minimum of 20 courses to complete the major. This includes courses in English and French, as well as courses in three additional disciplines and one independent study. Some of the courses offered in Canadian studies include:
• Contemporary Canadian Communities
• History of Canadian Indigenous Peoples
• Canadian Drama
• Canadian Poetry
• Canadian Literature
• French
• Canada Since 1867
• Culture & Civilization
Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs.
Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors
Honours Thesis. If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.
ulethbridge.ca/canadianstudies
Faculty members at the University of Lethbridge are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.
Current Research & Areas of Interest:
• Creative Writing
• Governmental Diplomacy
• Historic Site Administration
• Restoration
• Public Relations
• City Planning
• Art Appraisal
• Demography
• Civil Service
• Cultural Industries
• Tourism
• Corporate Relations
• Import/Export
• Community Planning
• Market Forecasting
• Documentation Editing
• Canadian Art History
• Canadian Politics & Government
• Canadian Foreign Policy
• History of Western Canada
• Geography of Canada
• Aboriginal Peoples & Law
• Traditional Aboriginal Political Economy
• Sociology of Gender
Skills Acquired. In addition to developing exceptional written and oral communication skills in the program, you will also improve your critical and analytical thinking skills, your information acquisition and management skills, as well as your attention to detail. All of these abilities are highly sought after in the business world and are relevant to practically any working scenario.
Related Fields. As a graduate of the program, you could pursue a career in any of the following areas:
• Canadian Society & Women’s Religious Orders
• Canadian Religious History
• Canadian Popular Culture
• Local History & Identity
• The History of the Canadian / American Border
• Environment & National Parks
• Citizenship, Gender & Identity
Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at ULethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.
Professional Disciplines. Your Bachelor of Arts in Canadian studies also provides an excellent foundation for law, journalism, management and education.
“Canadian Studies at the U of L has allowed me to make connections between all of my classes in meaningful ways. From Indigenous studies to Canadian history and politics, my studies have been insightful and relevant for understanding social studies and the humanities in a new way. This degree has prepared me beyond my expectations to become a knowledgeable and informed teacher on the issues and difficulties of the Canadian context and the history, geography, and politics that precede them. I would highly recommend this program for anyone pursuing an education degree interested in teaching social studies due to its broad base and also focus on Canadian social context. I once saw the University of Lethbridge as a gateway for my career as a teacher; however, it has become a rewarding and meaningful part of my life, and Lethbridge has become a home.”
Abigail, Canadian Studies
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive
Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4
403-329-2543
cnd.studies@uleth.ca
ulethbridge.ca/canadianstudies
Academic Advising M2102
Markin Hall
403-329-5106
artsci.advising@uleth.ca
ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.
Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies
ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop
In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.
Contact your department to learn more!
Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at ULethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.
To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising