Description: This course surveys the history of narrative film from its beginnings to the present. Students will view and discuss, historically and aesthetically, approximately 10 major films, paying particular attention to their “film language”. The influence of technology, film theories and criticism will, where appropriate, be considered Written assignments will offer students practice in film analysis.
Reflection: With an interest in photography and film making, I was able to learn many techniques that aid in keeping audience engaged and hooked on what they are watching. As a future educator, I hope to use the knowledge I learned and use it in a photography/film option class if allowed, as I want students to become interested in the little things that make movies and shows intriguing and keeping the audience wanting more.
Description: This course is a cross-cultural exploration of the nature of human culture and society: its elements, variability and perpetuation. Topics will include symbolism and meaning, subsistence strategies, sex and gender, kinship, social organization, and political, economic, and religious institutions.
Reflection: Through this course, I was able to explore different topics that will aid when teaching different learners. Through learning about different cultures and their backgrounds, I was able to understand different students through a different lens, and can now aid them in a way that is beneficial for them.
Description: This course introduces the principles and practices of literary analysis by examining the narrative features of selected works of prose, poetry, or drama. Students will apply close reading techniques to a range of narratives in order to develop foundational skills in writing and thinking about literature critically.
Reflection: We have read through an incredible range of literature in this class. I am very passionate about authors from diverse backgrounds, so I really admire that we have studied about them. I also think it is unfair for students to only be taught about the works of white authors when there is so much rich and beautiful literature written by people of colour.
Description: This course introduces students to key issues and events in modern Canadian history. Themes include social and cultural change, as well as economic and political developments. Specific topics covered may include Canada’s military participation, the Cold War, immigration and regionalism.
Reflection: There were many aspects of Canadian history I did not know and learning about it was very interesting. As a future educator, I hope to include as much rich history into my lessons to allow students not to feel the same gap as I did with my education.
Description: This is primarily a descriptive course aimed at non-science students Conceptual understanding will be stressed over strict mathematical derivation. The topics covered in this course emphasize astronomy in our own solar neighbourhood. Topics include the Sun, the terrestrial and Jovian planets and their moons, comets, asteroids, as well as the formation of the solar system.
Reflection: This course made me question a lot of things I thought I knew and was quite interesting learning about all the planets within our solar system.
Description: In this workshop-based course, students will acquire the skills, understanding and practice they need to write, edit, and discuss their own original fiction. The course will result in the completion of an original portfolio which can be used to apply for entry to upper-level courses.
Reflection: As writing is a big aspect of teaching, this course was very helpful in teaching the foundations of writing a good and engaging story.
Description: This course develops students’ skills in the types of writing, reading, and thinking required in university today. Students will review basics, analyze contemporary examples, develop research and referencing skills, and design their writing for specific audiences. Writing for Academic Success provides an opportunity to develop new talents and gain confidence in expressing ideas.
Reflection: This course allowed me to improve on my writing and researching skills. I was able to create deep and thoughtful connections through the personal essay and the policy essay.
Description: This course introduces students to the study of science as a cultural activity with the goal of developing their critical thinking and writing skills. Students will learn to be conversant with the issues and debates concerning how science, technology, and medicine have shaped and continue to shape the beliefs, values, and identities of our world.
Reflection: This course opened my eyes and made me question everything I had been previously taught. The content allowed me to see everything within science with a different lens and to not always trust what I see.
Description: Students will expand their understanding of the intersections of mathematics, science, technology, and daily life, and will develop and apply critical mathematical and scientific reasoning skills through the examination of issues drawn from the real world and current events.
Reflection: This course allowed me to understand the scientific method, different number systems, and various viruses. I also learned about statics which gave me an insight in how complex the business world can be.
Description: Local, national, and global communities suffer from similar problems. This interdisciplinary course will critically examine key issues within communities and societies, explore the meaning, power, and obligations of citizenship, and begin to develop the skills necessary to create positive, effective, and sustainable change.
Reflection: This course did not fail to amaze me with the information I learned. The use of technology has shaped our world in ways that are both beneficial and detrimental. The amount of censorship or lack thereof depending on the country put some things into perspective that I may have not noticed otherwise. The movements that have been created within our society pushed my beliefs on how terrible the world truly can be but at least these movements are ways we are striving for better.