General Education Electives

Courses

• Theme - Arts in Society
• GNED1033 Arts in Society - Transfer Credit Option
• You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credit. Visit your Enrolment Services Officer to see if you qualify.
• GNED1005 Expression Through Art
• You will explore the concepts of art, aesthetics, nature and experience as the subject of
  artworks, the place of art in life and society and mimetic theories in the philosophy of art.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1005 Expression Through Art:
  • In-Class learning Assignment and Activities
  • Art Medium Exploration
  • Artists Analysis Paper
  • Self Expression Art Piece and Reflection
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module
  Online Delivery:
  • Blackboard Scavenger Hunt and Art Intro
  • Discussion Posts and Responses
  • Art Medium Study
  • Artists Analysis Paper
  • Digital Self Expression Art piece
  • Online Exhibition Reflection
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1044 Film Club
• Students will be introduced to the history and fundamental concepts of cinema. By using selected screenings, students will analyze the importance of story structure, visual techniques, and significant directors. Students will also discuss how film can be culturally influential and what makes a film stand the test of time.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1044 Film Club:
  • Class Discussions -various film topics
  • Quizzes - film history and terminology
  • Written Assignment - storytelling or technical elements
  • Group Debate - greatest film contribution
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1048 Funny Bone: Understanding the Cultural Impact of Comedy
• Humour and comedy are used for communication and self-expression. Explore the development, use, and value of comedy to cultivate a unique appreciation of the art. This course will examine the impact irony, satire and farce have on culture.
  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1048 Funny Bone:
  • Reflection Discussion
  • Writing Assignment
  • In-Class Activity
  • Mid-term
  • In-Class Writing Assignment
  • Independent Study Unit
  • Final Test
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1059 Improv
• Course description not available
• GNED1000 Music as a Change Agent
• Students in this course will explore the connections between music and society; its role in shaping opinion, in individual character development, in religion and politics as well as its role as a means of creative expression. Students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of music and performance but no musical skill is required.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1000 Music as a Change Agent:
  • 4 Assignments and Activities
  • Attendance and Participation
  • Independent Study Assignment – Performance review
  • Blackboard Thematic Module
  Online Delivery:
  • 4 Assignments and Activities
  • Discussion Posts and Responses
  • Performance Review
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1035 So You Think You Know Dance?
• Discover dance on a different level by associating it with societal impact. You will explore the ways in which dance can address common social issues and will develop an appreciation for different styles of dance through viewing and critically analyzing various performances.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1035 Dance & Culture:
  • Timeline
  • Presentation
  • Evaluate and Compare Dance Performances
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1057 The Impact of Indigenous Storytelling
• Participants will explore the role of storytelling in Indigenous cultures and increase awareness of how storytelling serves a variety of purposes in Indigenous communities. Students will develop an understanding of how Indigenous people come to know the stories being told today.
• GNED1050 The Power of Photography
• Images have the potential to impact the course of history and our perception of historical events. In this course you will explore vivid, meaningful and impactful photographs that have had a significant cultural influence since the development of the film camera. Take part in a historic overview and have the opportunity to discuss images, their context, the emotions they convey and how they communicate a personal importance to you.
  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1050 Photos that Changed the World:
  • Written Reflections
  • Written Analysis
  • Timeline Assignment
  • Class Discussions
  • In-Class Assignments
  • In-Class Presentations
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1053 The Underground Art Scene
• This course will introduce students to a different kind of art scene: an art scene challenging the cultural atmosphere of correctness and obscurity. Students will develop an appreciation for how non-profits, artist-run galleries, and project spaces influence social issues and promote young talent. By examining experimental subcultures, students will gain access to alternative art forms that provide a safe space where conflict, risk and difference are possible.
  The following are the types of evaluations used for The Underground Art Scene:
  • Blackboard Scavenger Hunt
  • Quiz
  • Community Analysis
  • Artist Comparison
  • Personal Reflection
  • Participation/Professionalism
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• Theme - Civic Life
• GNED1036 Canadian Military Aviation
• Canada has a proud legacy in aviation, from the “Flyboys” in WWI to the Avro Arrow, to the impressive deeds at CFB Trenton. This course will elevate students’ understanding of Canada’s love affair with aviation.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1036 Canadian Military Aviation:
  • Group Presentation
  • Short Paper
  • Internet Site Analysis
  • Cultural Analysis
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1002 Civic Life - Transfer Credit Option
• You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credit. Visit your Enrolment Services Officer to see if you qualify.
• GNED1018 Community & Civic Life
• This course is designed to introduce students to the grass-roots components of a community and to civic life. The components include aspects of citizenship and participation, volunteerism and the fabric of both political and cultural organizations at all levels of the municipal, provincial and federal systems.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1018 Community & Civic Life:
  • Group Presentation
  • Online Discussion Forum
  • Report on Approved Current Political Issue
  • Individual Reflection
  • Professionalism & Participation
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1055 Global Citizenship
• We have one world which is increasingly interconnected through the use of technology; you are aware of issues happening in other parts of the world, and they have a direct impact on your life.

  This course will provide you the opportunity to develop essential skills to use in your personal and professional life, work and travel. Skills that are needed to make a positive impact in our diverse, multicultural and interdependent world.

  What skills do you want to learn in order to use your post-secondary education to promote positive change locally, nationally and internationally? Each student will critically explore their role in the world and develop an awareness of the responsibilities all humans have as global citizens.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in Global Citizenship:
  • Group Presentation
  • Individual Reflection
  • Professionalism & Participation
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1077 Modern Discourse and Debate
• This course will strengthen your critical thinking and develop your debate skills. We will focus on building, presenting and evaluating arguments. The ability to participate in civil discourse is a valued and important skill in today’s society. This course will teach you to frame your opinions based on facts and evidence and give you the tools to structure your thoughts in a meaningful and effective way.
• GNED1045 Social Media, Your Voice and Digital Reputations
• Students will understand the affect that all forms of media have on their daily lives and review how they represent themselves digitally. They will learn how they are influenced by media, and the benefits and dangers of a media-intense society. This course is designed to help students develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of an ever-expanding and increasingly dominating mass media – as information sources, as entertainment, and as an industry. Students will also investigate how social media can both support and hinder social activism campaigns, politics, and consumerism.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1045 Social Media, Your Voice and Digital Reputations:
  • 3 Assignments – Social media reflection, would you hire yourself and a day without social media
  • Quiz
  • Discussions and Surveys
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1054 The Power of Celebrity
• Canadians are fascinated by celebrities and popular culture. Yet, to what extent do celebrities impact our society at large? Are we aware of the influence of celebrity? Learn the sociology behind how the power of celebrities influence consumer behaviour, feminism, race, and gender roles through pop-culture. Explore the impact that celebrities have on today’s society through weekly in-class discussions, article posts, and group sharing by examining the power of celebrity within these topics and more.
  The following are the types of evaluations used in this course:
  • Quizzes
  • In-class Discussions
  • Reflection Papers
  • Short Research Paper
  • Group Presentation
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Thematic Module

• Theme - Social and Cultural Understanding
• GNED1039 Children's Literature
• Do you remember your favourite story as a child? Has a certain book from your childhood influenced you even now? Why do you think you have such strong memories about reading? This course will explore children's literature, its history and development, as well as its rich variety of forms and techniques. You will discover what makes a "good" children's book, and what may make it controversial. We will examine authors, illustrators, adaptations, multiculturalism, stereotypes, censorship and nonfiction, among other things.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1039 Children’s Literature:
  • 8 Reading Assignments
  • Group Assignment and Presentation
  • Independent Study - Poetry/Short Story Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1024 Diversity
• In this course students critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, students focus on topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students develop a clear understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies of community empowerment.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1024 Diversity:
  • In-class Assignments
  • Guided Reflections
  • Research Assignment
  • Presentation
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1063 Dream Interpretation through a Global Perspective
• In this course, students will be introduced to the science and history of dreaming. From ancient to modern times, students will develop an understanding of how different ideas and beliefs influence dream-work. The course will encourage dream exploration and broaden student understanding of dreamscapes outside today’s western world. Specific topics include but are not limited to Freud, wish-fulfillment, manifest and latent content, Jung, lucid dreaming, REM and NREM sleep, historical dream culture in Asia and Africa, ancient Roman, Greek and Hebrew interpretations, Indigenous perspectives and current dream zeitgeist across continents.
• GNED1046 Fun and Games: Media and Children
• Students will investigate how media engages with and impacts children. Students will explore early-age brand awareness and discuss the ethics of marketing and promoting consumerism to children. Throughout this course students will gain an awareness of how media has been influencing them from an early age.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1046 Fun and Games: Media and Children:
  • Profile Assignment - Cartoon
  • Comparative Report - Disney
  • Timeline - popular toys
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1037 Indigenous Culture & History
• Explore how culture and change have impacted Indigenous people and Canada. Students develop a holistic perspective of issues facing, and contributions by, Indigenous communities from before Confederation to residential schooling, and up to contemporary topics.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1037 History of First Nations:
  • Want to Know Written Assignment
  • Residential Schools Reflection
  • Contributions Assignment
  • Cultural Areas Group Presentation
  • Final Reflective Assignment
  • In-Class Assignments
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1062 Service Learning
• Helping students to grow socially, culturally, and personally by experiencing first-hand the value of helping others. This project will allow students to understand community and the value of helping others and their role as a citizen in a global society.
• GNED1006 Social & Cultural Understanding - Transfer Credit Option
• You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credit. Visit your Enrolment Services Officer to see if you qualify.
• GNED1038 Sport in Canada
• Discover Canada’s role in sport. Students examine players, politics and patriotism, and uncover the ways that sport has defined Canada’s culture and helped forge a nation.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1038 Sport in Canada:
  • Discussion Board
  • Quizzes
  • Group Assignment/ Presentation
  • Debate
  • Participation
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• Theme - Personal Understanding
• GNED1058 Building Resiliency for Life's Challenges
• In this course, students will build resiliency strategies and develop tools that will enable better coping of life’s challenges. By looking at the research behind resilience and happiness, students will practise proven strategies for coping with some of life’s difficult times.
• GNED1009 Freelance & Entrepreneurship
• Students become familiar with freelancing and small business development, as well as the contributions of both entities to Canadian society.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1009 Freelance & Entrepreneurship:
  • Guest Speaker Reflections
  • Quizzes
  • Group Presentation – Canadian entrepreneur
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1025 Goals & Motivation
• This course takes an in-depth look at goal setting and achieving. Students reflect on influential figures who have impacted the world around us to gain an appreciation for how these individuals have used goal setting in their lives. Students will reflect on their personal life objectives and develop resources for their own goals and motivation toolkit.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1025 Goals & Motivation:
  • Professionalism & Participation
  • Weekly Reflections
  • Presentations
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1026 Health Psychology
• Explore how biological, psychological and social factors affect health and illness. The behaviours of the individual are observed with the main focus being in the area of health promotion and disease prevention. Topics include awareness of health concerns of men and women, nutrition, stress, medications in the field, how physical health impacts mental health, and aging.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1026 Health Psychology:
  • In-Class Assignments
  • Take home assignments
  • Group Presentation
  • Quizzes
  • Essay Assignment
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1061 Indigenous Approaches to Wellness
• Participants will be exposed to a variety of wellness tools and techniques used by Indigenous peoples in North America. Students will gain an understanding of wellness from a holistic perspective and create a plan for wellness using the methods learned in class.
• GNED1017 Pathway to Employment Success
• This course provides students with the opportunity to learn and experience the key critical success factors related to employer expectations for successful workplace attitude and behaviour. Based on extensive workplace and employer research, students are able to not only understand but to practise the key elements of human inter-relational skills. The changing workplace demands employees who can demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skill, ability, attitude and behaviour which contributes to personal and professional workplace success.
  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1017 Pathway to Employment Success:
  • In-Class Discussions and Assignments
  • Assignments/Projects
  • Group Work
  • Quizzes
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1041 Personal Finance
• This course introduces students to aspects of personal finance that will be useful over their entire lives, including the creation of a lifetime financial plan. Students will explore basic principles, vocabulary, concepts, and resources that will empower their personal financial decisions. Students will learn to recognize their personal financial goals and values, and how they may change throughout their various life and career stages.
  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1041 Personal Finance:
  • Class Discussions and Participation
  • Assignments
  • Quizzes and Tests
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1003 Personal Understanding - Transfer Credit Option
• You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credit. Visit your Enrolment Services Officer to see if you qualify.
• GNED1022 The Art of Human Communication
• Mastering the art of effective communication is key to maintaining successful relationships, whether they’re personal or professional. Although many people believe communication skills come naturally, there is much to be learned through practice. This course will examine effective conversational skills, body language, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution and active listening.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1022 Interpersonal Communication:
  • In-class Activities
  • Test
  • Reflective Journal Writing
  • Team Presentation
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1023 Wellness
• What we eat, how we move and how we manage stress all have profound effects on our lives and our learning. Wellness explores the basics of physical, emotional and spiritual health and the importance of balancing these areas. Healthy nutrition and lifestyle activities will be discussed, practical stress-management techniques will be demonstrated and spiritual connections to our creativity are explored. Students will take part in a variety of exercises in a friendly environment.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1023 Wellness:
  • Take-home Assignment
  • Group Assignment
  • Essay
  • Quiz
  • Design a Pamphlet
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• Theme - Science and Technology
• GNED1043 Astronomy
• This is an introduction to astronomy covering constellations, motions of the sky and astronomical objects, and the nature of various celestial bodies. This course will also examine the instruments and facilities used for astronomical observations by professional and amateur astronomers and discuss how astronomers study objects far from the Earth.
• GNED1060 Designer DNA: The Age of Genetic Advancement
• Why don’t snakes have legs? How do we make seedless watermelons? Is violent behaviour genetic? Can we eradicate genetic disease? The answers to these questions lie in the study of genetics. Examples like these will be used to explore how our increasingly sophisticated understanding of genomes and the genetic basis of life have advanced areas such as cloning, genetic engineering, and genetic enhancement. The ethics of modern genetics will also be explored as advancements in this field impact both individual and society.
• GNED1049 Gaming Technology
• This course will explore the technical applications behind game development. From virtual reality to motion capture, students will gain fundamental knowledge about the technical development behind games in entertainment, education, architecture, military and various other disciplines. Students will be introduced to game-based learning, the principles of effective game design, and methods for evaluating and assessing different game genres.
  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1049 Gaming Technology:
  • In-Class Assignments
  • Between-Class Assignments
  • Group Assignment
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1029 Geology
• Consider the physical forces that have created Earth and journey through millennia to discover materials, fossils, minerals and energy systems. Learners become informed about what constitutes our active and dynamic planet.

  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1029 Geology:
  • Assignments
  • Final Exam
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1056 Indigenous Food Systems
• Students will explore various food systems throughout North America in a pre- and post-contact context. Students will examine various topics in Indigenous foods systems including methods and protocols, impacts of modern agriculture, and the commercialization of Indigenous foods.
• GNED1004 Living Green: Practical Ways to Start Today
• Do you have a genuine concern about the health of our planet? This course will introduce you to practical changes you can make in your everyday life so you can start living in more sustainable and conscientious ways. Understand the impact of your choices and learn how local actions can positively affect broader environmental systems. Together we can make a difference. It’s easy to be green!
  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1004 Living Green:
  • Class Discussions and Participation
  • Quizzes
  • Reflections
  • Assignments
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1040 Off Grid Living
• This course will prepare students to develop an energy budget leading to an implementable "off-the-grid" solution. Students will achieve a better understanding of their energy consumption patterns and the tough choices that need to be made in order to achieve "energy independence".
  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1040 Off Grid Living:
  • Assignments
  • Reflections
  • In-Class Activities
  • Group Debate
  • Independent Study Assignment
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1034 Science & Technology - Transfer Credit Option
• You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credit. Visit your Enrolment Services Officer to see if you qualify.
• GNED1052 Technology's Impact on the Modern World
• This course explores new and emerging technologies and their implications for individuals, society and the global community. Students will be introduced to issues like identity performance, environment technology, the gamification of life and artificial versus augmented realities.
  The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1052 Technology's Impact on the Modern World:
  • Discussion Boards
  • In Class Discussions and Activities
  • Quizzes
  • Assignments
  • Independent Study Unit
  • Blackboard Thematic Module

• GNED1076 The Science of Alternative and Integrated Medicine
• Discover many different complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) systems such as Ayurveda, naturopathy, meditation, botanical medicine, acupuncture and more! Learn the art and science behind these therapies and how they can be used in combination with modern, conventional medicine in an integrated manner to optimize health. A growing interest in CAM makes it increasingly important to critically evaluate health related media and to understand the science and research behind these therapies, all of which will be explored in this course.

*Courses subject to change.