Why not step out of your comfort zone this year and try something new? Electives without prerequisites give you the opportunity to explore other disciplines that interest you and — who knows? — maybe even forge friendships with people you might not otherwise meet. Building on our previous articles from 2019 and 2020, here’s a new list of courses that will surely shake things up.
1. Discover the business world
Social Context of Business – ADM1101
This course situates business within its changing socio-economic, political and technological environments. Managers must learn to both distinguish between and properly utilize the confrontational world of lobbying, as well as the collaborative governance mechanisms that join private, public and civic organizations. Students will address real-world predicaments of ethical management, corporate social responsibility, and strategic governance that arise within the social context of business.
2. Find out how animals influence the human world
Introduction to Animal Studies I – AHL2110
An introduction to the emerging field of animal studies. Topics include animal representations in the arts and literature, companion animals, the intersections of science, advocacy and animals, and human and non-human animal relations.
3. Want to know why cinema is the way it is?
History of Cinema I: 1895-1960 – CIN2101
A study of various international film schools and movements from the inception of cinema to the 1960s: the pre-cinema screen tradition, the invention of cinema and its first years (1880s-1904), the inception and development of sound cinema (1929-1945), and post-war cinema (1949-1960s).
4. Travel to Mount Olympus
Greek Mythology – CLA2323
An introduction to Greek myths in their religious and historical context, including their impact on western art and literature. Readings will be translations of ancient sources (Homer, Hesiod, the Greek tragedians, etc.)
5. Learn about the mechanics of language
Introduction to Linguistics – LIN1315
This course provides a foundational overview of the scientific study of natural language, focusing on the core areas of theoretical linguistics. These include the articulation and acoustics of sounds (phonetics); the rules governing the organization of sounds and intonation (phonology); the internal structure of words (morphology), phrases, and sentences (syntax); the compositional interpretation of linguistic expressions (semantics); and aspects of meaning that depend on the context of language use (pragmatics).
6. Do you love listening to true crime podcasts?
Introduction to Criminology – CRM1300
This course explores different conceptions of criminology and notions of crime and deviance. It will look at social problems and social control, how the criminal justice system functions, crime statistics and public opinion and the criminologist's role.
7. Why can’t we stop binge-watching true crime?
History of Criminological Thought – CRM1301
A look at conceptions of crime and punishment during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. This course examines the classical period, the penitentiary reform movement, the first scientific studies, the Italian positivist school and other studies at the turn of the century.
8. Want to discuss human rights?
Legal Aspects of Human Rights – DCC2303
This course explores the historical origins of international human rights law. A presentation of international law as a legal system that includes rules, principles and requirements, as well as specific methodological research tools.
9. Want to know where Canada fits in the global stage?
Canada and the Challenges of International Development and Globalization – DVM1100
A study of the impact of globalization on Canadian society. This course analyzes the role Canada plays in international development and globalization and examines government development institutions and policy, the private sector and civil society organizations.
10. Understand international conflict
Introduction to the Study of Conflicts and Human Rights – ECH1100
An overview and analysis of types, origins and prevalence of violent conflicts. A study of the conditions for sustainable peace, with a special focus on the protection and promotion of human rights and international humanitarian law.
11. Are you a bookworm?
Canadian Children’s Literature – ENG2111
An introduction to Canadian children's literature, through a wide variety of forms (novels, chapter books, rhymes, picture books) and genres (realism, science fiction, fantasy, time-travel, aboriginal legend, and nonsense verse).
12. Obsessed with the Marvel Universe?
Comic Books and Graphic Novels – ENG2118
An introduction to the history of comic books and graphic novels, as they have evolved to mix pop-cultural media with serious artistic ambitions. An analysis of text and image, the narrative and the visual, and individual authorship and collaboration.
13. Chat about feminism
Women, Gender, Feminism: An Introduction – FEM1100
An interdisciplinary approach to women and the intersection of social relations of gender, race, class, sexuality and disability in Canadian and global contexts. An introduction to basic conceptual debates in feminist and gender studies and to feminist theoretical positions. A great opportunity to develop your critical analytical skills.
14. Explore the tensions of globalization
Contested Places – GEG2108
An analysis of social, economic or political conflicts rooted in culture and space, including local effects of global phenomena. A look at the globalization of culture and immigration as sources of tensions in the contemporary world. Also offered as ENV 2108.
15 and 16. Feed your mind and body
Determinants of Health – HSS1101
An introduction to health sciences including models and concepts of health and wellness, illness and disease. Biological, psychobehavioural, socio-political and environmental determinants of health will be examined.
Nutritional Determinants of Health – HSS2342
An overview of the fundamentals of nutrition science with an emphasis on metabolism and dietary sources of nutrients. This course looks to increased awareness of the role of nutrition in promoting health and preventing diseases and examines its relation to culture, age, energy balance, weight control and activity.
17 and 18. Dabble in the occult
Witchcraft, Magic and Occult Traditions – SRS1110
A historical, psychological and cross-cultural exploration of traditions and practices built on a belief in paranormal phenomena, including witchcraft, magic, occult, and related experiences, in relation to traditional notions of religious behaviour.
The Religions of the World I – SRS1112
An introductory survey of major religious traditions of humankind, including prehistoric religion, as well as important Semitic and Far Eastern religions. Basic problems connected with the field of religious studies will be explored.
19. What it takes to be a sociologist
Principles of Sociology – SOC1101
An introduction to the principal fields, concepts and essential methods of sociological analysis. This course examines the craft of the sociologist and the critical thinking and techniques of their intellectual work.
20. Learn a new language
Learn Arabic, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, or Russian.
Modern language courses are included in the list of electives without prerequisites offered by the Faculty of Arts. If you have no prior knowledge of the language you wish to study, just enrol in the Elementary I level course.
Unsure when you can enrol in or drop a class? See the important academic dates and deadlines. Unsure if the classes are offered in person or online? Check the course schedule and keep track of the COVID-19 updates on the uOttawa website.