Why not step out of your comfort zone this year and try something new? Electives 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 article, 20 courses you didn’t know you could take at uOttawa, here’s a new list of courses that will surely shake things up.
*These courses have a prerequisite.
Are you a fan of the Indiana Jones series?
- Archaeological Methods and Techniques — CLA 2110
This course looks at the contribution of archaeology to our understanding of the ancient world. It’s a general and theoretical introduction to different archaeological techniques and their development.
Do you have entrepreneurship in your blood?
- Entrepreneurship Foundry — ADM3396*
This course lets you earn units while working on your current business or social enterprise (not just an idea), acting as an accelerator for your entrepreneurial venture.
Want to discuss human rights?
- Legal Aspects of Human Rights — DCC 2303
An exploration of the historical origins of international human rights law. The course is a presentation of international law as a legal system that includes rules, principles and requirements, as well as specific methodological research tools.
Want to be a math and problem-solving whiz? Or, at least, not leave it all up to chance?
- Descriptive Statistics — MAT 1371
An introduction to elementary probability theory, game theory and the mathematical underpinnings of games of chance, demonstrated through their application to poker games such as Texas Hold’em. The course also touches on social aspects of gaming.
Love listening to true crime podcasts?
- Introduction to Criminology — CRM 1300
This course examines different concepts in criminology and notions of crime and deviance. It tackles social problems and social control, as well as the functioning of the criminal justice system, crime statistics and public opinion, and the role of criminologists.
Interested in deepening your Indigenous knowledge?
- Seminar in Indigenous Studies — EAS 4103*
Advanced study of topics in Indigenous Studies.
Are you a bookworm?
- Canadian Children’s Literature — ENG 2111
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 legends and nonsense verse).
Lights, camera, action! Want to explore film from a new perspective?
- Music in the Movies — MUS 2310
A study and critical appreciation of music chosen and composed for films.
- International Queer Cinema — CIN 4521*
How is sexual desire represented in auteurist and popular cinema? How do both present different sexualities? This course will attempt to answer some of these questions by focusing on cinematic representations of individuals who refuse to conform to dominant gender and sexual norms. We will study past and current film trends, such as American queer cinema of the 1990s and contemporary gay and lesbian cinema from Europe. This course is only offered in French.
Do you want to stretch your mind as well as your body?
- Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity in Canada — APA 1302
A look at social dimensions of sport and physical activity in Canadian society, including their relationships with culture, mass media and politics; sport and physical activity structures in Canada and their place in the global sport system; sport and social inequalities, multiple identities and gender relations; the commercialization of sport and physical activity; and social problems in sport.
Want a better understanding of health and nutrition?
- Nutritional Determinants of Health — HSS 2342
An overview of the fundamentals of nutrition science with an emphasis on metabolism and dietary sources of nutrients. Increased awareness of the role of nutrition in promoting health and preventing diseases and its relation to culture, age, energy balance, weight control and activity.
Looking to hone your mediation and mindfulness skills?
- Meditation: Theory and Practice — AHL 3556*
This course studies the human capacity for self-awareness and first-hand experience. It explores contemplative states of mind from diverse disciplinary and theoretical perspectives, complemented by weekly first-person exercises and critical appraisal of mindfulness practices based on one’s own experience. This course is only offered in French.
Want to know more about our parks and protected areas?
- Parks and Protected Areas — LSR 3105*
Historical, philosophical, social, cultural and ecological perspectives on park and protected area establishment, policy, planning and management. Course topics include the conservation movement, managing for ecological integrity, visitor management, provision and management of recreation within parks, park interpretation, current trends and a critical analysis of park issues and plans.
Curious about what it takes to be in public relations?
- Public Relations — CMN 3144
A look at the history, theory and practice of public relations in society. This course examines the functions of public relations practitioners, techniques by which organizations communicate with external audiences, media relations, corporate image and ethics.
Interested in exploring feminist theories?
- Indigenous Feminisms — FEM 3108*
Explorations of Indigenous feminisms in contemporary and historical contexts, emphasizing tensions between feminist and Indigenous epistemologies. Topics include Indigenous futurities, the intersection of gender and colonization, concepts of sovereignty and resistance, violence against Indigenous women, Indigenous ontologies and methodologies, two-spirit identities and social movements.
- Queer Theories — FEM 3107*
An examination of the history of gay and lesbian studies, as well as the emergence of queer theory and cultures. While “queer” is understood in terms of what does not conform to normative sexualities, it also offers analysts a range of emergent cultural expression.
Looking to deepen your understanding of how humans interact?
- Principles of Sociology — SOC 1101
A study of social networks based on the analysis of the relations between social actors, be they individual, collective or institutionalized. An introduction to the basic concepts of network analysis, such as structure, culture, relations, small world networks and power. The emphasis is on case studies of economic and social networks.
Want to learn more about climate change?
- Global Environmental Challenges — ENV 1101
This course explores the threat of human-induced environmental degradation and societal responses to these environmental challenges using contemporary case studies of climate change and air and water pollution and their impact on human health, from a social sciences perspective.
Want to learn how politics and culture intersect?
- Politics and Culture — POL 3116*
A study of the relationship between culture and politics in one or more national and linguistic contexts. The themes explored vary from year to year.
Want to know where Canada fits in on the global stage?
- Canada and the Challenges of International Development and Globalization — DVM 1100
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.
Unsure when you can enrol in or drop a class? See the important academic dates and deadlines.