Courses

An introduction to gender and education as a method of inquiry into the role of education in society. In particular, the course explores the relationship of gender and education in the context of formalized schooling, both in Canada and around the world. By focusing on gender, this course considers the experiences of people in their roles of students, classmates, teachers, and in positions of leadership. For people of faith, students will become familiar with gender as a sociological variable (i.e. cultural) in schooling by exploring current sociological theories of education and current lived realities of girls and boys in schools.

Readings in Greek and Roman mythology, epic poetry, and short poetry with attention to the cultural and literary context of these works of literature, including the literary construction of gender. This course includes the study of selected works of English literature that have been influenced by the Greek and Roman literary tradition.

An introduction to Gender Studies, an interdisciplinary field that asks critical questions about the meanings of sex and gender in society. Students will examine key issues, questions and debates in Gender Studies, both historical and contemporary, and will analyze the multiple ways that sex and gender have interacted with and continue to intersect with race, class, nationality and other social identities, including religious ones.

In Christianity and Judaism, gender roles have historically been informed by varied interpretations of their sacred texts. This course focuses on issues related to gender (including such topics as the roles and relationships of female and male characters) situated in the historical contexts of when these scriptural texts were written and initially received. Students will investigate and critique the transmission and interpretations of these traditions up to the present day.

An examination of the historical development of the family in the modern era. There is a central focus on the formation of families and households and the impact of religion on gender and family roles. The course integrates contemporary gender theory but concentrates on the lives and ideas of historical actors as they are revealed in the historical record.

A study of selected works written by women in seventeenth-century Britain and America, situated in their cultural contexts.

An examination of special topics or issues in history that are not considered in depth in other courses.

Examines the changing nature of, and approaches to, war and its effect on society from the ancient world to the present, including an assessment of various visions and proposals for peace. The course includes an assessment of historic and relatively recent armed conflicts, exploring the causes of contemporary conflict and some of its distinctive characteristics. It also evaluates the effectiveness of various strategies for preventing, abating and terminating current forms of conflict. Questions discussed include: Why do states go to war? How do they create a lasting peace? What role does morality play in foreign policy? What is our obligation to just peace or just war?

An examination of major developments in the society and culture of Canada with a particular spotlight on the diverse experience of the people who made Canada. The course highlights aspects of Canadian identity as seen through the lenses of gender, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and region. The focus is on the interaction between migrant groups and the host society, rural and urban societies, education and social reforms, labour and capital, and changing gender roles.