Regions (e.g., the Grand River Watershed) are examined from an interdisciplinary perspective, which incorporates scientific, historical, social, economic, philosophical and cultural perspectives. The relationship between social and natural environments and ideas such as space, place and landscape form central themes. This course attempts to use regional case studies as a vehicle for understanding and appreciating significant world issues.

(Cross-listed as ID120.)

An examination of some of the major currents in contemporary thought. Topics for discussion may include empire, revolution, war and peace, feminism, decolonization, race relations, modernity and post-modernity, the rational and irrational, consumerism, the impact of technology and the life of the individual faced with globalization.

This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to ideas that shape our contemporary world. What do liberty, equality and tolerance mean? Where did these ideas originate? What other ideas have challenged and changed the way we look at the world? Topics like private property, capitalism, communism, liberalism, feminism and justice will be discussed. Students will read essential commentators like Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Marx, Orwell, Wollstonecraft and Fukuyama.

A study of the application of the scientific method which emphasizes contemporary challenges to science and technology. Arguments against science as the dominant, rational and objective form of inquiry will be discussed, in conjunction with defences of science and the scientific method. Topics addressed may include uncertainty, ethics and science, the limits of science, feminism and science and science policy.

(Cross-listed as ID205.)

Contemporary environmental issues are studied from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Topics for discussion may include climate change, water issues, urbanization, environmental law and legislation, corporate needs and responsibilities, and personal and ethical responses to environmental issues.

This is a skills-based course which aims to improve scientific literacy. In order to improve students' ability to critically evaluate scientific information, the course will strengthen informal logic skills, and introduce the concepts required for understanding statistical probability. Topics will include the difference between induction and deduction, causation and correlation, risk assessment, statistical significance, as well as the nature of measurement and error, sampling, distributions, control groups and double-blind experiments. (Cross-listed as CC221 and OL221.)

This course is designed to help students understand and utilize information, as it is available in a variety of information sources. Both practical and theoretical in scope, it uses a mixture of lecture, in-class discussion, hands-on activities, oral presentations, and written assignments to give students the technological skills and critical thinking abilities needed to effectively use print and electronic information resources. Once successfully completed this course will enable students to think critically about research strategies and to locate and critically evaluate information, and to apply these skills in other courses and later in their professional and personal life.

(Cross-listed as CC223.)

Organizations come in all shapes and sizes. This interdisciplinary introduction to the study of organizations and their behaviour and looks at both the internal workings of organizations and their role within broader society. Students will discuss major theoretical approaches and debates in the interdisciplinary field of organizational theory, as well as the issues raised by the role organizations play in contemporary society. (Cross-listed as OL224.)

This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of contemporary issues from a social science perspective that may incorporate psychological, sociological, historical and political science perspectives. The contribution that social science research can make to our understanding of contemporary issues; social science methodology; and the relationship between the social sciences and policy-making are discussed. Topics covered may include normality and abnormality, conflict, sexuality, interpersonal relationships, group behaviour, and the self and identity.

An introduction to the social, philosophical and historical contexts in which we can understand the role that the contemporary media play in our lives. Specific topics may include the nature of writing for the media; media bias; the history and structure of mass media; changes in media technology; the media's coverage of scientific, cultural and economic issues; and issues of communication and cultural policy in Canada and a global world.

(Cross-listed as CO243.)

A study of the application of the scientific method. Historical and contemporary examples of the use of the method will be discussed, as well as debates about the ways in which it should be described and understood, and its ability to establish objective truths about the world. Questions discussed may include "Is there a scientific method?" "Can theories be tested?" "How can we distinguish Science and Pseudo-Science?"

Lectures and tutorials will discuss the role of representation in defining our understanding of reality, and major themes, topics and methods that characterize the study of representation and the social production of meaning through signs and symbols.

A look at ancient Western classics which discusses their relevance to contemporary lives and ways of thinking; and their influence on modern and contemporary language, writing and thought. The continuing relevance or permanence of 'classical themes' will be discussed.

A look at contemporary issues from some non-Western perspective on contemporary life and issues. The perspective studied will change from year to year, and may include Asian, African or other points of view (e.g., Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Hindu, Islamic, Romany, or Maori perspectives). Cultural, religious, philosophical and political aspects of the perspective will be discussed.

Different forms of popular culture will be discussed in relation to contemporary issues. Possible topics for discussion include music videos, movies, sports, dance, food, community festivals and celebrations, service clubs, and fashion and culture.

This course offers students the opportunity to explore selected topics growing out of the contemporary studies core curriculum. All students will discuss their topics and approaches to these topics with their professor and will normally meet on a weekly basis. Students may choose to prepare an extended conventional essay, a series of shorter essays, reports, short stories, video documentaries or other creative means of assessment, developed in consultation with their professor.

A one-term study of a special topic of relevance to Contemporary Studies, taught by one of the core faculty in the Contemporary Studies program. Different topics will be featured in different sections.