Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies

at Carleton University Canada

The study of history allows us to recognize and understand the complex issues that shaped the contemporary world. The History Department offers courses in African, American, Asian, Canadian, Caribbean, European, Latin American and South Asian history. Some courses trace the history of social, political and cultural change of a region or period. Others are thematic and may examine women’s history, the histories of science, sexuality, food and drink, or slavery. In the Public History concentration, Honours students explore how history appears in our everyday lives, not just in museums and monuments, but also in movies, reality television, video games, music and the stories families and communities pass from one generation to the next.

In first year, history students may choose a small seminar class or a larger lecture course with a tutorial group. Both formats foster debate and discussion. All history courses encourage student research which may draw on the rich array of libraries and archives in the national capital, including Carleton’s own valuable collections and resources.

From Google Maps to GPS navigation to global vegetation and water monitoring, geomatics deals with the acquisition, management, analysis and display of geographic information. In our Geomatics BA program, you will obtain intensive training in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (imaging from satellites and aircraft) and cartography, including web-based applications. You will apply advanced computer software and techniques to the challenge of understanding natural systems, addressing environmental problems and planning human interventions. Our program combines hands-on learning, using the latest in laboratory facilities, with opportunities to gain field experience and do work placements. Geomatics applications include the analysis of problems involving environmental and resource planning, land cover and vegetation mapping, market analysis, hazard mapping and education, amongst many others.

Where better to study politics than the nation’s capital? Our location in Ottawa provides you with numerous chances to see politics not only nationally but internationally. You will examine such topics of study as international relations, transitions to democracy, parties and elections, globalization and social movements, and the culture and ideas of politics.

International or local exchanges are an exciting possibility during your third year, and you may also choose to undertake an internship of your choosing, with permission of the undergraduate supervisor. In fourth year, an internship with the Washington Center is an option for consideration.

Cognitive science involves the study of cognition, perception, and emotion from a wide range of perspectives. Despite the many different methodologies they use, cognitive scientists are united in their interest in the mind—and the brain.

Researchers in our program (students and faculty members) study the mind by combining the methods and theories of five disciplines: psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience and computer science. This interdisciplinary approach allows unique insights into human understanding, thought, perception, language and emotion.

The Bachelor of Cognitive Science is offered as an Honours program with either a thesis or coursework option, and as a three year degree.

Carleton is home to the oldest and largest BA program in law in Canada. In the program, you will acquire a strong understanding of the dynamics of law, including its rules, agents, institutions and power structures. You will study legal theory and its application in everyday life and you will be taught by award-winning researchers and extensively published professors. Carleton’s proximity to Canada’s important public institutions, such as the Supreme Court of Canada, Parliament and the Department of Justice can lead to unique work and volunteer opportunities for our students. As an Honours student, you will have the choice of a concentration in Law, Policy and Government; Business Law; or Transnational Law and Human Rights.

Our students acquire a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of the causes and definitions of crime and criminal behaviour, criminal law and its administration, and social and institutional responses to crime. You will personalize your program by choosing one of three concentrations: Law, Psychology or Sociology. In addition, possible field placements in organizations such as the Crown Attorney’s Office, criminal law offices or the Royal Ottawa Hospital (Forensic Program) give you hands-on experience in real-life situations, including front-line work with offenders, police, victims, and lawyers, to name a few. Other placements can match you with researchers and policy analysts involved in criminal justice and crime prevention. Carleton’s location in Ottawa gives you research and employment opportunities that align with your degree.

Computer game development has become a sophisticated subject, drawing on advanced knowledge in a number of areas of computer science, such as artificial intelligence and computer graphics. In this stream, you will learn about both the principles and practice of designing and developing modern computer games.

Computer and Internet security has become a critical issue in society because of the vulnerability of our computing and communication networks to hackers and malicious software such as viruses and worms. You will acquire a solid background in computer science and software engineering, as well as depth in both the foundations and the practice of information systems security, including computer and network security, cryptography and software security.

Chemistry
As a student interested in chemistry, you can enrol in programs and courses in all the main areas of chemistry, including analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, theoretical and environmental chemistry. Concentrations in Nanotechnology and Chemical Toxicology are available. Extensive lab experience is offered, helping you to round out your studies with practical experience.

Physics
Physics is the study of the most basic natural phenomena—from the smallest particles to the largest structures of the universe, from the beginning to the end. Physics is also the scaffolding behind the technology found in numerous current advances such as in smart phones, self-driving cars and radiation treatment of cancer. Physicists are keen to understand the nature of the world around them, as well as to control it for the betterment of humanity. They use their creativity to solve challenging problems, whether they are creating very powerful lasers for eye surgery, colliding particles at very-high energy, or descending deep down into underground mines to investigate the most basic building blocks of matter. Physicists look for and examine patterns in nature in order to formulate natural laws. They push scientific boundaries by exploring unknown territory through theory and experimentation, often thinking about and describing our physical world in ways that we cannot yet observe in nature.

Sustainability has become a key consideration in both society and engineering. There is a growing need for engineers with expertise in the closely related areas of heritage conservation and sustainable building design. Carleton’s program in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering teaches students a modern approach for the design and retrofit of buildings that holds sustainability as the guiding objective while respecting architectural history and significance. Students learn to consider the life cycle costs and environmental impacts of building materials, energy demand, and the effective reuse and conservation of existing structures. Students in the program work closely with Carleton’s architecture students.