Master of Arts in Social Justice with Specialization in Gender and Womens Studies - Course Route

at Lakehead University - Thunder Bay Campus Canada

By the year 2041, it is projected that over 25% of Canada's population will be over the age of 65. As the world's populations age, so does the demand for professionals with knowledge in this field. Gerontology at Lakehead University is very multidisciplinary as seniors require assistance and advocacy on a range of topics from financial issues to sexuality. Gerontology incorporates elements from the following disciplines: 

• Anthropology 
• Kinesiology 
• Psychology 
• Education 
• Public Health 
• Women's Studies 
• Social Work 
• Philosophy 

As a graduate, you will understand individual and societal influences on aging and their relevance to health and well-being throughout the adult life span. More specifically, you will demonstrate knowledge on the following topics: 

• The aging process from biological, social, psychological and physical perspectives 
• The role of social support and spirituality in well-being 
• Legal issues related to older persons 
• Death and dying issues and ethics 
• Abuse and neglect of older persons 
• Family as caregivers 
• Aging as a developmental process 
• Ethical dilemmas 

We offer the ability to combine your Gerontology degree with a degree in Women's Studies or Psychology. The departments of Social Work and Sociology also offer Major Concentrations in Gerontology.

As a student in our School of Kinesiology you will study the science of human movement, physical activity, and their relationship to health, well-being and performance. Our multidisciplinary Kinesiology programs explore how the body moves by studying:

• Anatomy
• Physiology 
• Biomechanics
• Ergonomics
• Musculo-skeletal Injuries
• Motor Development and Control
• Nutrition 
• Adaptive Physical Activity
• Health, Wellness and Fitness

Additionally, you will learn about the psychological, sociological and cultural factors that influence physical activity in all populations. This breadth of study will teach you to work collaboratively as part of an interprofessional team to deliver the best quality of care in diverse healthcare settings.

While the pursuit of knowledge has evolved into specialized disciplines, philosophy continues to address the larger, fundamental questions underlying these disciplines such as "What is knowledge?", "What is truth?", "What is justice?". By studying philosophy, you will learn about the intellectual foundations of our society, but you will also develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that will enable you to re-examine society with an inquisitive mind and a discerning lens. 

We will explore fundamental philosophical concepts, from Ancient Greek to the modern era, in order to understand contemporary thinking about ethics and justice in context. Our programs emphasize reasoning skills, oral debate, and writing proficiency with the balance of coursework dedicated to such philosophical topics as:

• Gender 
• Popular Culture 
• Paranormal 
• Love 
• Biomedical Ethics 
• Existentialism 
• Environmental

You will graduate from our program with the ability to:

• Analyze and interpret arguments
• Justify beliefs with reference to standards of proof
• Describe major philosophical trends
• Apply a historical understanding to key philosophical questions
• Identify theoretical assumptions 
• Plan and conduct research that is accurate, thorough, and broadly based

Due to the multidisciplinary relevance of the field, you may combine your studies with disciplines such as English, History, French, Indigenous Learning, Psychology, or Political Science.  We are also one of the few universities in Canada to offer a minor in Professional Ethics. This is a great option if you are interested in examining ethical issues in business, biomedical science, the environment, or - digital technology.

Social Work is a dynamic and growing profession that provides vital services to individuals, groups, families and communities that enhance well-being and facilitate positive change. Social Workers believe in the dignity and worth of each human being and the potential of all persons for continued growth and development throughout their life span.

The profession of Social Work encompasses a large spectrum of roles that include advocating for social justice, providing counseling and support services and developing social policies to assist marginalized populations. Social Workers assist clients with accessing resources and strengthening personal coping skills, while addressing larger socio-political-economic issues.

Our program is fully accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE) and provides students with an opportunity to learn the necessary knowledge and skills to begin a career as a professional social worker. We are committed to you -- our students -- through the use of small classes, innovative teaching methods and outstanding placement settings

Our courses blend in-class learning with field practice opportunities in supervised human service organizations. You will work in settings that include:

• Community Counselling Agencies
• Children’s Mental Health Services
• Addiction Recovery Facilities
• Medical Hospitals
• Correctional Facilities
• Elementary or Secondary Schools
• Advocacy Organizations

The English Department offers MA students a program that best suits their interests and goals. We provide a valuable learning experience to those students interested in the MA as a terminal degree, while also providing those students interested in further study with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue doctoral studies. 

Our MA program offers students the opportunity to pursue their scholarly interests in the way that best suits them, as we offer a number of different program options: the traditional thesis option for those students who want the experience of writing an in-depth study on their topic of choice; a coursework option that provides students with coverage of many fields and the experience of working with a larger number of professors; and a research-project option that combines the two.

We also offer two innovative programs that are unique to Lakehead. The creative-project option allows students to write a creative work, while still engaging in critical analysis of the genre and form in which they are writing. Past creative-projects have included works in fantasy, children’s literature, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Our program also offers a collaborative graduate program with a specialization in Women’s Studies, giving students the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of both departments, to focus more closely on issues of gender, and to graduate with a combined degree, qualifying them for further education in both fields.

As a relatively small department, we are able to offer our graduate students personal attention that larger departments may not be able to provide. At the same time, our faculty members cover the range of periods, national literatures, and theoretical approaches in the field of English literature, and also have expertise in film studies, cultural studies, and new media. Many of our graduate faculty members have won teaching awards and grants, and all are active researchers. They welcome the opportunity to work closely with students in graduate seminars, and in supervisory roles for projects.

Work Experience

We also offer our incoming Canadian students the opportunity to work as a Graduate Assistant (for up to two years). In addition to providing some funding, being a GA provides valuable experience, including the opportunity to teach classes and work one-on-one with undergraduate students.

The English Department offers MA students a program that best suits their interests and goals. We provide a valuable learning experience to those students interested in the MA as a terminal degree, while also providing those students interested in further study with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue doctoral studies. Graduates with a BA, HBA or Concurrent Education degree majoring in English have a number of good reasons to continue their study of literature with us.

Innovative and Traditional Program Options
Our MA program offers students the opportunity to pursue their scholarly interests in the way that best suits them, as we offer a number of different program options: the traditional thesis option for those students who want the experience of writing an in-depth study on their topic of choice; a coursework option that provides students with coverage of many fields and the experience of working with a larger number of professors; and a research-project option that combines the two.

We also offer two innovative programs that are unique to Lakehead. The creative-project option allows students to write a creative work, while still engaging in critical analysis of the genre and form in which they are writing. Past creative-projects have included works in fantasy, children’s literature, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Our program also offers a collaborative graduate program with a specialization in Gender and Women’s Studies, giving students the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of both departments, to focus more closely on issues of gender, and to graduate with a combined degree, qualifying them for further education in both fields.

MA English: Gender and Women's Studies Specialization
The Department of Gender and Women's Studies at Lakehead University is dedicated to furthering an understanding of the importance of gender as a category of analysis in scholarly inquiry. Through interdisciplinary instruction, students will critically assess the relevance of existing models of knowledge in reflecting gendered experience and scholarship.

The aim of the program is to encourage the development and integration of gendered teaching, learning, and research within the university community and the community at large. This Collaborative Master's program allows students to combine advanced disciplinary research with gendered scholarship from the interdisciplinary field of Gender and Women's Studies. Upon completion of the program, the degree awarded specifies the discipline of the participating academic unit and notes the Specialization in Gender and Women's Studies.

Lakehead University’s Faculty of Education is one of Canada’s most diverse and innovative centres of learning. We’re leading the way in teacher education through our commitment to the very best in multidisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential instruction.

Concurrent Education allows you to start your teaching career faster and earn two degrees at the same time. Study the program of your choice, while also taking classes within the Faculty of Education, before spending two years exclusively with the Faculty of Education in order to qualify for certification by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

Our program emphasizes practical learning through placements, practicums, community engagement, and international opportunities to ensure you are fully prepared to enter into the workforce post-graduation.

With programs in two campus locations - Thunder Bay and Orillia - our Education program will provide you with the expertise you need to develop as an educator, and prepare you for the dynamic and rewarding profession of teaching today.

Are you interested in a Bachelor of Arts, but feeling uncertain as to which program is right for you? Lakehead Arts One allows you to explore a range of disciplines from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities without having to select a particular major until the end of your first year. 

University is a time for exploration – Lakehead Arts One allows you to take a mix of different courses throughout your first year to uncover your true passion. You will have the opportunity to choose courses from a variety of arts-based disciplines including: 

• Anthropology 
• English 
• History 
• Indigenous Learning 
• Languages 
• Music 
• Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism 
• Philosophy 
• Political Science 
• Sociology 
• Visual Arts 
• Women's Studies 

To compliment this flexibility, you will also meet with a dedicated advisor who will help you discover your interests,career goals, and majors that suit your aspirations. Additionally, our Department holds workshops on exploring program options, and monthly coffee talks with faculty members to learn more about your options. 

As you near the end of your first year at Lakehead University, you will be ready to confidently select the program and major that is best suited to you.

The field of engineering is generally associated with finding solutions for real world problems in an analytical fashion using the math, science and problem-solving skills. At Lakehead we believe engineers must also possess excellent communication skills as well as an understanding of the business, legal, and societal issues that impact development of the technological products and processes required to meet the demands of a global economy.

As a chemical engineer, you will be skilled in the development, design, construction, and operation of industrial plants in which natural resources are transferred into useful products.

Additionally, you’ll be involved in the manufacture of such commodities as synthetic fibres, plastics, fertilizers, detergents, salts, foods, pharmaceuticals, resins, petroleum products, and pulp and paper.

Our Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). We offer several entry points into our Bachelor of Engineering programs to accommodate you at any stage of your education.

The sustainability of our environment and natural resources is a pressing 21st century issue. Our Honours Bachelor of Science in Resource and Environmental Economics program combines the academic structure of an economics degree with the scientific depth of an environmental science degree to help you understand how economic activity impacts the world around us. In light of growing concerns of climate change, Environmental Economists are in high demand in an effort to improve management strategies.

As a Resource and Environmental Economics student, you will examine resource allocation and decision-making processes with respect to policies related to water quality, air pollution, waste disposal, and climate change. The natural resources component of the program will focus on the economics of resource extraction, resource depletion, and sustainability.

Our program combines fundamentals from the following disciplines:

• Economics
• Environmental Studies
• Mathematics
• Political Science
• Biology
• Philosophy
• History

Much like the economy, the environment and the discussion surrounding is constantly evolving. New theories and topics are always emerging in the field, making Resource and Environmental Economics a very exciting and ground-breaking discipline.