Associate of Arts in Arts (General)

at Langara College Canada

Whether you are studying to be an astronaut, accountant, social worker, scientist, marketer, nurse, school teacher, engineer, manager, computer scientist ... almost every career requires mathematics and/or statistics. Mathematics and Statistics are a part of everyday life, from analyzing the stock market to reading the newspaper to trusting the bridge you drive on. Our goal is to help all our students develop a command and appreciation of the power, beauty, utility, and recreational value of mathematical and statistical ideas.

During their time at Langara, most students will register for at least one Mathematics or Statistics course, as a program or degree requirement or out of interest and enthusiasm for these subject areas. Langara offers a wide range of mathematics and statistics courses, many of which are university-transferable and can be applied towards the first two years of a university degree. Some of our courses are specifically designed for students who did not complete math in high school. Langara’s Math and Stats Department has an excellent track record of students successfully transferring to universities such as UBC and SFU. Moreover, our students typically do well in their third and fourth years because smaller class settings, greater number of contact hours, and approachable instructors prepare them for the transition into university.

Peace and Conflict Studies (PCCN) is an interdisciplinary field of study which is concerned with the problem of human conflict, especially violent and destructive conflict, and the means by which it can be constructively and non-violently resolved. Its interdisciplinary approach to analysis draws on the perspectives of the physical and social sciences, history and philosophy. Guest lecturers from these academic disciplines, as well as guests from the active world of conflict resolution - labour mediators, politicians, peace leaders - will enhance the core courses. Each of the courses listed as requirements for a diploma program in Peace and Conflict Studies adds to an understanding of this most complex and pressing human issue.

With the opportunity to explore and design your own academic program, your studies will culminate in a two-year Associate of Science Degree. You will have the opportunity to choose your specialization areas and tailor the curriculum to your needs. The emphasis is on developing a deeper insight into multiple disciplines, all while building lab skills, field techniques and the ability to analyse data. With a solid foundation in the sciences, these studies will lead seamlessly into further academic studies.

In many job opportunities, post-secondary experience is essential. The Associate of Science Degree provides students with a foundation of knowledge that will help in a broad range of fields. The two-year program leads into further academic study

Recreation professionals help people improve their quality of life. It is a profession that builds people and by this action builds communities. This program is the first 2 years of the Recreation Management Degree program. If you already have a diploma or 60 credits of university transferrable courses, you can start as a third year in the Degree program.

The two-year Recreation Leadership Diploma Program is the foundation required to be successful in both academic studies in Recreation Management and in a career in the field. The program is for students who excel at working with people and are looking to improve the quality of life in their communities through active, healthy and engaged connections.

• Planning and running recreation programs and special events
• Marketing and promoting recreation programs
• Recreation facilities operations management
• Organizing and staffing recreation programs and facilities
• Public speaking skills
• Facility design and operation
• Professional presentation skills
• Basic business skills
• Leadership skills
• How to partner with community groups, organizations and businesses

Are you passionate about health and want a career as an independent health care professional? Meet your goals as a Registered Massage Therapist.
Building on a history of solid health programming, Langara is the first (and only) public post-secondary institution in BC to offer training in this field. Our two year Diploma in Registered Massage Therapy is unparalleled in depth and approach.

Langara's RMT Program offers an extensive content review in both Semester 5 and 6 with over 330 hours of preparation for the CMTBC provincal registration examinations.
Our RMT instructors have been described as "the best in the province", and most have been with Langara since the inception of the Program. You will be taught by instructors who are excellent role models, and passionate about preparing students as to be excellent RMTs. They choose to teach at Langara because they know it takes excellent preparation to begin a career as an RMT - a comprehensive instructional program. Our grads tell us that they are "totally prepared" to work in the health care system.

Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is a respected health care profession in British Columbia, and the demand for therapists is growing. Governed by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC), RMTs practice within the Health Care Professions Act and provide hands-on treatments to assist in achieving and maintaining optimal health. BC's Massage Therapy education is the highest in Canada.

Most extended health plans recognize and cover massage therapy treatments as does BC Medical, the RCMP, Veteran’s Affairs, ICBC, and WCB. RMTs have the flexibility to choose their desired practice area; whether it is alongside allied health practitioners such as physiotherapists and chiropractors, in massage specific clinics, or as an adjunct to sports teams. Massage therapists are defining their own careers!

Design Formation is a two year, multidisciplinary foundation design program that prepares students for further specialized studies or entry-level jobs in fields ranging from visual merchandising to event, graphic, or interior design. This program is ideal for creative people of all ages and backgrounds, from recent high-school graduates to mature students wishing to update their credentials. The classroom and workshop is close-knit, intimate, and collaborative. Our faculty, who are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable about the design world at large support this community feeling.

We aim to promote a comprehensive understanding of the design process and expose students to various aspects of the field. This allows graduates to explore their own creative path with a broad set of skills and experience. Students graduate with a diploma and a professional exit portfolio. Equipped with a wide range of practical skills and knowledge, students can choose to enter the workforce at an entry-level, or continue with further studies in Design.

This eight-month full-time or six-semester part-time certificate program prepares students for career opportunities in the education system working alongside teachers supporting students with disabilities as Education Assistants. The program combines a range of courses that provide a balance between a strong theoretical foundation and practical experiences so students graduate well prepared to begin their career.

In the public school system, a movement away from segregated classrooms toward inclusive classrooms has resulted in dramatic changes in the ways students with disabilities are educated. In this framework, there is a need to provide Education Assistants with the theoretical and practical knowledge and experience that meets the individual needs of all children. An important goal of the Education Assistant Program is to provide Langara College students with opportunities to become competent and employable educators.

The Role of the Education Assistant
Successful Education Assistants have an aptitude for working with adults and with children, are patient, interested in education and in learning, consider schools to be interesting and exciting places, and enjoy working in a world of rapidly changing ideas. The Education Assistant performs a variety of paraprofessional duties in the public school system:

• Works under the direction of teachers, administrators, or other professionals;
• Assists in the development and implementation of individualized or group communication skills, behavioural support, learning support, life-skills development, and work experience;
• Assists in the modification and adaptation of curriculum to meet the individual learning needs of students;
• Attends to and provides personal assistance to students who require assistance with toileting, positioning, diapering, mobility, feeding, grooming, and dressing;
• Transfers and assists students moving to/from wheelchairs, desks, and work areas;
• Supervises students in a variety of community-based activities;
• Attends and participates in school-based team meetings (and other meetings) as required by the support teachers or school administrators;
• Participates in parent-teacher meetings where required; and
• Performs other related work as required

The Classical Studies program covers a wide variety of approaches to the worlds of Greece and Rome. Exploring history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, mythology, and the arts (including architecture, sculpture and painting) will help students understand these same features in other cultures and times. Studying Ancient Greek and Latin languages is key to appreciating the voices of the Classical past and building a solid foundation for learning other languages.

Canadian Studies is a program for those who seek a deeper understanding and appreciation of our society, its origins, unique character and problems. The program's core courses provide critical perspectives on the major issues and controversies that mark contemporary Canada. A wide range of related courses that promote understanding of the origins and workings of Canadian society can be elected.

Core courses are interdisciplinary, drawing lecturers from several disciplines who discuss or debate a subject from their special perspectives. Non-core courses may be selected from many areas. Canadian Studies tackles controversial issues, like racism, emerging women's roles, problems of working life, First Nations' concerns, Quebec separatism and American domination.

Looking for a meaningful career? Do you care about older adults in your life and community? If so, then you want to be part of the dynamic and growing field of gerontology.

This interdisciplinary program is your gateway to a career in the health and social service sector as a Social Service Worker providing a range of services in the community for older adults and their families.
Combining theory with practice, you will gain specialized knowledge and skills to work with individuals, families, and communities to promote health and resilience throughout the aging process. This program prepares you for employment in the field of gerontology within a wide range of service settings such as: health and wellness, education, recreation, community support, advocacy, residential and palliative care. The gerontology service sector has expressed resounding support for the program and hiring graduates in the future.

The program is structured for full-time studies, although exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for students to complete the program on a part-time basis or to enrol in individual courses with permission of the Program Coordinator.
Two of our students were featured in the Co-op Radio show It Takes a Village where they shared their views about the role education in Gerontology and graduates can play in better serving older adults.