Associate of Arts in Latin American Studies

at Langara College Canada

The Aboriginal Studies Program is an integrated university-transferable program that addresses historic and contemporary Aboriginal issues in Canada. The Aboriginal Studies Program is unique and comprehensive. The program welcomes all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. The program strives to empower its students through education. The program encourages each student to reach their full potential through a unique, diverse and comprehensive approach to post-secondary education.

The curriculum content provides students with a thorough understanding of the historic and current circumstances of Aboriginal life in Canada and internationally and looks to the future at such issues as Aboriginal self-government and economic self-sufficiency. Equal emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills, critical thinking and communication skills, as well as laying a solid foundation for additional educational pursuits. A unique and integral aspect of the Aboriginal Studies Program is the seminar component. Program students and faculty participate in the seminars equally. The purpose of these seminars is to expose the students to and stimulate discussion on topics that may or may not be covered in the classroom. The seminars also promote and foster a sense of community among students and faculty. This sense of community provides support for the student on many levels and provides an atmosphere for frank and open discussion.

Philosophy is the discipline which develops the ability to think clearly about fundamental questions, including those that frequently lie at the root of other disciplines. Philosophy asks questions about the nature of knowledge, reality, truth, consciousness, freedom, moral obligation, aesthetic value, happiness, justice, and virtue--questions asked by those who seek to understand themselves, their society, and their world. We welcome students who are interested in questions of this order.

A general business management education provides the versatility to work in a variety of management careers. Langara College’s Business Management graduates are the chameleons of the work world and are able to draw on their solid business education to tackle business opportunities and problems. As well, those with an entrepreneurial spirit will gain the expertise to operate their own enterprise. In addition to courses from a variety of business areas including marketing, financial management and international business, students who choose this concentration complete general education support courses.

International Business Management
As the world becomes increasingly inter-connected the need for professionals with strong backgrounds in international business grows. Our programs provide a solid grounding in the business activities related to international trade, exporting and importing. In addition, students are encouraged to choose electives that expose them to the economies, histories, cultures, languages and business practices of the world’s major nations. The result is a winning combination of skills that will prepare grads for employment opportunities both in Canada and abroad. Students can choose to focus on International Business either at the diploma level or by completing the International Business Specialization in the third and fourth year of the BBA Business Management Concentration.

Graduates of the International Business Program receive a well-rounded business education, preparing them for a wide variety of employment opportunities in the global market. Graduates are knowledgeable and competent in areas of international business as diverse as finance, marketing and distribution.

Students interested in International Business Management should apply to the BBA program through the School of Management and then select International Business Specialization as their concentration.

Langara College’s Social Service Worker Program prepares students for immediate entry into all social service sectors, as well as for further education in Social Work and other helping professions.

Students who successfully complete the nine-month program earn a Social Service Worker Certificate. They also have the option of adding 30 Arts and Sciences credits to the Certificate to earn a Coordinated Diploma.

Employment opportunities for graduates of the Social Service Worker Certificate and Diploma Programs vary based on new and emerging needs, funding priorities, development of new services, and expansion of existing programs. Graduates of the program find employment in both private and public sector agencies and in a variety of programs. Among the types of organizations and services that employ graduates are Neighbourhood Houses, youth service agencies, family centres, women’s programs, immigrant service agencies, rehabilitation centres, First Nations bands and councils, advocacy organizations, social and recreational programs, the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry for Children and Families.

The Aboriginal Studies Program is an integrated university-transferable program that addresses historic and contemporary Aboriginal issues in Canada. The Aboriginal Studies Program is unique and comprehensive. The program welcomes all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.

The program strives to empower its students through education. The program encourages each student to reach their full potential through a unique, diverse and comprehensive approach to post-secondary education.

The curriculum content provides students with a thorough understanding of the historic and current circumstances of Aboriginal life in Canada and internationally and looks to the future at such issues as Aboriginal self-government and economic self-sufficiency. Equal emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills, critical thinking and communication skills, as well as laying a solid foundation for additional educational pursuits.

A unique and integral aspect of the Aboriginal Studies Program is the seminar component. Program students and faculty participate in the seminars equally. The purpose of these seminars is to expose the students to and stimulate discussion on topics that may or may not be covered in the classroom. The seminars also promote and foster a sense of community among students and faculty. This sense of community provides support for the student on many levels and provides an atmosphere for frank and open discussion.

Langara College's Aboriginal Education Policy
To increase the success rates of Aboriginal students and to increase the representation and retention of Aboriginal students, Langara College implemented the first formal Aboriginal Education Policy in British Columbia. The policy sets in motion an education and employment equity program which:

• Is committed to increasing the participation and success rate of Aboriginal Learners to the National Average (a provincial advisory committee reported (1989) that 3% of the Aboriginal Population pursues post-secondary education, compared with 15% of the general population);
• will ensure the involvement of Aboriginal representatives in any decisions affecting Aboriginal Education;
• will provide full opportunity and support for Aboriginal students to achieve their academic potential;
• recognize the need to recruit and employ Aboriginal personnel in faculty, staff and administrative positions.

In a time of increasing globalization, where human activity is now seen to have far reaching, often adverse, implications for the worlds ecosystems it is essential to have the awareness, knowledge, skill and experience to address these issues.  Environmental understanding, protection and remediation are significant, growing concerns in today’s society.  Environmental Studies at Langara College is an interdisciplinary program within the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. It draws from four critical study areas - biology, chemistry, english, geography – as well as including a number of specific environmental courses.  Elective courses are chosen from a wide range of subjects to suit a particular student’s interests.  A one-week field school is conducted at the end of the second year. 

The Real Property Analyst Certificate provides a strong academic foundation in real estate investment analysis, combined with practical knowledge of the operating aspects of income-producing real estate.

The core courses examine the principles and techniques of real estate valuation, mathematics, investment analysis, and law. The elective courses offer students some latitude to develop their knowledge in different areas of related expertise, such as accounting, property management, non-profit housing management, residential construction, building operating systems, and the art of negotiation.

The Computing Science & Information Systems Department offers a Diploma in Computer Studies. The Diploma in Computer Studies can be completed in two years*, and offers a foundation in computer science and information systems education. The program covers topics including program design, systems analysis and design, fundamentals of microcomputers, web development, networking, and more.

The Diploma in Computer Studies also offers a co-op option, providing students with the opportunity to get further hands-on experience in a work environment.

The Biology Department offers a Citation in Ecology, which recognizes students who have completed a number of ecology-related Biology courses while working toward an Associate of Science Degree, a Diploma in Arts and Science, or another university-transfer program.

• Citation in Ecology

When you study ecology and biology at Langara, you will examine all aspects of living things: from the molecules that make up your cells to entire ecosystems. The courses that focus on ecology include an overview of living organisms (microorganisms, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates), an introduction to terrestrial and aquatic ecology, physiological ecology, behavioural ecology, community structure and dynamics, ecosystem ecology, and an introduction to plant and animal population ecology (population dynamics, interaction, conservation ecology, and modelling.)

The four Langara College programs in Health Sciences offer an interdisciplinary approach to the study of health, illness, and disease in human communities. Health is one of the largest employment sectors in the country, and is anticipated to grow at a faster than average rate. Employment options are diverse, and extend far beyond serving as doctors or nurses.  Upon successful completion, students of Health Sciences programs will have gained a strong basic background in this rapidly changing field.

Students may pursue programs in either an Arts or Science stream, and earn a Diploma or an Associate Degree. After completing an Associate degree program, students may continue their studies at Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Health Sciences or the University of Victoria’s Health & Community Services program, transferring seamlessly into third year studies.

 Students may also transfer the Diploma or Associate Degree to university in order to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science or in a related discipline.