Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

at Mount Allison University Canada

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Mount Allison is the only PPE program in Canada east of Ontario, and one of only three in the country.

The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program brings together three fundamental disciplines that use different tools and methodologies to study the human experience, but are all concerned with the many, often conflicting, ideas of what is good for people and the challenges that arise when these varied approaches are put into practice.

It helps students develop critical-thinking skills that will serve them well no matter their chosen career, offering students the opportunity of a multidisciplinary immersion in the problems that structure the human world.

At Mount Allison, courses in the multidisciplinary PPE program are drawn from established courses in all three disciplines, with special topics courses offered in upper years.

In Philosophy, you'll cultivate a broad view of human experience and values by examining concepts like:

• how we can know the world
• the nature of justice
• our responsibility to others

In Politics, you'll gain insight into:

• the workings of government
• the meaning of citizenship
• how society, economy, and culture shape the political community

In Economics, you will look at:

• the development of modern economies
• the evolution of economic systems
• the outcomes of economic policies
• the economic consequences of participation in trade, exchange, or employment

Most of the required courses for the program are at the first and second-year level, giving you greater flexibility in your upper years to tailor your courses to your interests.

Philosophy is the endeavour to understand the basic questions that arise for us in our world, and to formulate this understanding in a critical manner. Traditionally, these questions have touched upon what can be known, what can be valued, what our own position is socially and individually — above all, how we can know what we think we know.

At Mount Allison, Philosophy believes that careful study of the great works of the past and present provides the best access to philosophical questions, and is committed to diversity.

You'll explore the history of philosophy from the sixth century B.C. to the 21st century, with areas of teaching and research in:

• ethics, logic, metaphysics, value theory
• Indian, German philosophy
• social and political philosophy
• continental philosophy
• biomedical ethics
• feminist philosophy
• disability theory
• philosophy of science, law, biology, music, art
• ancient and medieval philosophy

Art history is integral to the study of art and visual culture. It provides valuable insight into history, philosophy, and the humanities in general.

Courses in art history at Mount Allison range from an introduction to art and its contexts to more focused examinations of specific time periods, movements, and issues surrounding the visual arts.
You will be able to explore:

• Canadian and Indigenous art
• Museum and curatorial studies
• Contemporary art
• Women and gender in art
• Specialist courses in 19th and 20th century art

Upper year advanced seminars offer you the opportunity to take a more focused and critical approach to topics like:

• Modern to postmodernism
• Feminism and gender
• Museum studies
• Museums and education
• Collections and collecting
• Curating and critical writing
• Arts and archives
• Independent studies in specialized subjects
• Museum and gallery practicums

Geocomputing is an applied program that combines theory and practice of computer science and geography. The program gives students expertise to study and understand spatial dimensions of social and environmental problems such as minimizing environmental impacts and identifying critical habitat.

At Mount Allison, Geocomputing combines theory and practice of computing and geography, offering students a new way to look at the world.

Students in Geocomputing take courses in computer science, environmental science, and environmental studies, with spatial computing (geographic information systems) at the heart.

In Computer Science, you'll look at subjects like:

• Programming techniques
• Algorithms
• Discrete structures
• Data structures
• Database systems
• Object-oriented design and methodology
• Computers and society

In Environment and Geography, you'll look at subjects like:

• Geographic information systems (GIS)
• The physical environment
• The human environment
• Data analysis
• Resources management and environmental policies

In their final year, students complete an applied capstone project that integrates both fields.

Mathematics is the foundation of most modern quantitative and qualitative studies. It has many faces, from practical uses of its statistical tools to theoretical studies of abstract relationships.

At Mount Allison, the Mathematics program aims to provide an appreciation of the historical, theoretical, and applied nature of mathematics.

All courses in the curriculum offer a blend of theory and practical applications. The program includes lectures supplemented by weekly labs where you can gain hands-on experience.

Introductory courses* may introduce students to the applications to which calculus may be applied or the practical uses of statistics.
Upper-year courses deal with topics ranging from geometry to game theory.

You will be introduced to mathematical concepts such as:

• The practical uses of statistical tools
• Theoretical studies of abstract relationships
• The applications of calculus
• The use of number theory in modern cryptography

Many of the courses offered include a substantial computational component and students are encouraged to use the mathematical software tools available. You are also encouraged to conduct independent summer research projects or to contribute to faculty research projects as a research assistant.

Computer Science
Ranging from hands-on applications to pure theory, Computer Science introduces students to all facets of the discipline. It also gives you an appreciation of the historical, ethical, and social context of computing, and the responsibility of the computer professional and casual computer user in modern society.

At Mount Allison, computer science courses are designed to address the needs of a wide variety of users, from the casual to the professional. Whether you want to learn more about certain software or to develop advanced programming skills, Mount Allison has a computer science course for you.

Introductory computer science courses offer an overview of programming skills, the use and application of popular software, and the essentials of computing.
More advanced courses deal with topics ranging from artificial intelligence and the role of computers in society to the design and implementation of advanced hardware or software systems.

Specialized areas include:

• Theory of computation
• Cryptography
• Artificial intelligence
• Databases
• Computer graphics
• Networks
• Software and hardware design

All courses in the computing curriculum offer a blend of theory and practical application, with many of the offerings having a significant project component in which students are given the opportunity to apply the classroom material to real-world problems.

Economics
Economics examines the operation of market economies to discover regularities of behaviour and develops a deeper understanding of how its principles apply locally and globally.

To achieve an understanding of economics means moving into the realm of theory, analysis, and technical terms. Ultimately the expectation is that through better understanding of economics, society will be able to remedy undesirable results and achieve better ones.

At Mount Allison, the Economics program is built around core courses in economic theory, policy analysis, mathematics, and econometrics.

Such study includes:

• Economics history
• Economic thought
• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics
• Money and banking
• International economics

Commerce provides a solid foundation in the key disciplines of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
At Mount Allison, Commerce provides you with an experiential and personal approach to business studies. You'll benefit from small class sizes, one-on-one time with your professors, frequent interaction with fellow students, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and Mount Allison’s strong links to the business world.

You'll study a variety of business areas, such as:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Management

The program is designed to give all students, regardless of their areas of concentration, a strong undergraduate foundation in the key disciplines of management education. Students will be challenged both inside and outside the classroom to develop the problem-solving and decision-making skills that are essential to successful business enterprises.

The study of English literature is important both for the understanding of particular literary texts and for the insight it provides into how we interpret the world and our place in it. English helps you develop skills in research, analysis, critical thinking, interpretation, and persuasive writing.

While the curriculum focuses on literary study, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the English language, which will prove invaluable not only in your studies, but in any future career or profession.

First-year English courses offer you an introduction to different approaches to reading and writing about literature, using texts from a range of genres and time periods.

In second year you may choose from courses focusing on:

• Introduction to literary periods
• Shakespeare
• Canadian literature
• American literature

Third-year courses expand on your second-year choices, including studies in:

• British literature in different periods
• Canadian and American literature
• Gender and literature
• Postcolonial literature
• Dramatic literature
• Creative writing
• Film, genre, and cultural studies

In fourth year you will be able to pursue “selected topics” courses, which allow you to pursue special interests, either through the particular courses offered that year or through individual study and research under the supervision of a faculty member.

If you choose to do an honours English degree, you will have the opportunity to write a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.

You will also have opportunities to present and publish creative and critical work.

Visual and Material Culture Studies is an interdisciplinary program that studies images, objects, and spaces from various cultural contexts and historical periods.

At Mount Allison, Visual and Material Culture Studies courses are offered in two streams.

• Visual culture — pertains to images, viewership, visual media, and practices of looking.
• Material culture — encompasses all human-made and modified objects from the past and our contemporary world.

Visual and Material Culture Studies offers students innovative programming unique in its multidisciplinary composition, cross-cultural and trans-historical approach, and inclusive focus.

Commerce provides a solid foundation in the key disciplines of business, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.
At Mount Allison, Commerce provides you with an experiential and personal approach to business studies. You'll benefit from small class sizes, one-on-one time with your professors, frequent interaction with fellow students, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and Mount Allison’s strong links to the business world.

You'll study a variety of business areas, such as:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Management

The program is designed to give all students, regardless of their areas of concentration, a strong undergraduate foundation in the key disciplines of management education. Students will be challenged both inside and outside the classroom to develop the problem-solving and decision-making skills that are essential to successful business enterprises.

A Bachelor of Arts in Commerce also includes courses from the core Commerce requirements. As a BA student, you'll have more flexibility to combine your Commerce major (60 credits) with complementary courses from other disciplines.