Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English

at Toronto Metropolitan University Canada

The combination of intensive practical training and academic university theory truly distinguishes Ryerson’s Performance programs. While learning to achieve their professional goals, students gain a well-rounded education in the humanities and liberal arts. They develop valuable skills in problem solving, adaptability, critical thinking, research, and communication. These skills are essential for success in the current arts and cultural industry and they enrich all facets of the student’s life.

The four-year Acting and Dance programs offer an intensive conservatory approach in performance complemented by academics which are a crucial part of the program curriculum. Actors and dancers spend a portion of each day in the studio, and each year brings fresh opportunities to perform in productions of original, innovative and established works. The program trains performers who are distinguished by their capacity to generate original artistic material and their ability to bring a rich mixture of skills into the multi-disciplinary environment. Graduates of the program will be ready for immediate entry into a wide range of performance-related careers and for future professional growth.

The Program of Study
The Performance program challenges students with creative study, critical analysis, and exciting traditional and innovative areas of application for their performance skill development.

In the tradition of all Ryerson programming, the program offers a very strong conservatory perspective to the theoretical exploration of dance or acting. There is a wide variety of practical/studio work, active learning projects, and performance-related assignments. Everyone has the opportunity to perform under the guidance of working professionals who are leaders in the artistic community.

The Core Years - Production
The first two general years of the Production program introduce the student to the multi-disciplinary and collaborative nature of production work. In core courses consisting of lectures and labs, students learn the basics of the skills required to mount a show and apply those skills in junior capacities on the School’s shows. Lecture courses include instruction in the management of the process, theatre history and the research skills required for critical thinking.

In the third and fourth years, through a large menu of lecture and lab electives, students concentrate on those areas where their interests are greatest. They take the gained knowledge with the skills learned in their first two years and apply both to their duties in more senior positions on the School’s various dance and theatre productions. Academic courses broaden the understanding of the holistic process required for producing. Students also take business and management electives to broaden their understanding of those issues.

The computer revolution has created vast industries and countless jobs that employ professionals educated in electrical and computer engineering, computer science and information technology- all closely related disciplines involving the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. Computer profession specialties constitute a continuum. At one pole is computer science, which is primarily concerned with theory, design and implementation of software- the product being a computer program. At the other pole is computer engineering, primarily concerned with firmware (the micro-code that controls processors), hardware (the processors themselves, as well as entire computers), software (system-level and user/application-level) and interfacing systems (both at hardware and software level) that will allow computer systems to communicate with the outside world as well as with each other. It is not possible, however, to draw a clear line between the two disciplines; many practitioners function to at least some extent as both computer engineers and computer scientists. Computer Engineers distinguish themselves with their versatile set of skills: they can design and build computers, interface them with the outside world and make them talk to each other, develop firmware and also create system-level and user/application-level software.

The Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering offers highly structured programs that emphasize not only the theoretical fundamentals but also the practical aspects of the engineering profession. The first-year courses will provide the students with grounding in engineering science fundamentals such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and the theory of electric circuits. The second year of the program introduces discrete mathematics, data structures and engineering algorithms, and electrical engineering core subjects such as analog and digital electronic circuits and systems. In the third year, students will further study computer architecture, microcomputer systems, object-oriented analysis and design, digital electronics, communication systems and control theory.

In the final year of the program, students will take courses in data communications, digital systems engineering, real-time operating systems, VLSI design and numerical techniques. The fourth year curriculum also allows students further specialization in a variety of subject areas through an extensive technical electives list. During this final year of the program all students must complete a mandatory group design project. The key objective of the Design Project is to encourage students to plan, design and implement their project while developing the skills to make key decisions independently.

Software Engineering Option
Students entering the 5th semester will have a choice as to whether they would like to continue on the regular Computer Engineering curriculum or to enroll in the Software Engineering option. Students in this option will gain training in software engineering concepts through a set of seven software focused and intensive courses spread over 3rd and 4th year.

The Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering also offers graduate degree programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering. These graduate degree programs allow students to pursue advanced studies and independent research in the areas of signal processing and communications, computer systems engineering, and power engineering.

Optional Co-operative Internship Program (Co-op Internship)
Third year full-time students may be eligible to enrol in the optional Co-operative Internship Program. Upon successful enrolment in the program and securing an approved co-op job, students are required to spend a period of 8-16 consecutive months in a work placement. After completing the requirements of the co-operative internship work placement, students return to the academic program to complete their final year of studies. Enrolment in the Co-operative Internship extends the program length to five years.

The School of Nutrition offers a four-year Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BASc) program that focuses on nutrition, food and health from an integrative and multidisciplinary perspective. The program is designed to ensure that graduates are flexible and responsive to changing trends in health and community settings, foodservice and food industries, education, private practice and entrepreneurial endeavours. Graduates of the program are able to apply a social determinants of health perspective to assess, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate nutrition and food issues, interventions, and innovations for individuals and communities.

The Nutrition and Food program is an accredited program recognized by the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP). There are three educational steps to becoming a registered dietitian - you must meet both academic and practical experience requirements before qualifying to write the Canadian Dietetics Registry Exam (CDRE). Academic requirements can be obtained by completing specific courses within an accredited program such as the one at Ryerson University. The second step is to complete a supervised practical training (accredited dietetic internship or an accredited master’s program). The final step is to pass the CDRE. As access to internships is competitive, students with cumulative GPA less than 3.00 should also consider other career options.

Our program is also recognized by the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology, the Canadian Association of Food Service Professionals, Ontario Home Economists in Business and the Ontario Family Studies/Home Economics Educators Association. The program offers academic and career planning to support students in their next steps post-graduation.

Mathematics is a powerful problem-solving tool and a highly creative field of study that explains diverse phenomena such as the human nervous system, the evolution of life forms and the stock market. You’ll learn to identify patterns using logic, exacting principles and imagination, and will complete a thesis project. An optional paid co-op and optional specializations in Computer Science and Economics will further prepare you with the knowledge and problem-solving expertise needed to offer solutions in a variety of fields.

Co-operative Program
An optional co-operative program is available for students who wish to obtain work experience and receive a salary from an employer while studying at Ryerson. The program leads to a BSc degree. In this option school terms alternate with four or five paid work terms starting from the second year (see the table below). This schedule is the same as that used by the rest of the science programs at Ryerson and is designed to ensure that students attend winter and fall semesters in the correct order.

Although neither the Department nor the Office of Co-operative Education can guarantee a placement, they provide major assistance in locating suitable positions and counseling of students in their search for suitable jobs. This co-operative program enables students to earn competitive wages to offset the costs of a university education.

Students who have completed the first year of the program must apply through the Mathematics Department for admission to the co-op program before the beginning of the second year. Enrolment in the co-op program is limited and the department retains the right to deny access to the co-op program based on the number of available placements and student's grade point average. Once in the co-op program, the terms alternate between four months of study and four months of on the job experience. The co-op program usually takes an additional year to complete. The graduation requirements for the co-op program are the same as those for the BSc in Mathematics.

Studying History will develop students’ proficiency in critical thinking, and enhance their ability to question, research, argue, understand, and communicate. All of these skills are vital in enabling them to succeed in a wide range of careers and participate in the life of the world around them as informed citizens.

History students take courses in the subject to pursue their interests (along with foundational, elective, and liberal studies offerings). They might wish to explore the formation of societies in the ancient world, or contemporary problems in historical perspective, or the great diversity of themes in the centuries between. Beyond examining significant issues that fascinate historians, Ryerson’s program has distinctive career-focused components. Students take a progression of specially designed foundational, historian’s craft, and senior seminar courses to develop their research, analytical, and communications skills in ways that will help them succeed in today’s knowledge-based world. They also may wish to explore distinctive options: heritage management courses for those thinking of museums, historic sites, and related fields as potential career choices; experiential learning opportunities to perform real-world work in History; and a thesis course for students considering graduate school or wishing to conduct in-depth investigations on historical topics that have captured their imaginations.

Curriculum Information
History draws on the theories, methods, and practices of a broad range of humanities and social sciences. Therefore, the History program builds on a common first-year platform shared with other programs in the Faculty of Arts, with specialization in History occurring in years two through four of the degree.

Semesters One and Two: In the first year, which is shared with the BA programs in Criminology, English, Environment and Urban Sustainability, Geographic Analysis, Language and Intercultural Relations, Philosophy, Politics and Governance, Psychology, and Sociology, students take their first two university-level History courses from a number of choices that explore the subject across a range of themes, time periods, and geographical contexts. Students also acquire skills and knowledge in two foundational courses, Academic Writing and Research, and Critical Thinking, and they choose electives from a broad range of areas.

Semesters Three through Six: In second year, students take their third foundational course, Research Design and Qualitative Methods, and the first of the Department of History’s signature Historian’s Craft (or H-Craft) offerings, Reading, Writing and Using History as well as Hearing, Seeing and Speaking History, followed by another two H-Craft courses in third year. Additionally, students select from a range of focused courses in History and other subjects during this two-year period, applying the skills developed in their foundational and H-Craft studies to their broader educational endeavours as they develop their intellectual and professional prowess.

Semesters Seven and Eight: In the last year of the program, as students consider the opportunities they will pursue after graduation, they solidify their historical expertise and sharpen their professional competence by taking two senior seminars (or a senior seminar and a thesis course), as well as other offerings to complete the 40 courses of the degree (of which 20 are in History).

Workplaces in Canada are safer than ever before, thanks in large part to occupational health and safety professionals. Ryerson graduates working in this progressive field help prevent injury and illness by anticipating, evaluating and controlling physical, biological, chemical and other hazards in workplaces. Drawing on their specialized knowledge, these professionals help develop and implement initiatives that improve health, safety and well-being in work environments across every sector.

Why Occupational Health and Safety at Ryerson?

• Occupational Health and Safety at Ryerson is the only degree-level program of its kind in Canada.
• Our curriculum integrates a strong foundation in occupational health and safety with relevant courses in the sciences, law, epidemiology, and a range of specialist areas (e.g. occupational hygiene, ergonomics, physical agents, control measures, safety management systems, toxicology and risk assessment). A balanced education prepares you to become the well-rounded and highly skilled professional that industry demands.
• You’ll have access to outstanding learning opportunities in the classroom and in the workplace. Qualified students can apply to gain important real-world experience through paid co-operative education opportunities.
• Plus, we support your success with:
  • Workplace visits
  • Opportunities for laboratory testing and analysis
  • Presentations and seminars
  • Independent research project

Co-op
The School of Occupational and Public Health offers Co-operative options in both Occupational Health and Safety and Public Health and Safety, which provides graduating students with 20 months of work experience integrated into their academic studies.

Students in either Occupational Health and Safety or Public Health and Safety who have successfully completed the first year of their option and who wish to enrol in the co-op program must apply through this School for admission to the co-operative program during their third semester (Fall of second year). Enrolment in the co-operative program is strictly limited. Admission will be based on a student's grade point average (minimum GPA 2.50).

The School cannot guarantee work term employment, but Ryerson's Office of Co-operative Education has experienced placement officers who will work with the School's Co-op Co-ordinator to prospect for employers and make every effort to identify suitable positions, as well as assisting students with their own search for program-related jobs. The co-op program enables students to earn prevailing wages for the level of responsibility and contribution of the jobs they perform and thus finance at least part of their university education, as well as gaining marketable experience and contacts for career employment.

The architectural science program promotes an integrated approach to architectural science, through studio and lecture courses. Students have the opportunity to apply theory learned in the lecture courses to studio projects which engage with real-life problems in design, construction, management, and the environment.

The Architecture Option/Concentration offers a focus on in depth exploration of architectural design principles in society today. Through lectures, seminars, and hands-on studio projects, students learn program planning, design, presentation techniques, research, planning and the role of architecture today.

The Building Science Option/Concentration offers a more detailed technical base of studies including the selection and design of building construction assemblies, the evaluation of their suitability and performance, and the development of construction and technical drawings.

The Project Management Option/Concentration examines the managerial and economic aspects of construction projects, including the planning, organization, management, supervision and control of the process.

Graduates of this program will find career opportunities in:

• the design, documentation, and management of projects in architectural, engineering, environmental management, and planning firms
• the production, marketing, sales, research, development, testing, and evaluation of building products or systems in material fabrication, product manufacturing, and construction firms
• office and field supervision in trade and general construction organizations
• development and management of real estate/planning/conservation feasibility studies; environmental and management strategy planning
• local, regional, provincial, federal, and international government agencies
• post graduate education and research

Throughout their studies, Ryerson Computer Science students are provided with a solid foundation in and exposure to many areas of computer science, at both the systems and applications levels. Students learn to become versatile in many development methodologies and technologies. In the later years of their studies, they can opt to deepen their knowledge of a particular sub-discipline of computer science or continue broadening their knowledge of the entire field. An optional thesis in fourth year also provides high­ performing students with the opportunity to work on a capstone project or research thesis.

The skills acquired by Ryerson Computer Science students make them desirable in the computing industry. In addition to pursuing graduate studies, our graduates are employed as software engineers, IT specialists, developers, software architects, communications and network specialists, system and database administrators, or security consultants.

Co­-operative
The Department of Computer Science also offers an optional co-­op program for full-time program students, which provides graduates with up to 20 months of career-related work experience integrated into their academic program. The optional co-op extends the program from four years to five.

Students wishing to be considered for this program enrol first in the Computer Science program and then apply for admission into co-­op during the third semester of their studies. Applications are submitted to the Computer Science Department. To be admitted into the co-­op program, students must have a CLEAR Standing and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 at the end of the Fall semester of their second year semester, or receive departmental approval. To stay in the co-­op program, students must maintain a CLEAR Standing and minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00, or receive departmental approval.

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) is crucial to the innovation and productivity of every industry, including energy, health care, life sciences, media and culture, publishing, advertising, natural resources, financial services, construction, retail or education. It is a critical tool for every level of government. It impacts the daily lives of every Canadian. ICT is an essential contributor to the creativity, innovation, customer satisfaction, productivity, safety, and competitive advantage of Canadian businesses.

For these reasons, demand for ICT-based solutions are projected to continue outpacing overall economic growth. This means a continued above-average demand for workers. However the nature of these jobs is changing. The popular image of an ICT worker as some sort of "nerdy" technologist is outdated and does not reflect today's reality. Canadian ICT industry leaders project that almost half of the future jobs demands in ICT will be for people who combine two sets of competencies such that they are:

• Business professionals who have the knowledge, skills and personal qualities to lead and support the effective, competitive use of information technologies; and
• Specialized technologists - IT-focused and/or multidisciplinary - who operate at the leading edge of innovation in every field.

The Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management is a leader in providing a degree that meets this need and, in 2010, it began offering Canada's newest and world-leading ICT degree - The Bachelor of Commerce in Business Technology Management. This degree has been developed with the close participation of Canada's leading employers and provides students with the education - the knowledge, skills and experience - that sets them up for success in their careers in this exciting field.

Students build their knowledge and skills on two foundations. They study the core business disciplines, such as marketing, operations, accounting, finance, human resources, and law. They receive a solid grounding in the world of ICT in subjects such as systems analysis and design, ICT architecture and infrastructure, and privacy and security. In their senior years, students integrate the knowledge from these two foundations to learn how ICT can make a difference in every business studying the strategic application of ICT, the role of ICT in activities such as supply chain, sales and customer relations. They learn about project management and the integration of ICT into business.

In addition to providing a broad and deep understanding of both business and ICT, the program also has an emphasis on building personal and interpersonal skills and on providing students with real-life work experience, with case competitions, in-depth consulting projects with real clients and employment opportunities in the field, including internships, part-time work practica and an optional Co-op program. In addition, students have access to a wide range of Minors, including Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Law, and Human Resources.

BTM graduates will learn how to analyze business needs, design appropriate technology-based processes and solutions, and communicate these effectively. They will learn to lead work-based teams, participate effectively in projects and understand best practices of organizational change. They will develop skills in interpersonal communications, collaboration, and leadership. Graduates will be ready for high demand jobs in business analysis, project management, sales, consulting, customer and supplier management, and marketing support.

Through the student International exchange program, opportunities are available for students to spend a semester studying abroad. International experience gained in this way gives undergraduates a significant advantage in the competitive global economy. The school's international partners include universities in England, Holland, Italy, Scotland, France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Australia.

The graduate of this program is a hybrid business and ICT specialist who can define business objectives clearly, identify technology options to meet those needs, develop appropriate systems, implement and manage them.

Typical employment areas include both profit and nonprofit organizations, which use information systems as well as large and small information technology, telecommunications, and multimedia product and service providers. Some typical job titles of the graduates of the program include:

• Business Analyst
• Marketing Specialist
• Systems Architect
• ICT Product & Service Sales
• Project Leader/Manager
• eBusiness Analyst
• Information Systems Consultant
• Telecommunications Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Systems Integrator
• Database Analyst/Administrator
• User Support Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Business & ICT Educator/Trainer

Understanding the complex interconnections between people and their natural and built environments is the focus of geographic inquiry. Ryerson's Geographic Analysis program is uniquely designed to prepare students for the professional workplace using state-of-the-art technology in geographic information systems (GIS). Through a combination of classroom lectures, hands-on computer labs, field studies, and a mandatory work placement, students develop the ability to provide real-world solutions in areas such as business intelligence, retail location, real-estate development, urban growth, public health, crime prevention, as well as climate change and environmental protection. Training in geotechnology and expertise in one or several areas of geographical study make graduates of the program well-rounded academics, ready for the professional workplace or graduate studies.