Bachelor of Arts and Science in Indigenous Studies

at University of Lethbridge - Lethbridge Campus Canada

History as an academic discipline examines the past to explain how we got to where we are today. We live in a world that is politically, economically, and socially complex; to engage it effectively and better understand ourselves, we must first understand the many historical factors that shape our lives. Historians work to sharpen the collective memory of society.

As a history student, you’ll learn about great leaders of the past and what ordinary people believed and valued - how they lived, worshipped, worked, fought and died. You’ll have the opportunity to take thematic and regional courses in ancient, medieval and modern history from the geographic areas that shaped our world today.

We are confident that our courses, as well as our diverse areas of expertise, will offer something of interest to everyone studying history at uLethbridge.

Agricultural studies delves into the relationships between the social, economic, political and environmental factors that affect the agricultural sector — from farm level production to international policy. This unique program focuses on both the art and the science of agricultural practices from theoretical and applied perspectives, including extensive lab experience and a special emphasis on current issues and cutting-edge research.

You will develop an expansive breadth and depth of knowledge in all things agriculture. Firmly grounded in the humanities and natural and social sciences, this liberal education approach ensures comprehensive, multi-faceted exposure to the study of agriculture and agri-food.

Agricultural studies takes full advantage resources and course offerings in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Geography and Economics.

This broad range of perspectives will expand your understanding of issues such as policy development, the farm as a production unit and the environmental implications of land use. You’ll also be exposed to the latest developments in genetic engineering, precision farming and animal nutrition, to name just a few.

Mathematics is the study of structure and patterns in numbers and shapes. It is an active research area, providing a language, theories and models to solve complex problems across a wide variety of scientific, industrial and economic sectors.

Over the past century, discoveries in pure mathematics have found unexpected applications in science, industry and finance, such as: secure internet transactions, Google, DNA sequencing and the stock market. 

As a math student, you will study both pure and applied mathematics, giving you the opportunity to see real-world applications of your studies.

The program offers courses in four main areas: algebra, analysis, number theory and geometry, and statistics. Many students opt to combine math with courses in physics, computer science, chemistry, economics, management or other areas of interest.

A mathematics education provides a solid training that is sought after by employers and allows flexibility in your career choices. You will learn to tackle difficult problems employing a variety of theories and statistical models. You’ll also learn to communicate your expertise by combining your technical skills with a sound liberal education.

You will have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. Our computer labs feature the latest equipment and our small class sizes ensure access to your instructors whenever you need it.

Combine critical studies in art history and theory with extensive hands-on museum and gallery experience. Study visual, material, and cultural production from a global perspective and learn a historical framework for understanding imagery and material culture. Gain a deeper knowledge of historical and contemporary art practices through your studies and your work with the University’s extensive art collection of more than 16,000 objects, learning to manage and conserve artwork and curate exhibitions.

You have full access to co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the university, at both the undergrad and grad level.

Internship Opportunities

• Expand your experiences and gain new perspectives beyond the art gallery and classroom. Focus on areas such as exhibition organization and installation, collections management, and public programming.

The Department of Modern Languages & Linguistics offers instruction in three languages: French, Japanese and Spanish (beginner to advanced). Small class sizes, cutting-edge language-learning technology and the diverse expertise of our instructors ensure you’ll find studying languages to be a lively and satisfying experience.

In today's globalized context, students of modern languages are being prepared for membership in a global community that extends far beyond the boundaries of the English-speaking world. The study of modern languages is about far more than just learning how to communicate in another language. It’s about exploring other identities and values through language, literature, history and culture in a global community.

Today, French is an official language in almost 50 countries, including Canada. French is also an official language of the United Nations, the Red Cross, and many other international organizations, and is spoken by more than 200 million people on 5 continents. The growth of French Immersion in Canada - and the need for qualified teachers -speaks to the robust and increasing importance of French for our own country.

Students who study French will gain awareness of other cultures through courses in language, literature, and culture and civilization, and through academic and living experiences in francophone Canada or abroad.

Classes are taught in the language being studied; so, French courses are taught in French. You can specialize in one language or study a combination.

Indigenous Governance and Business Management (IGBM) offers an interdisciplinary education in a stimulating, respectful and academic environment. The program presents a unique blend of studies in Indigenous governance and core business concepts, providing graduates with skills to take leadership roles in their communities and in management, entrepreneurial enterprises, band administration, Indigenous liaison work, and self-government. About the Indigenous Governance and Business Management Major

Students majoring in Indigenous Governance and Business Management study Indigenous Peoples & Law, Historical & Legal Aspects of Indigenous Governments, Indigenous Peoples & Natural Resources, Administrative Aspects in Canadian Indigenous Governments, Financial Management in Canadian Indigenous Communities, Indigenous Business & Entrepreneurship in Canada, Canadian Indigenous Negotiations, and Canadian Indigenous Project Management. Students draw from fields such as history, English, political science, economics and sociology.

Students have access to support services including Elders, award-winning faculty members, mentoring, small class sizes, interactive learning and the opportunity to participate in an active and supportive Indigenous Students’ Union.

Students gain significant insight into Indigenous historical, political, legal and economic issues while acquiring strong business skills and managerial competency. For the degree, students choose one of two streams:

• Indigenous Governance
• Indigenous Business Management
• We also offer the flexibility of dual campuses on which to study: Lethbridge and Calgary. Our Calgary Campus will meet the needs of working professionals with evening and weekend classes, while the Lethbridge campus is more traditional with an emphasis on daytime classes and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities to explore. Both locations welcome international and mature students.

Philosophy investigates fundamental questions about the nature of things; about the universe as a whole, about human beings, society, science, ethics and art.

As a philosophy student, you will learn about the basic intellectual foundation for our political, social and legal systems, as well as our understanding of the principles of modern science and technology. You will explore deep theoretical, practical and moral issues that do not easily fit into more specialized disciplines.

Philosophy will challenge you with its reflective and critical approach to important, often puzzling, questions about the nature of right and wrong, time and space, perception, and the human mind.

Philosophy pays careful attention to its own long history, spanning more than 2,500 years. These early investigations are the focus of the department’s courses on ancient, early modern, late modern and 20th-century philosophers and philosophical movements.

There are numerous branches within the study of philosophy, touching virtually every topic; from questions about the existence of God, through to aesthetic principles, and the concepts of space and time:

• Justice and goodness: Investigates questions about right and wrong, or good and evil, such as biomedical ethics or environmental philosophy.
• Truth and reality: Looks at truth and reality through areas such as logic, metaphysics, epistemology and the philosophy of science.
• Social philosophical concerns: Delves into fundamental social philosophical issues addressed by political philosophy, ethics and the history of philosophy itself.
• Scientific philosophical concerns: Focuses on the conditions under which enquiry produces genuine truth and accurate representations of objective reality.
• Human creativity and artistic expression: Evaluates concepts like beauty in disciplines such as aesthetics and the philosophy of art.

The Department of Geography and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offer instruction leading to the multidisciplinary major in computer science and geographical information science. The program is structured to provide a firm theoretical, technical and applied background in the geographical information sciences (GIS) that draws extensively on computer science foundations.

This major provides a strong basis for further study at the graduate level in an established field of research, while also providing training in an area of employment opportunity that neither the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science nor the Department of Geography alone can provide.

Geographical information science (GIS) | GIS involves the use and analysis of digital maps, databases, models and mobile applications, as well as navigation and spatial integration tools. Major GIS application areas include remote sensing, geographical information systems, computer graphics, image processing and mapping and spatial modelling. These rely on advanced computer science algorithms and software development, platform integration, hardware design and operating system principles. The major provides applied training coupled with a solid theoretical and developmental foundation.

Statistics is the study of the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. In a world that is increasingly data-driven, knowing how to extract and interpret information is key. Statistics help evaluate ideas, test hypotheses and give clarity to complex issues.

If your passion is the environment, statisticians help manage our natural resources and understand the impact of climate change. If your passion is public policy, statisticians work with governments and non-governmental organizations to measure the health of the economy and assess the effectiveness of programs. If your passion is sports, statisticians help improve teams through player drafting, signing and development. No matter where your passion lies, you are likely to find statisticians active in that area.

The major in applied statistics is structured to provide a firm theoretical background in statistics and to allow you to apply specific statistical techniques within your discipline of interest. The program has three possible concentrations:

• Economics
• Geography
• Psychology

Each of these disciplines makes extensive use of statistics in the analysis of real-world data. Students in this major and any chosen concentration will learn about statistical resources and benefit from training across multiple departments.

Human resources and labour relations professionals manage any organization’s greatest resource - its people!

Competent, culturally sensitive and highly organized, human resource and labour relations professionals add significant value and display competence in an array of specialized areas, including: talent management; employment law; health and safety, performance management; training and development; and diversity and inclusion.

Professionals with this degree are strategic leaders in the organization. They are critical for the successful management of complex and constantly evolving environments. They work with both employers and employees to create productive and fair workplaces.

Human Resource Management and Labour Relations managers are also among the most in-demand jobs in Canada in 2019 (randstad.ca).

About the Human Resource Management and Labour Relations (HRMLR) major
Students majoring in HRMLR study a broad range of topics including how and why people behave as they do in organizations, managing organizational change, identifying training needs and creating opportunities for employee career development, managing in a unionized environment, leading people and teams, ensuring the work environment is physically and psychologically healthy, and managing diverse workplaces.

Students should take Research Methodology (MGT 2700) as early as possible, as it provides a foundation for the senior-level courses. uLethbridge offers a wide variety of electives, not all of which are offered every term. Plan in advance to ensure you can take all of the courses that interest you.