Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies

at University of Lethbridge - Lethbridge Campus Canada

The Department of Modern Languages & Linguistics offers instruction in three languages: French, Japanese and Spanish (beginner to advanced).

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. 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.

Thanks to our small class size, innovative instructors and the latest in language-learning technology, we make language learning a lively and satisfying experience. At the beginners' and intermediate level we teach you to communicate with native speakers, orally and in writing, and introduce you to the everyday life of the speakers of French and Spanish as well as to their music, films and books. You can continue your study of spoken and written French and Spanish to an advanced level. Whatever the level and whatever the language, we teach our classes in the language being studied.

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

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

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.

We encounter religion in many manifestations frequently on TV and the Internet: breathtaking mosques, colossal Buddhas, the Pope addressing huge crowds, brutal religious wars or unusual rituals.

Studying religion enhances our understanding of what it is to be human. It enables us to learn more about the diverse cultures of the world, their ancient histories and their highest values. While you may not discover the meaning of life by studying religion, you will learn how others have answered that perennial human question, and how those answers have shaped people’s lives and the lives of those around them.

The University of Lethbridge is a secular (non-religious) institution of learning; we do not try to promote belief in any of the religions that we study. Rather, we attempt to study religion in as objective a manner as possible. Of course, each person faces challenges when trying to do so with neutrality, because we may have predispositions for or against particular religions, or toward religion in general.

In religious studies, our explorations are wide-ranging, embracing the human religious response, from the great world religions to marginal and quasi-religious phenomena, such as shamanism and magic. We examine history, social and cultural configurations, symbolism, and literature, as well as theologies and metaphysical philosophies within belief systems. You will study shared themes and marked differences in myths and rituals, and how religion permeates even our secular lives.

Kinesiology is the study of human movement through physical activity and the critical role it plays from both an individual and cultural perspective. It also helps us understand the mechanics of human motion.

Our programs are designed to provide you with the opportunity to study the theoretical and practical applications of activity as a cultural form, as well as individual performance at all levels of involvement and all ages.

You will also gain an understanding of movement through the integration of specialized knowledge found in topics like anatomy, biomechanics, culture, exercise physiology, leadership, media, motor control, race and ethnicity.

You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, with its indoor track, pool and climbing wall

Physics is the study of matter and energy at all scales, from the sub-nuclear to the dimensions of the universe. It is the fundamental science — all other sciences and technologies rely on the principles of physics.

Physics involves observing and understanding natural phenomena. It is evident in the world around us in everything from the seasons, the motion of objects, the flight of birds, the night sky and the weather, to lasers, electronics and the technology we rely on today.

Physics is very much a “hands-on” science, so the most effective way for you to learn the subject is to actually do physics. Astronomy teaches you how to study objects at a distance and interpret the information gathered. This helps us begin to understand the universe we live in. The skills you will learn in astronomy are also applicable to remote sensing and its application to environmental problems.

The department offers a comprehensive physics major. The foundation of this program is built in the first two years, as you study mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics and modern physics.

In your third and fourth years, you will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and delve into more advanced and specialized areas. Specialized topics may include the research interests of department faculty members, as all faculty members are involved in rigorous research programs.

Faculty members also ensure you are provided with a wide view of physics, exposing you to all areas of the subject and describing a wide variety of applications. This enables you to make informed decisions when choosing the areas you may wish to pursue in the future.

Economics is a behavioural science that studies the conditions under which individuals provide the best possible satisfaction of their needs. It is not specifically about money, things or material objects - it’s about the consequences of individual decisions made under conditions of scarcity.

Everybody thinks of and deals with economics whether they are aware of it or not. It concerns everybody and everything, transcending time and space, and is at the core of our civilization and human existence. It is a means of looking at all human interaction, regardless of culture, race or gender.

As an economics student, you will gain a deep understanding of the decision making process at the individual, firm or government level. You will learn how unhampered market processes lead to efficient production of goods and services, and the effects of interfering with these processes.

You will deal with a variety of topics, such as the comparison of economic systems, the economics of marriage and family, as well as banking and private property rights. You’ll also delve into current concerns like employment, inflation, government bailouts, the national debt, nonrenewable resources, agriculture and the environment.

Many choose the general management major because it provides a comprehensive understanding of management that can take them anywhere. Others choose it because of the opportunity to design their own program, or plan to start their own business. If you're a budding entrepreneur, a broad-based understanding of business will position you to succeed.

Whether you’re primarily a people person or a numbers person, studying general management will help you develop and refine what already comes naturally.

Management is leading others to accomplish common goals. Today’s managers are people oriented, creative, adaptable - strong communicators who deal effectively with rapidly changing environments, work successfully with small and large teams, live and work by principles of ethics and social responsibility, and are aware of our responsibility to the environment.

Aboriginal Health is Canadian Health. The health of Aboriginal peoples in Canada is a complex social justice issue that can only be addressed by people who are creative, skilled, culturally competent, committed and passionate about righting historical wrongs and acting to create a more inclusive, equitable society.

Understand the historical and contemporary causes of current issues such as poverty, water and food security, diabetes, addictions, youth suicide, family violence.

Learn traditional Indigenous teachings and contemporary perspectives by engaging with elders, knowledge keepers, health care professionals and other Indigenous peoples. Learn how Indigenous values, knowledge and practices foster healthy children, youth, adults, elders, families and communities.

Develop transferable and portable skills and practices to assist organizations and communities to respond to critical health issues facing Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians. Apply what you have learned and gain valuable workplace experience by completing a practicum with a provincial or Indigenous organization.

English is not just about the rhetorical and creative aspects of literature. It’s about examining history, culture, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and the human condition to determine what a text means in the context of when and where it was written, and how it relates to us today.

Language is the primary means by which we communicate our values, our ideals and our vision. The study of English asks fundamental questions about literature and how we, as humans, express ourselves and interact with others. It is the science of communication and critical inquiry.

Learn how we use language in the world at large, and consider the functions, structures and significance of literature over time. Develop an excellent foundation for a career in virtually any professional capacity due to the cross-disciplinary nature of this program.

Be inspired by art and visual culture and make your mark on the world. Work with internationally active artists and scholars as you pursue your professional and creative goals in a collaborative environment.

Develop your voice as an independent artist or arts professional through an intensive studio experience exploring technical, aesthetic and theoretical studies necessary to pursue contemporary art.

You'll receive instruction in a range of materials and methods in drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, performance art, photography, printmaking, media, and electronic art. Senior students pursue self-directed studio work in a capstone course supported by faculty members of their choice.

Gain 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 undergraduate and graduate levels.