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Program Outline: Major GAAS - General Arts and Science

GENERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE

Program Outline

Major: GAAS

Length: 2 Years

Delivery: 4 Semesters

Credential: Ontario College Diploma

Effective: 2011-2012

Location: Barrie

Start: Fall + Winter

Other:

Program Fees

Program Availability (ontariocolleges.ca link will require a search for GAAS)

Description

This program is designed to offer the student a sound curriculum in the arts and sciences. Many students use the General Arts and Science program as a transition to further studies in higher education at either the college or university level. While most of the courses are required, some can be selected from the Arts and Science options or from other program areas within the college with permission from the program coordinator.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program should be able to find employment in occupations requiring a general education or with firms that prefer to administer their own training program. The diploma from this program is recognized by several Ontario Universities. Effort is made to provide courses that will give the students optimum transfer credits to other college and university programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience;
  • reframe information, ideas and concepts using the narrative, visual, numerical and symbolic representations, which demonstrate understanding;
  • use a variety of computer software and other technological tools appropriate and necessary to perform tasks;
  • interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals;
  • evaluate her or his own thinking throughout the steps and processes used in problem solving and decision making;
  • collect, analyze and organize relevant and necessary information from a variety of sources;
  • evaluate the validity of arguments based on qualitative and quantitative information in order to accept or challenge the findings of others;
  • create innovative strategies that meet identified needs;
  • manage the use of time and other resources to attain personal and/or project-related goals;
  • take responsibility for her or his own actions and decisions;
  • adapt to new situations and demands by applying and/or updating her or his knowledge and skills;
  • represent her or his skills, knowledge and experience realistically for personal and employment purposes;
  • develop cultural awareness through literature, art, music, and/or contemporary issues;
  • develop an awareness of human, interpersonal and social processes;
  • develop a commitment to lifelong learning.

Program Progression

Fall Intake

Sem 1 - Fall 2011

Sem 2 - Winter 2012

Sem 3 - Fall 2012

Sem 4 - Winter 2013

Winter Intake

Sem 1 - Winter 2012

Sem 2 - Summer 2012

Sem 3 - Fall 2012

Sem 4 - Winter 2013

Articulation Agreements

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Information can be found on Georgian's website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/.

Admission Requirements

Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. OSS applicants also require Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U).

Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.

Graduation Requirements for Diploma

16 Mandatory Courses

2 Communications Courses

2 Optional Courses (See Coordinator for list or a general education course)

4 General Education Courses

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.

Mandatory

GNED1001 Contemporary Canada

GNED2032 Human Rights

HUMN1000 Critical Thinking

HUMN1006 Short Writings and Genres

HUMN2000 Canadian Literature and Criticism

HUMN2001 Cross-Cultural Communications

HUMN2005 Western Philosophy

PSYL1001 Introduction to Psychology

PSYL1002 Introduction to Psychology 2

PSYL2000 Industrial Psychology

PSYL2001 Industry and Consumer Psychology

REAS2000 Senior Research Seminar

SCIE2000 Science Concepts

SOCL1000 Introduction to Sociology

SOCL1001 Introduction to Sociology 2

Plus one of:

HUMN1001 Critical Thinking in Practice

or

MATH1005* Math for the Life Sciences

*To be offered in Semester 2 when student interest is sufficient to fill a section.

The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.

Communications

COMM1001 Communications at Work

Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list

(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)

General Education Courses

To be selected from College list

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours

In the workplace, employers require high standards of communication skills. Students develop their communication skills for the workplace as they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and reports. Using technology, they individually and collaboratively design and deliver professional presentations and meetings. This course focuses on communication tasks specific to students' program areas and their future careers.

GNED1001 Contemporary Canada 42.0 Hours

Through an examination of political, economic, and socio-cultural features of life in contemporary Canada, students gain an understanding of the forces that challenge Canadian citizens. While topics may vary from year to year, issues under discussion in the course emphasize themes such as changing values in society, socio-economic change, Canada's political role in world events, social conflict within our country, and Canadian identity.

GNED2032 Human Rights 42.0 Hours

This course provides students with an understanding of human rights in Canada and their impact on the global community. Students gain knowledge of Canadian constitutional rights and the processes involved in exercising these rights. Global human rights issues are explored.

HUMN1000 Critical Thinking 42.0 Hours

This course provides students with an understanding of the basic concepts of critical thinking. Students increase their ability to assess information, reason and solve problems. As well, they develop the means to analyze and evaluate their own thinking and the world around them.

HUMN1001 Critical Thinking in Practice 42.0 Hours

This course develops the student's ability to select and critically evaluate the ideas and information available through the media. There is an emphasis on both critical reading and writing. Students are able to pursue individual interests as they exchange ideas and explore current issues. The course stimulates and guides students to think more clearly, insightfully, and creatively.

HUMN1006 Short Writings and Genres 42.0 Hours

This course examines short literary texts such as short stories, poems, and essays from various periods and world regions. Students focus on elements and conventions of literary traditions and they explore the way in which these forms of writing contribute to our understanding of life's issues. Students are also introduced to several approaches that demonstrate the different ways to interpret texts.

HUMN2000 Canadian Literature and Criticism 42.0 Hours

This literature course introduces students to the nature of literary criticism. Essays, short stories, poetry, and novels written by Canadians are analyzed critically to provide a framework for studying issues from several points of view: historical, social, cultural, and personal.

HUMN2001 Cross-Cultural Communications 42.0 Hours

The need to develop intercultural sensitivity has never been more apparent than it is today, especially in a society as multicultural as Canada's. Students examine belief and value systems and explore the challenges of living and working in a world where diversity and globalization are the norms.

HUMN2005 Western Philosophy 42.0 Hours

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of philosophical inquiry through a critical examination of the major movements and major personalities in Western philosophy. Students learn about the characteristics of philosophical thinking and they are introduced to some of the main issues that philosophers seek to understand. Ultimately, students begin to develop and articulate their own responses and positions regarding some of the fundamental issues.

MATH1005 Math for the Life Sciences

The goal of this course is to increase the students' awareness of the role that mathematics plays in today's society. The student will explore mathematical ideas through applications taken from the real world. These ideas will include logic, problem solving, statistics, and modeling (both algebraic and geometric). Students will be expected to apply mathematical knowledge and work cooperatively to solve problems. Note:

This course will be offered in General Arts and Science, semester 2 when student interest is sufficient enough to fill a section.

PSYL1001 Introduction to Psychology 42.0 Hours

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and theories of psychology and to their application to real life situations. Topics include history, research methods, sensation, perception, consciousness, stress and coping, learning, memory, motivation and emotions.

PSYL1002 Introduction to Psychology 2 42.0 Hours

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and theories of psychology and to their application to real life situations. This course includes topics such as personality, intelligence and creativity, the brain, lifespan development (physically, emotionally, behaviourally), thinking and language development, psychological disorders and therapies, and social psychology.

PSYL2000 Industrial Psychology 42.0 Hours

This course explores the nature of work environments. The meaning and culture of work and worker communication, motivation, job satisfaction, performance appraisal, and group dynamics are investigated.

PSYL2001 Industry and Consumer Psychology 42.0 Hours

This course investigates how psychological principles and theories inform the world of advertising and marketing. Students also explore how and why consumer markets are segmented and the impact of consumer behaviour on the environment.

REAS2000 Senior Research Seminar 42.0 Hours

In this course, students develop the skills to conduct independent qualitative research in both post-secondary and work settings. Students select a current topic, conduct research, share findings, and discuss progress with the seminar group. In the end, students prepare and submit a comprehensive analytical report and deliver a formal presentation.

SCIE2000 Science Concepts 42.0 Hours

This course focuses on scientific methods as applied to current issues and controversies, with emphasis on how these issues affect people. Understanding and using scientific methods and inquiry, learners investigate how science affects their lives. Learners explore various areas of science, including health and wellness, environmental science, and technology.

SOCL1000 Introduction to Sociology 42.0 Hours

Sociology is the study of people and how they interact with each other and various social groups. The course is designed to develop awareness of the relationship between individual beliefs, attitudes and behaviours, and the wider society and culture. Students will develop the ability to apply sociological concepts to current issues that affect individuals, Canadian society and the international community. Topics include sociological theory, research, culture, socialization, interaction, class structure, organizations, deviance, and social stratification.

SOCL1001 Introduction to Sociology 2 42.0 Hours

Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social interaction. Through the application of sociological theories, students learn how human behaviour is shaped by the groups, society and culture to which they belong. Topics include global stratification, race and ethnicity, gender issues, politics, economics, intimate relationships, education, religion, population patterns, and social change. Students develop the ability to apply the sociological viewpoint to current Canadian and global issues.

Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.

More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.

How To Apply

Last Update: March 08, 2012.