SHKI-MIIKAN (NEW ROADS)
Program Outline
Major: SHKI
Length: 1 Year
Delivery: 2 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall
Description
The Shki-Miikan Foundation year was developed in partnership with the Anishnabe Education and Training Circle. This certificate is intended to enhance the Aboriginal student's sense of cultural identity; develop a solid academic base; assess education/career options; and develop self-management skills. Cultural teachings and smudging are integrated daily throughout each academic semester in social activities, individual program courses, and Traditional Teacher/Elder visits.
(Please note: Aboriginal includes First Nations, Métis and Inuit People)
Career Opportunities
Most graduates will use the Shki-Miikan Foundation year as a stepping stone to further studies at the college level. Others may choose to seek employment in supportive occupations requiring a general education or with organizations that prefer to administer their own training program.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- identify generational factors that contribute to health, social and economic issues affecting Aboriginal communities;
- discover aspects of one's individual identity and embark on a path towards a life-long wellness journey;
- discuss cultural awareness and sensitivity through an exploration of Aboriginal culture, language, tradition and healing;
- examine accountability, professionalism and ethical behaviour in the workplace;
- plan and prepare communications and presentations utilizing various approaches;
- demonstrate awareness of cultural diversification
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. In addition to these requirements, it is strongly recommended that OSS applicants have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG 4C, ENG 4U); it will be used in selection.
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
8 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
2 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
COMP1003 Microcomputer Applications
GNED1010 Ojibwe Language and Culture 1
GNED2055 Ojibwe Language and Culture 2
NATV1000 Aboriginal Community and Family Life
NATV1001 Personal Growth and Development
NATV1002 Aboriginal Heritage, Tradition and Culture
NATV1003 Introduction to Psychology: An Aboriginal Perspective
NATV2001 Issues in Holistic Health and Healing
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
COMM1000 College Communications 42.0 Hours
This writing-intensive course promotes effective communication skills essential for student success in college and career. Learners advance their information literacy skills through writing, researching, presenting, and editing. Using College-standard word processing software, students apply appropriate academic language to specialized formats. Through revision strategies, students demonstrate the ability to compose messages that are clear and consistent.
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.
COMM1004 World Links: Wired Communications 42.0 Hours
This discussion, research, and project-oriented course develops skills for professional communication using online information and web-based media. Hands-on experience is combined with an examination of the characteristics of professional computer-mediated communication, its role in society, and its relevance to business. Students utilize College standard software and apply previous experience with web page construction tools.
COMM1006 Professional Writing 42.0 Hours
Professional writing skills are required in all service, technical, and business environments. In this advanced course, students develop researching, planning, designing, and writing skills to prepare professional workplace documents. Individually and collaboratively, students learn and apply the information structures to produce such documents as descriptions, instructions, and manuals.
COMM1007 Oral Presentations 42.0 Hours
This advanced speaking intensive course further develops students' ability to compose and deliver messages tailored to specific audiences using a combination of spoken, written, and multi-media strategies. Individually and in groups, students research and deliver a variety of presentations for use in professional, academic, and social settings. Formal and informal presentations build confidence, professionalism, and speaking ethics. Self and peer critiques provide opportunities for routine self-reflection and presentation skills enhancement.
COMM1012 Visual Analysis in Communication 42.0 Hours
In the modern visual world, the way messages are viewed and disseminated has changed dramatically with technological advances. In this course, students develop their theoretical and practical communication skills at an advanced level by investigating the power of visual imagery. Students focus on interpreting, analyzing, and critiquing a broad range of visuals in terms of intention and effectiveness. In addition, students complete research projects including presentations.
COMP1003 Microcomputer Applications 42.0 Hours
This course will introduce the student to word processing, database, spreadsheets and presentation software. The student will be provided with a working knowledge of the most common business computer application software. This course will provide the student with hands-on learning and independent study.
GNED1010 Ojibwe Language and Culture 1 42.0 Hours
This course begins the study of the Algonquin structure, the linguistic family of the Ojibwe language. Students are introduced to the basic vocabulary, common usage and grammatical structure of the Ojibwe language. Through the context of language, students gain insight into the history of Indigenous languages as irreplaceable cultural knowledge and the cornerstone of Indigenous community and family values.
GNED2055 Ojibwe Language and Culture 2 42.0 Hours
This course expands study of the Algonquin structure, the linguistic family of the Ojibwe language. Students review and enrich their oral and written skills. Students enhance their listening and language comprehension through storytelling and presentations. Students gain insight into the link between language and cultural values, ways of learning and sharing their history.
NATV1000 Aboriginal Community and Family Life 42.0 Hours
This course examines the value system and healthy parenting practices of the Aboriginal family and community. Recognition of healthy behaviour versus maladaptive behaviour and the effect upon the family structure are examined. Emphasis is placed on family of origin's experience and behaviour and its impact on present day community life.
NATV1001 Personal Growth and Development 42.0 Hours
This course focuses on the development of self from a holistic perspective. Using the Aboriginal view of self-awareness, students explore concepts associated with the medicine wheel philosophy. Concepts related to the enhancement of self-esteem and the developments of positive relationships are examined. Students are encouraged to examine their own wellness journey.
NATV1002 Aboriginal Heritage, Tradition and Culture 42.0 Hours
This course focuses on developing knowledge of Aboriginal culture and the reaffirmation of Aboriginal identity through a study of the foundational teachings, beliefs, and practices of Aboriginal people from a perspective within the culture. Emphasis is on the Aboriginal people of the Great Lakes area. Origins, central concepts of the North American worldview, rites, customs and practices in life stages are examined. Attention is given to how Aboriginal people understand themselves and are influenced by the culture.
NATV1003 Introduction to Psychology: An Aboriginal Perspective 42.0 Hours
This course provides a global picture of the nature of psychology and an overview of the major schools of psychology. There is an emphasis in the course on the psychological, emotional, behaviourial, and social aspects of the human life cycle from birth to death. A central focus is placed on the stages of adolescence, adulthood, and the aged. By looking at the individual and the individual in his/her social context, common issues and concerns that arise within Aboriginal communities will be addressed.
NATV2001 Issues in Holistic Health and Healing 42.0 Hours
This course examines several critical issues affecting Aboriginal health. It addresses the concept of holistic health, encompassing the need for balance of mental, spiritual, emotional and physical elements. There is an emphasis on how mental health issues affect the other three elements of holistic health. Students examine the role of culture and traditions as they relate to contemporary health issues and treatment for Aboriginal people.
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.
Last Update: July 28, 2011.