Canadian Studies Major

As a graduate of Athabasca University’s Canadian Studies program, you will gain a knowledge and understanding of such disciplines as Canadian history, literature, geography, Indigenous and ethnic studies, politics, and government. The program will help you understand and interpret the Canadian experience and its diversity, and increase your knowledge and understanding of yourself and others.

Athabasca University has developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating. Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

Did you know? Athabasca University also offers:

• Minor in Canadian Studies (optional)

For specific degree requirements view each program page.

Requirements in addition to the general program requirements for the 4-year BA with Major:

Sept. 1, 2010 – Feb. 1, 2011 General Program Regulations

Feb. 2, 2011 – Aug. 31, 2011 General Program Regulations

1. 60 credits in courses designated as electives including 30 senior (300 or 400) level credits (a minimum of 12, 400-level credits).
2. A minimum of 9 credits per subarea from any four of the following five: Canadian History, Canadian Literature, Canadian Geography, Canadian Indigenous and Ethnic Studies, and Canadian Politics and Government (see below).
3. Students majoring in Canadian studies must demonstrate oral proficiency in French and/or one of Canada’s Aboriginal languages (for example Cree or Inuktitut). Students may meet the language requirement by completing 6 junior (200 level) credits in French and/or one of Canada’s Aboriginal languages. These courses will not count towards the major in Canadian Studies but will count towards the total number of credits required for the degree.

Recommendation

Students working toward a Canadian Studies major should meet the language requirement before completing 30 credits with Athabasca University. Students enrolled in an after-degree program are advised to select courses within the following four subareas that fulfill the Humanities, Science, and Social Science requirements as well as the subarea requirements. Failure to do so could result in a student being required to complete more than 60 credits in order to fulfill all of the regulations.

Electives*

Canadian History (select 9 credits from the following)

Canadian Literature (select 9 credits from the following)

Canadian Geography (select 9 credits from the following)

Canadian Indigenous and Ethnic Studies (select 9 credits from the following)

Canadian Politics and Government (select 9 credits from the following)

* Note for students seeking transfer credit: Within each elective area, courses that are not listed here but which are easily demonstrated to have mainly Canadian content may be counted towards the credit requirements for the elective area upon approval of the program director.

Other (24 other credits selected from the disciplinary lists above and/or from the following courses)