Gender in Society

This course investigates gender in contemporary society, noting how gender relations have changed significantly throughout time. While the course focuses primarily on understanding gender in Canada today, it does so with reference to the historical and contemporary diversity of populations here and elsewhere in the world. The course draws on intersectional and decolonial approaches and considers the inter-locking forces of gender, race, Indigeneity, sexual orientation, class and much more. Course materials examine socio-cultural institutions such as the family, the educational system, the mass media and the workplace, and assess the extent to which socialization experiences continue to be shaped by the cultural dominance of the gender binary. Course assessments will encourage dialogue and provide students with the opportunity to take stock of current struggles, tensions and forms of resistance related to gender. Students will engage with feminist sociology through applied and creative research activities and projects to envision actions that can create a more equitable and just future.


Note: This course can count towards an Associate of Arts specialization in Gender, Sexualities and Women's Studies.

Education and Society

This course is designed to provide an overview of sociological theories and research about education in modern societies. This course examines the history, development and current state of educational systems (primary, secondary and post-secondary) as important institutions of society and explores how social forces shape what is taught, how and to whom, and analyzes the roles that education plays in Canada and globally. In doing so, the course touches on a variety of topics including: the effects of education on beliefs and values; the effects of school characteristics on student achievement and educational attainment; education and inequality; cross-national differences in educational systems; the link between education and national economic performance; the organizational characteristics of schooling and; prospects for school reform. Discussion of research in these areas will help to dispel myths about education and will provide a sense of the powerful impact as well as the limitations of schools in modern societies.

Families & Social Change

This course introduces students to sociological theories and research related to families in society, with emphasis on the dynamic and diverse nature of family forms. The course examines the relationship of families to other social, economic and political institutions, and considers the impact of societal ideologies and social policies on family life.

The Sociology of Popular Culture

This course uses various sociological perspectives to analyze the role of popular culture in society. The course examines the development and social significance of various forms of popular culture in the context of recent theories and debates about the relationship of culture to society. Representations of race, class, gender, and sexuality in popular culture will be analyzed. The course will also examine the role of popular culture in the maintenance of social inequality as well as its utility as a medium for challenging inequality.

Introduction to Sociological Research

A practical introduction to the range of methods employed by sociologists in the collection and analysis of empirical data. Includes critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Global Social Stratification and Inequality

This course explores the causes and consequences of social stratification. It discusses the types and functions of social stratification in local and global contexts. It elucidates key historical and contemporary factors responsible for the formation and stabilization of social hierarchies. The course also introduces types and forms of opposition and resistance to local and global institutional and social policies and practices that create and expand inequalities at global, local and grassroots levels.

Society and Environment

Environmental sociology is a field that provides insight into the complex social processes which define, create and indeed threaten ecosystem processes. By discussing issues of science and technology, popular culture, economics, urbanization, racial and gender relations, as well as social movements, this course will reach a broad understanding of environmental issues. More specifically, this course will investigate the relationship between various environmental and social problems, as well as the many political ideologies, philosophies and movements that have continually redefined how we think of nature and sustainability.

Sociology of Health and Illness

This course reviews various topics pertinent to the social organization of health, illness and medicine. Through application of the sociological perspective to the Canadian context, important social issues relating to health outcomes are critically examined.

Society and Technology

This course examines technology through a sociological lens. It adopts a broad definition of technology as practices and things that are used to augment or transform human capacity or experience. As such, the course will consider everything from bikes, VHS tapes, factory machinery, smart phones, algorithms and beyond. Students will examine the social and cultural processes that lead to the development, reception, and use of technologies. Technologies will be situated within broader patterns of social inequity, including but not limited to, race, gender, and class. The focus of the course will be technology in the Canadian context; where possible, local examples will be fore-grounded. The course will also address and discuss the impact of globalizing forces on technology, and technology as a globalizing force. It will feature a range of in-depth discussions regarding technology including: technology as part of everyday life and labour; the transition to the digital age; the rise of algorithms and data-veillance and; relationships and social interactions in online spaces. The course concludes with a consideration of the ways community and human social responsibility are being reconfigured in the digital age.

Field Studies in Sociology

This course will provide an opportunity to apply sociological perspectives and methods in an experiential, field-based setting. The course may include site visits, observation, seminars, in-field data collection, and presentations and discussion with site-based experts. The setting may be local, elsewhere in Canada, or international.

Indigeneity & Decolonization

This course undertakes the sociological study of Indigeneity and decolonization. Its twofold aim is to examine how settler colonialism has shaped understandings and experiences of Indigeneity and to examine the forms of resistance that Indigenous peoples have used and continue to use to decolonize their relationship with Canada. The course employs Indigenous theoretical frameworks, draws on the work of Indigenous scholars and activists, and invites Indigenous voices into the classroom to confront oppression and repression in historical and contemporary settler-Indigenous relations. Key topics include, but are not limited to, sovereignty, cultural appropriation, reconciliation, indigenous resurgence, self-governance, historic treaties and the treaty-process and social movements.

Aging, Death, & Capitalism

This course examines aging and death as a social process as it relates to the rise of capitalism and its related institutions. The rise of capitalist societies in the 19th century profoundly shaped the experience of aging and dying. Modern medicine and technologies have dramatically extended life spans while enabling us to avoid dying and death as a reality until old age. Culturally, capitalist societies stigmatize old age while idealizing youthfulness as exhibited in mass media and the lucrative multi-billion dollar beauty products industry. Today, aging is often considered a “disease” that can be “cured” with technologies provided by our capitalist economy, transforming our sense of self as we move through different stages of life. Drawing on the insights of classical and contemporary sociological theory, the course considers individual experiences of aging and dying, wider patterns of stratification and inequality related to old age, as well as demographic shifts in the aging population in Canada and across the globe. Finally, this course critically examines various socio-cultural and historical attitudes and practices concerning dying and death.

Masculinities & Society

Masculinities are a fundamental aspect of everyday life that shapes the actions of individuals, our institutions, and social structures. In this advanced course, students will interrogate forms of masculinity to understand the relationship between gender, race, power, and society, while also questioning the assumptions of traditional binary categories of gender. The sociological study of masculinities emerged as analysis of work and family confronted nascent critical theory of second wave feminism that problematized the traditional role of women in patriarchal societies. Today, sociologists adopt approaches such as post-structuralism and queer theory to examine the ideological and discursive dynamics embedded within different masculinities. Sociologists understands masculinity as a configuration of social practices linked to gender orders that shifts across time, cultures, and space. Gender orders are shaped by events such as the industrial revolution that have transformed work, family, and the traditional roles that men play, establishing hierarchies that privilege and dehumanize different groups premised on race, class, and sexual orientation. We will analyze how these structural and systemic inequities contribute to the stratification of marginalized groups within a broader context of colonialism, modernization, and globalization to make sense of why masculine roles, norms, and identities are changing today.

Digital Culture and Surveillance Society

This course involves an advanced examination of digital culture and social surveillance, providing insights into the evolving relationship between society and technology in an increasingly digitalized world. Digital sociology explores new vectors of power and inequality that arise due to our increasing reliance on technologies that introduce surveillance into many aspects of daily life. Course materials explore scholarship in digital sociology and surveillance culture, challenging the perspective that digital life, algorithms, and surveillance are neutral practices. Foundational sociological themes related to power and marginalization including race, gender, sexuality, disability, and class will be central to the analysis. Course content will explore how big data processes in society contribute to surveillance culture by examining topics such as: risks to data accuracy, privacy, and security; algorithmic bias and discrimination; prosumption and surveillance capitalism; and the use of AI in digital surveillance. Analytical assessment of these issues will enable students to develop critical data literacy and consider the potential for data justice in organizations and society.

Behaviour in Organizations

This course introduces and explores social science theory and research as it applies to human behaviour in organizations. Organizational systems, group dynamics, and individual behaviour are studied in order to gain an understanding of how these factors contribute to organizational effectiveness and member satisfaction.

Organizational Theory and Design

This course takes the organization as the main unit of analysis. A broad range of organizational theories are considered including classical theory, institutional theory, systems theory, critical theory, cultural theory and post modern theories. Using case studies from public, private and not-for-profit sectors, students apply the theories in the examination of key themes and issues, including organizational change and the evolving nature of management and leadership. Students may work in teams to design and present proposals for new organizational forms.

International Organizational Behaviour

This course explores the international variability of organizational behavior, including variability in organizational conflict and power, work motivation, work attitudes, teamwork, organizational culture and leadership. Drawing on a range of theories about cultural differences and their effect on behavior, the course examines the extent to which ideas that have been formulated in developed western countries are sufficient to explain organizational behavior in other areas of the world. As part of the course, students research a major topic in organizational behavior and analyze the differences between Canada and one country outside of the economically developed, western world.

Directed Studies in Social Sciences

Directed Studies in Social Sciences provides students with an opportunity to pursue a specific research interest. The research may involve conducting: (a) a review and analysis of published research and theoretical articles, or (b) original research within a Social Sciences discipline. Directed studies projects are supervised and evaluated by a faculty member. Students must submit an application for approval of their directed studies project to the appropriate Department Chair.

Program Evaluation

This course provides an intensive introduction to organizational, methodological and professional issues involved in evaluating programs and measuring performance in organizations. It offers a practical understanding of the alternative approaches to program evaluation including expertise and consumer oriented approaches, program oriented approaches, decision oriented approaches and participant oriented approaches. Students are introduced to methods for planning, conducting and reporting on evaluations using both quantitative and qualitative data. As part of the course, students participate in a service learning activity involving a program evaluation conducted by an organization.

Introduction to Social Work Practice

This course provides an overview of the history, philosophy and theories of the social work profession in Canada. The role of social workers in contemporary society is examined from social justice and client self-determination perspectives. Social structures that influence peoples’ lives, including wealth distribution, gender inequities, and prejudice, are explored as sources of oppression and marginalization in Canadian society. The relationship between personal problems and social context is examined. Multiple contexts and settings for the practice of social work are considered.

Introduction to Social Welfare

This course introduces students to the development of social welfare policy in Canada. Social and human rights reactions to social problems in general will be examined, as well as poverty and economic disadvantage in particular. The role of the social worker to influence policy development and help change the social structures that exist currently will be explored. Methods of forming social policy at the legislative and grassroots level will be considered. The intersection of personal, professional, and societal values will be examined related to larger issues of power, oppression, and the inclusion or exclusion of different members of society. During the course, students will be provided with opportunities to work on various policy issues to examine their impact on service delivery and the wellbeing of clients. The relationship between the profession of social work, political perspectives on society, and public opinion will be discussed as well.

Introduction to Social Work Practice

This course provides an overview of the history, philosophy, and ethics of the social work profession in Canada. The role of social workers in contemporary society is examined across multiple contexts and practice settings. Social work theories are introduced, and challenges faced by service users are considered from a range of theoretical perspectives. The relationship between personal problems, strengths, and social context is explored, focusing on the professional mandate to advance human rights and social justice. Social structures, including those maintaining colonialism, racism, classism, ableism, ageism, cissexism, and heterosexism are investigated as sources of oppression and marginalization in Canadian society.

Counselling Theory and Practice I

This methods course introduces students to the foundational skills of interviewing and counselling. It emphasizes the importance of versatility in working with individuals in social work settings. Students will explore and apply interviewing and counselling skills for developing relationships, goal setting, and problem solving. Using a strengths-based approach, students will reflect on their interactions with others and explore ways to promote self-determination and empowerment. The course emphasizes culturally responsive practice, including working respectfully with Indigenous people and with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.

Introduction to Social Welfare

This course introduces students to social welfare policy in Canada. Students will explore the historical development of these policies, considering the political, economic, and theoretical factors that shape them. This course will examine the experience of people accessing social welfare services, including the experience of women, Indigenous people, immigrants and refugees, children, and Francophone individuals. The role of the social worker to support service users and influence existing policies and social structures will be examined. Students will investigate the intersection of personal, professional, and societal values in relation to broader issues of power, oppression and the inclusion and exclusion of different societal members. Throughout this course, students will have the opportunity to critique policies based on their impact on service users and society.

Family Systems Social Work

In this course, students will study diverse family structures, theories, and approaches to working with families. Family dynamics, strengths, and cultural and community contexts are explored. The course emphasizes self-reflection, understanding how personal background shapes practice, and applying anti-racist and decolonizing strategies to support families.

Substance Use

Students will study approaches to working with people who experience substance use-related concerns. Topics include the impacts of substance use on the brain and behaviour, psychopharmacology, prevention strategies, treatment models, and counselling frameworks. The course explores individual, family, and community perspectives, and addresses social and structural factors shaping substance use, such as colonialism, capitalism, and intersecting identities.

Social Work with Seniors

This course offers an overview of gerontology practice and policy issues from a social work perspective, focusing on the role of social workers in supporting older adults and their families in various settings. Topics include the biopsychosocial aspects of aging, housing challenges, social supports, legal considerations, substance use, mental health and end-of-life care. Students will explore issues related to mental health, and elder abuse, as well as the impact of poverty on older adults. The course utilizes inclusive, strengths-based approaches and examines aging across Indigenous, multicultural, and socio-economic contexts, with particular attention to the distinct experiences of Indigenous older adults.

Social Work Practice: Mental Health

This course provides foundational knowledge and skills for social work practice in the field of mental health. The course emphasizes strengths-based, recovery-oriented approaches. Students will explore historical, contemporary, and emerging perspectives on mental health, with a focus on the recovery model that views recovery and wellness as achievable goals. Students will examine and critically discuss models of illness classification and treatment approaches, integrating both medical and social work perspectives to support client-centered practice.

Metropolitan Social Work Practice

This course offers an overview of the knowledge and skills essential for social work practice in diverse metropolitan areas such as the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Students will explore various issues and services related to working in a metropolitan area, including issues of housing, integration, employment, transportation, recreation, food security, and health. Students will analyze the unique needs of service users in neighbourhoods such as Vancouver's Downtown East Side and urban centers like Vancouver and Surrey. The course focuses on the effects of poverty, the experiences of marginalized populations, and the social determinants of health.

Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities

This course introduces students to foundational theories and skills for working with a wide range of groups and communities in social work. Students will explore the role of group work in the pursuit of social justice and individual and community well-being. Intercultural skills and approaches that promote empowerment, equity, mutual aid, and self-awareness will be examined. The principles of Indigenous story work will be applied to group settings. Students will identify group dynamics and practice strategies to overcome obstacles that commonly arise in groups. Students will develop skills in group design, participation, and facilitation, strengthening their capacity to be effective group leaders and participants.

Race, Ethnicity & Culture in Social Work

This course examines the historical and contemporary dimensions of race, ethnicity, and culture in Canadian social work practice. Students will explore diverse theoretical approaches, with emphasis on understanding the systemic nature of racism, colonialism, and white privilege, and their impact on Indigenous, racialized, and ethno-culturally diverse communities. Through critical analysis, experiential learning, and reflexive practice, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks required to engage in anti-racist, decolonizing, culturally inclusive, and equity-focused social work. The course centres lived experience and community knowledge and includes attention to Indigenous-settler relations, multiculturalism, immigration and refugee systems, and the resilience and resistance of marginalized communities in British Columbia and across Canada.

Theories and Perspectives for Social Work Practice

The course provides students with an overview of essential theories, models and perspectives relevant to generalist social work practice. Students will examine theories important to social work practice, such as developmental, biopsychosocial, systems, anti-oppression, Indigenous, feminist, strength-based, social justice, social constructivism, and structural. Students will explore the application of theories, models, and perspectives to practice and develop a guiding framework for their own practice.

Counselling Theory and Practice II

This course offers students the opportunity to explore effective approaches for counselling individuals, with an emphasis on decolonizing and anti-racist frameworks. Building on the foundational concepts of SOWK 2122, this course focuses on current evidence-based and wise practice approaches including cognitive behavioural counselling, grief counselling, crisis intervention, mediation, and motivational interviewing. Through an inclusive, culturally responsive lens, students will develop skills to engage with clients’ individual, systemic, cultural, and spiritual differences, deepening their ability to provide compassionate, empowering, and socially just support.

Practicum I

In this course students will undertake assigned social work roles and tasks within a social service organization under professional supervision. In these field activities students will practice and demonstrate their ability to integrate social work skills, ethics, values, theory, and research in their work with clients, colleagues and the broader community. Students will report and reflect on their field experiences with faculty and peers throughout the semester in small group seminars and within individual assignments. Students learn about a range of social work field settings through their participation in seminar.
This course is linked to SOWK 3240 (Practicum II) and students will maintain their placement and seminar group throughout both courses.

Child Welfare Social Work

This course provides an overview of the historical, social, philosophical, and political foundations of Canadian child welfare social work. Students will analyze child welfare systems from anti-oppressive, decolonizing, Indigenous, anti-racist, and feminist perspectives and consider the impact of factors such as class, disability, gender, and sexuality. British Columbia's current child welfare legislation, policy, and approaches will be examined and critiqued. Students will explore the knowledge and skills required to provide effective interventions to families, children and youth, and to apply common child-welfare assessment and planning tools.

Practicum II

In this course students will undertake assigned social work roles and tasks within a social service organization under professional supervision. In these field activities students will practice and demonstrate their ability to integrate social work skills, ethics, values, theory, and research in their work with clients, colleagues and the broader community. Students will report and reflect on their field experiences with faculty and peers throughout the semester in small group seminars and within individual assignments. Students learn about a range of social work field settings through their participation in seminar.
This course follows SOWK 3140 (Practicum I) and students will maintain their placement and seminar group throughout both courses.

Social Work with Indigenous Peoples

This course provides social work students opportunities to develop their competence and understanding for working collaboratively with Indigenous people. Students will explore Indigenous approaches to healing, wellness, and social work. An important theme of the course will be to understand Indigenous worldviews and experiences in the context of the historical and continuing impact of oppression and colonialism.

Macro Social Work

This course will teach students how to mobilize communities and address systemic problems that are of common concern. Students will apply a macro perspective to understanding the nature of systems, organizations, and communities. They will be introduced to wise practices in community development and in working with Indigenous communities. Students will explore strategies that support collective change efforts and promote human rights, social justice, and environmental sustainability. These include needs and assets assessment, change management, advocacy, evaluation, and policy development. Students will engage in community-based activities to develop and apply their macro social work skills.

Risk Assessment, Mitigation & Prevention

This course supports students in developing essential skills to conduct risk assessments through a client-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive lens. Students will engage in critical analysis of evidence-based practices, examining the limitations of traditional Western approaches to risk assessment. By applying an intersectional framework, students will learn to assess risk while considering the impact of social identities on clients' experiences. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and contemporary harms of risk assessment practices and seeks to support students in applying more culturally responsive and ethical risk management approaches.

Practicum III

In this course students will undertake assigned social work roles and tasks within a social service organization under professional supervision. In these field activities students will practice and demonstrate their ability to integrate social work skills, ethics, values, theory, and research in their work with clients, colleagues and the broader community. Students will report and reflect on their field experiences with faculty and peers throughout the semester in small group seminars and within individual assignments. Students learn about a range of social work field settings through their participation in seminar.
This course is linked to SOWK 4240 (Practicum IV) and students will maintain their placement and seminar group throughout both courses.

Research Methods in Social Work

This course prepares students to conduct, evaluate and apply research to improve social work practice, policy and service provision. Students will examine how qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research contribute to knowledge and understanding the limits of knowledge. Students will develop a research question and apply knowledge of research design to that question, addressing ethical issues, recruitment, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and knowledge mobilization.

Social Work in Health Care

This course explores the role and scope of social work within healthcare systems. Students will deepen their understanding of the social determinants of health, family dynamics, and biopsychosocial assessments, with a focus on their application to healthcare settings. Through a critical lens, students will examine healthcare legislation, policies, assessments, and systemic inequities in access to services, particularly for people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized communities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and other marginalized groups. Students will apply social work theory to healthcare social work and critically examine the medical model as it relates to healthcare systems in Canada. The course covers the continuum of care, from acute to community settings. Key issues such as health across the lifespan, chronic illness, cultural responsiveness, ethical decision-making, adult protection, risk assessments, collaboration in interdisciplinary teams, mental health, substance use, and end-of-life care will be explored.

Social Work in Mandated Settings

This course teaches students to collaborate with individuals and families in identifying and implementing both short- and long-term goals within formal systems of support. Goals may include addressing mental health, substance use, and child welfare concerns. Students will use strength-based approaches and skills to empower families. Students will learn about culturally appropriate practice and approaches and how to engage individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Students will learn ways to work with reluctant service users and will assess collaborative practice with individuals and families, and on interdisciplinary teams.

Practicum IV

In this course students will undertake assigned social work roles and tasks within a social service organization under professional supervision. In these field activities students will practice and demonstrate their ability to integrate social work skills, ethics, values, theory, and research in their work with clients, colleagues and the broader community. Students will report and reflect on their field experiences with faculty and peers throughout the semester in small group seminars and within individual assignments. Students learn about a range of social work field settings through their participation in seminar.
This course follows SOWK 4140 (Practicum III) and students will maintain their placement and seminar group throughout both courses.

Global and Environmental Perspectives in Social Work

In this course students will examine social work practice from a global perspective. Course content will include issues related to social justice, wealth inequality, human rights, human trafficking, global medical issues, war, oppression and colonization, particularly as these relate to migration and settlement. Students will consider how globalizing forces are manifested in local communities and learn about how to anticipate and respond to the social consequences. The environment, climate change and strategies to promote ecological sustainability will be examined at many levels. Students will apply international theory, including Indigenization, to their understanding of global issues.

Active Health

This course provides an overview of the concepts of physical fitness and wellness. Topics include components of physical fitness, physical fitness assessment, and exercise prescription. Through a balance of theory and practical experience, students discover the value of an active lifestyle and the physiological adaptations of exercise. Students perform a variety of conditioning methods as well as gain experience with the design and application of exercise programs. This course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Introduction to the Study of Sport and Leisure in Society

This course introduces students to the sociological study of sport and leisure and presents students with a survey of social issues in sport and leisure. As such, instructors focus on the issues they think will most engage students. Students examine the various ways in which sport and leisure intersect with other social, cultural, political, and economic structures in society. The influence of social identities on access to, and experiences of, sport and leisure is also explored.

Biomechanics

This course applies elementary principles of mechanics and math to analyze human movement. Students explore the development of forces within muscles and their effect on initiating and controlling human movement. These concepts are applied to understand the causes of injuries.

Motor Skill Acquisition

This course provides students with knowledge of motor skill acquisition, the variables which influence the learning and performance of motor skills, and the relationship between motor skill acquisition, motor control and motor performance.

Topics in Human Nutrition

This course will provide students with knowledge of the basic principles of human nutrition with respect to essential food intake. The effect of the nutritional value of foods on human physiology will be covered. An assessment of personal nutritional needs and those of various populations will be investigated.

Physical Growth and Motor Development

In this course, students will develop a basic working knowledge of physical growth and motor development from a life span perspective. The course will challenge students to think critically about the many variables related to optimal growth and development and physical activity throughout the lifespan as they develop strategies to promote motor development in every individual.

Applied Methods: Movement Education

This course uses movement education theory and resources to provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to plan and teach movement education across contexts. This course requires organizing, teaching and learning around movement concepts, categories and elements. Through a student-experience framework, students analyze, plan, lead and perform movement education. This course satisfies the Movement Education Applied Methods Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching (BPEC) graduation requirement.

Applied Methods: Dance in Schools and Communities

This course provides students with the knowledge and experience necessary to plan and teach dance lessons in educational and community settings. Through exposure to a variety of dance styles, students gain practical experience in planning, leading, and evaluating lessons in dance. This course is open to students of all physical abilities; experience in dance is not a prerequisite for this course.

Summer Outdoor & Alternative Environment Physical Education

In this applied course, experiential education is used to teach students how to incorporate K-12 curricular requirements into alternative learning environments during the summer and fall. Topics include risk assessment and management, organization and planning, environmental ethics, and pedagogical strategies for outdoor physical education environments. Participation in, and planning of, aquatic and land activities is a course requirement. Field trips will be required. These field trips may take place outside of scheduled class hours and include an overnight trip. This course acknowledges that Outdoor Experiential Education is congruent with First Nation Epistemology.

Winter Outdoor & Alternative Environment Physical Education

In this course, students learn how to use experiential education methods to incorporate K-12 curricular requirements into alternative winter learning environments. Topics include risk assessment and management, organization and planning, environmental ethics, and pedagogical strategies for outdoor physical education environments. Participation in, and planning of, aquatic and land activities is a course requirement. The course is open to students of all physical abilities. Field trips will be required. These field trips may take place outside of scheduled class hours and include an overnight trip. This course acknowledges that Outdoor Experiential Education is congruent with First Nations Epistemology.

Applied Methods: Individual Activities and Games

Using personalized systems of instruction and inquiry-based teaching practices, students explore how to couple motivational teaching practices with physical competence development across a mixture of individual activities and games. Event sports (track and field), mat-related, gym-related, and water-based activities combine to provide a broad range of activities to apply transferable concepts of qualitative biomechanics and physical literacy development. Field trips are a required part of this course and take place during class time. The course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Fieldwork I

This course provides opportunities for students to translate classroom knowledge and theory into practice. Under the supervision of a site supervisor, students practise career-specific skills and gain career-specific knowledge. Students integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences in a practicum and in seminars.

Introduction to the Study of Health and Society

This course explores health from a sociological perspective, covering the differences between the social, health promotion, and biomedical models of health. This course draws on the social model of health to explore the social determinants of health, Canada's health care system, and social constructions of health across contexts, including within the institutions of sport, leisure, and exercise. In this course, students conduct original research on health practices or experiences within their own lives or communities.

Foundations in Physical Education, Recreation & Coaching

This course presents a number of topics related to the fields of physical education, recreation, and coaching. Topics include the role of physical education, recreation, and coaching in today’s society; the delivery of physical education, recreation, and coaching services in Canada; and the issues, trends, and practices related to physical education, recreation, and coaching. As a part of this course, students have the opportunity to apply for the designation of 'trained status' in specific modules with the Coaching Association of Canada's (CAC) National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). This application with CAC will incur additional fees.

Portfolio Introduction

In this course, students develop the necessary skills to collect and showcase evidence that is representative of their educational and professional experience. This is the first of two courses in portfolio design. Students are introduced to various types of portfolio design and create their own online portfolio for future use in their educational and professional pathways.

Sport and Exercise Psychology

This course is an introduction to the field of applied sport and exercise psychology. Students apply mental skills and strategies to real world sport and exercise settings. They also use their developing knowledge of mental skills and strategies from the course to inform reflections and decisions about their mental strengths and areas to work on. Students devise a mental skills plan for their personal growth and enhanced performance in a sport and/or exercise setting.

Contemporary Health Issues

This course provides students with knowledge of current concepts in health and wellness. Students learn how to promote healthy behaviour, build healthy lifestyles, and prevent disease. Assessment of personal health status, strategies for how to maintain physical activity, and avoidance of harmful habits are investigated.

Exercise Physiology

This course explores the scientific training principles and concepts associated with the effects of exercise on human movement and performance. The relationship between physical activity and the cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular systems of the body are the primary areas of focus.

Introduction to the Administration and Management of Sport, Recreation and Leisure Services

This course will provide students with an introduction to concepts and practices in the administration and management of sport, recreation and leisure services. Students will apply these concepts and practices to a variety of settings including public, private, non-profit and educational. Course material will guide students through common issues faced by administrators and managers in today’s sport, recreation and leisure landscape. As part of this course, students will learn how to design a sport, recreation or leisure program plan from idea conceptualization to delivery. This course will also serve as an opportunity for students to reflect on both their personal and professional development in sport, recreation and leisure careers.

The Rise of Modern Sport and Physical Education

This course examines factors affecting the development of sport and physical education in modern times. Consideration is given to the relationship between sport and physical education development and selected societal features (leisure, education, race, gender, and politics). Particular attention is paid to the rise of sport and physical education in Canada, Europe and the United States.

Applied Methods: Game-Centered Approaches

In this course, students experience both the Tactical Games Model and the Sport Education Model to develop pedagogical skills within target, net/wall, striking/fielding, and invasion/territorial games. Participation in, and planning of, target, net/wall, striking/fielding, and invasion/territorial games is a course requirement. This course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Fieldwork II

This course provides opportunities for students to apply career-relevant classroom knowledge and theory in practice. This is the second of four required fieldwork courses for the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching. Within their field placement, students are paired with a career-specific site supervisor, practise skills, and gain knowledge related to the selected occupation. During the seminar portion of the course, students integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences. Topics covered include occupational and workplace awareness, working safely and ethically, professionalism, and networking.

Integrated Movement Analysis

This course provides students with an overview of comprehensive and observational diagnostic models to evaluate human movement. Using inquiry-based approaches, this course integrates and applies principles from kinesiology sub-disciplines to movement diagnosis. Students use various data acquisition technologies to evaluate and improve human movement and performance in three different contexts: lab, field and clinic.

Inclusive Physical Activity

In this course students will examine historical and contemporary theories and models for inclusive physical activity and consider the implications of each in practice. Students will learn to assess, plan, and implement inclusive physical activity programs designed to meet the individual interests, abilities, and needs of all participants. Through this process, students will learn to assess and respond to context-related, person-related, and task-related factors. Using a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, students will explore successful strategies and practices in the creation of meaningful physical activity.

Fieldwork III

This course provides opportunities for students to apply career-relevant classroom knowledge and theory in practice. This is the third of four required fieldwork courses for the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching. Within their field placement, students are paired with a career-specific site supervisor, practise skills, and gain knowledge related to the selected occupation. During the seminar portion of the course, students integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences. Topics covered include occupational and workplace awareness, professional development, critical thinking, problem solving, and employability skills.

Health Promotion

This course covers the underlying concepts, principles, theories, and current practices of health promotion. The content follows an ecological framework focusing on theory and application at the individual, group, community, organizational, and policy level. Students will gain practical and theoretical knowledge around planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion interventions based on the principles of best practices and the core competencies of health promotion.

Leadership in Sport, Physical Education and Coaching

In this course, students study leadership concepts in relation to sport, physical education, and coaching. Students examine the role of the leader and the responsibilities that come with becoming a leader. Topics include personal management, relationship management, and conflict management. As part of this course, students will have the opportunity to receive the designation of “Trained” status in specific modules from the Coaching Association of Canada’s (CAC) National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Additional fees apply.

Research Methods in Sport Science

This course provides students with an overview of research methodologies used within the interdisciplinary field of Sport Science. This course aims to develop students’ research literacy, by preparing them to interpret, evaluate, and use others’ research, design and plan their own research, and foster evidence-based decision making in careers related to Sport Science.

Advanced Exercise Physiology

This course examines how metabolic, neuromuscular, and cardiorespiratory physiology responds and adapts to exercise stress. The course provides theoretical and practical laboratory-based learning experiences. Students develop a robust understanding of how metabolic, neuromuscular, and cardiorespiratory physiology operate independently, and in an integrative manner, during exercise.

Athletic Injury Assessment and Management

This course examines concepts associated with recognition and prevention of common injuries resulting from physical or sports-related activities. Students learn basic injury management techniques through a practical component, including assessment, acute treatment, recommendations for appropriate referral, and return to sport/activity. As a part of this course, students have the opportunity to apply for the designation of 'trained status' in specific modules with the Coaching Association of Canada's (CAC) National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). This application with CAC will incur additional fees.

Games Approach to Teaching and Coaching Sport

This course covers the Games Approach to teaching and coaching sports, which involves the use of game related activities to stimulate and motivate learning. In this course, students will learn creative, innovative, and exciting ways to teach and coach, and will design and implement learning activities that are enjoyable, challenging, inspiring, and cognitively and physically demanding. The twin goals of improvement and personal satisfaction are emphasized jointly throughout the course.

Directed Studies in Sport Science

This course provides students with an opportunity to pursue a specific project of interest within the field of Sport Science. Projects may involve a research study, a review and analysis of current literature, a health promotion initiative, or other approved projects. Projects are approved, supported, and evaluated by a Sport Science faculty supervisor. This course is offered as a guided study. Please contact the Department Chair for registration.

Fieldwork IV

This course provides opportunities for students to apply career-relevant classroom knowledge and theory in practice. This is the fourth of four required fieldwork courses for the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching. Within their field placement, students are paired with a career-specific site supervisor, practise skills, and gain knowledge related to the selected occupation. During the seminar portion of the course, students integrate and reflect upon their educational, personal, and professional experiences. Topics covered include occupational and workplace awareness, industry-specific governing bodies, career platforms, critical thinking, problem solving, and employability skills.

Ergonomics

This course explores topics in ergonomics and allows students to examine how changes made to the person, the environment, and the nature of routine tasks, promote safety throughout an individual's lifespan. The course focuses on the prevention of occupational injuries, increased productivity, comfort, and safety. In this course, students develop the skills and knowledge required to perform basic ergonomic assessments.

Fitness Assessment & Prescription

This course provides students with the knowledge and experience necessary to develop fitness assessment programs, including the development of conditioning programs based on the results of these assessment programs. The curriculum is driven by practical experience to provide students with supervised opportunities to develop proficiency in the assessment techniques.

Foundations of Assessment and Treatment

This course provides an introduction to the practical skills required to become a practising kinesiologist. Topics include clinical, anatomical, and assessment skills, theory and guidelines for the use of therapeutic modalities, and techniques used in orthopaedic rehabilitation. This course is suited for students considering careers as a practising kinesiologist or employment in an orthopaedic clinical setting.

Physical Education and Coaching Methods

In this course, students study instructional and planning methods used by physical education teachers and coaches. Topics include unit, lesson, and activity planning, yearly training plans for coaches, teaching methods, types of feedback, positive learning environments, group management techniques, task analysis, and instructor effectiveness. Application of course content occurs through micro-teaching sessions and reflective/analytical exercises. Participation in, and planning of, physical education and health activities is a course requirement. This course is open to students of all physical abilities. As a part of this course, students will have the opportunity to receive the designation of "trained status" in specific modules from the Coaching Association of Canada's (CAC) National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). Additional fees will apply.

Portfolio Exit

This course is the final course in portfolio design. Students assemble a complete educational and/or professional portfolio representative of their social, cognitive, emotional, creative, and physical performance within their educational journey. The portfolio is shared and showcased to peers, faculty, and/or potential community leaders.

Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology

The course provides an in-depth and advanced exploration of the field of sport and exercise psychology. It situates sport and exercise behaviours and experiences within developmental, psychological, psychosocial, socio-cultural, and environmental contexts. A main focus throughout the course is on the application of theories and research to practical settings and situations within sport and exercise. As a part of this course, students have the opportunity to apply for the designation of 'trained status' in specific modules with the Coaching Association of Canada's (CAC) National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). This application with CAC will incur additional fees.

Sport Science Applied Research

In this course, students explore topics in sport science using a quantitative or qualitative approach. The main objective of the course is to provide opportunities for students, working individually or in small groups, to perform original research in a chosen area of sport science: kinesiology, physical education, health, recreation or coaching.

Therapeutic Exercise Prescription

This course examines the role of therapeutic exercise in the management, treatment, and prevention of disease. Topics include the pathophysiology of conditions commonly encountered by kinesiologists and exercise physiologists, evidence-based and client-centered biopsychosocial approaches to interventions, common non-exercise-based supporting therapeutic modalities, knowledge of when to refer to other practitioners, and practical aspects of providing safe and effective exercise protocols across the lifespan.

Curriculum Issues in Physical and Health Education Settings

Curriculum, within the field of curriculum studies, refers to complex structures in which teaching and learning occur. This course explores curriculum in formal (K-12 physical and health education) as well as informal settings where physical education occurs (e.g., coaching, kinesiology, personal training). Contemporary issues impacting curriculum will be considered within broader socio-cultural, political and economic contexts and examined in educational and health-related settings. Varied curricular and pedagogical approaches will be explored with emphasis on critical perspectives to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in Physical and Health Education (PHE).

Professional Kinesiology Fieldwork I

This course provides an opportunity for students to apply kinesiology classroom knowledge and theory in practice. This is the first of two required fieldwork courses for the Post-Degree Diploma in Kinesiology. During the lecture portion of the course, students will learn foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the profession of kinesiologist. Within their field placement, students will be paired with a practicing kinesiologist. In this setting, students will apply foundational knowledge learned in lectures, and practice and refine foundational skills learned in lecture. Topics covered include occupational and workplace awareness, professionalism, client-centered care, and business fundamentals for kinesiologists.

Professional Kinesiology Fieldwork II

This course provides an opportunity for students to apply kinesiology classroom knowledge and theory in practice. This is one of two required fieldwork courses for the Post-Degree Diploma in Kinesiology. During the lecture portion of the course, students learn foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the profession of kinesiologist. Within their field placement, students are paired with a practicing kinesiologist. In this setting, students apply foundational knowledge learned in lectures, and practice and refine foundational skills learned in lecture. Field placements take place outside of scheduled class hours.

Physical Literacy I: Foundations

This course presents physical literacy as a primary objective of physical and health education. The course introduces all the domains of physical literacy with an in-depth look at physical competence, confidence, and motivation. It also introduces aspects of holistic physical education and highlights strategies for promoting emotional wellness and socioemotional skill sets. Utilizing a mix of theory and application, the course prepares students to use effective teaching methods and frameworks to develop a physically literate person. Participation in, and planning of, physical education and health activities is a course requirement. This course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Game-Centred Approaches in PHE

This course explores how game-centred approaches place the learner and their development at the centre of the learning process. The concepts of modification and progression are covered, taking into consideration students' socio-emotional developmental level, cognitive structures, and physical capacity. Participation in, and planning of, physical education and health activities is a course requirement. This course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Alternative Environment Physical Education

This practical course, designed for educators, focuses on the planning and implementation of a variety of alternative environment land and aquatic activities appropriate for the K-12 BC Physical and Health Education curriculum. Content areas include risk assessment and management, organization and planning, experiential learning, environmental ethics, and pedagogical strategies for outdoor physical education environments. Participation in land and aquatic activities is a course requirement. Field experiences take place at various outdoor locations throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. There is an overnight component to this course. This course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Developmental Gymnastics and Movement Education

This course focuses on fundamental movement patterns, rhythmic and acrobatic gymnastics, and learners' development of a robust movement vocabulary. Using movement education theory and resources, this course provides students with the knowledge and experience necessary to plan and teach developmental-level gymnastics and/or movement education across various contexts. This course is open to students of all physical abilities. Inclusive approaches to movement education and physical literacy are central themes. Participation in and planning of physical education and health activities are course requirements. This course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Dance Education

This course explores learner-centred ways of teaching movement through dance education from childhood to early adolescence as an artistic, creative, integrated bodily medium of expression. Activities are primarily relationship-based to reinforce healthy, cooperative, respectful interaction between students through an anti-oppressive lens. Indigenous ways of knowing are explored through an attempt to decolonize ways of learning and teaching. Participation in, and planning of, physical education and health activities is a course requirement. The course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Physical and Health Education Leadership Seminar

This course combines student and instructor-led seminars to explore the role of the physical and health educator in the context of a comprehensive school health model. The comprehensive school health model advocates for integrated student-health curriculum and extra-curricular planning targeting both physical and health education. Topics include a theoretical basis for leadership action, practical tools of leadership and an emphasis on personal areas for growth and influence in the work context.

Physical Literacy II: Dynamic Systems

This course uses a dynamic learning systems approach to understand the interactions of learner, task, and environment to address the pillars of physical literacy: motor competence, confidence, attitude, and knowledge. Building on SPSC 5391, this course delves into learning theory and constraints-led pedagogy in order to foster optimal challenge for the learner. Participation in, and planning of, physical education and health activities is a course requirement. This course is open to students of all physical abilities.

Applied Studies in Physical and Health Education

In this course, Graduate Diploma in Physical and Health Education students follow a process of action research or conduct an inquiry into practice in their work settings. Through reflective practice, students integrate and evaluate acquired knowledge from the program. This course is conducted online with faculty supervision and peer learning group support.

Curriculum Issues: Physical and Health Education

This course covers curriculum theory and implementation in health and physical education. In addition to the practical concerns of planning, assessment, teaching and learning in physical and health education, curriculum is viewed through lenses of gender, race-relations, dis/ability, inclusion, and colonization to better understand the construction of body image, confidence, and social and physical capital.

Health Education

In this course, students are introduced to comprehensive school health models to frame the knowledge and practical components of developing student well-being. The B.C. Ministry of Education K-7 and 8-10 health curriculum guides the topic selection for course inquiry. Assignments combine course theory, health education topics and pedagogical considerations related to learner readiness to develop knowledge in health education.

Scientific Research Skills

Research Skills in Science and Technology provides students with an opportunity to pursue a specific research-project of interest within the disciplines of Science and Technology offered at the College. Students enrolled in this course will receive research training relevant to their project. Projects are approved, supported and evaluated by a Science and Technology faculty supervisor. This course is offered as a guided study: please contact a Science and Technology faculty member for registration.