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Faculty of Arts
6168 Academic Quadrangle, (604) 291-4414 Tel, (604) 291-3033 Fax, www.sfu.ca/arts
- Dean
J.T. Pierce BA (Tor), MA (Wat), PhD (Lond)
- Associate Deans
A.R. Blackman BSc (Lond), BSc (Edin), MSc, PhD (McG)
T.A. Perry BA (Wabash), MA, PhD (Indiana)
J.H. Tietz BA (Pacific Lutheran), PhD (Claremont)
- Advisor
Ms. M. Caufield, BA (S Fraser), 6170 Academic Quadrangle, 778.782 -5921
Undergraduate Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honors)
Diplomas and Certificates Offered
Certificate in Chinese Studies
Certificate in Community Economic Development
Certificate in Criminology (General)
Certificate in Criminology (Advanced)
Certificate in Ethnic and Intercultural Relations
Certificate in First Nations Language Proficiency
Certificate in French Canadian Studies
Certificate in French Language Proficiency
Certificate in Hellenic Studies
Certificate in Native Studies Research
Certificate for Senior Citizens
Certificate in Spanish Language Proficiency
Certificate in Spatial Information Systems
Certificate in Teaching ESL Linguistics
Certificate in Women's Studies
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Community Economic Development
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Criminology
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in French and Education
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Gerontology
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Humanities
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Public History
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Social Policy Issues
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Urban Studies
Student Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of faculty regulations as stated in this Calendar. Departmental and faculty advisors and staff are available to give advice and guidance. However, the ultimate responsibility for completeness and correctness of course selection, for compliance with and completion of program and degree requirements and for observance of regulations and deadlines rests with the student.
Academic Advice
Each of the Faculty of Arts departments provides an advisory service for assisting students to choose courses to satisfy degree requirements. Students who have made a formal program declaration should avail themselves of these services. Those who have not, but have completed 60 credit hours, will be advised by the faculty advisor in the Office of the Dean. Where specified, students should also consult the Office of the Dean of Arts regarding Arts regulations.
Students in all programs leading to bachelor's degrees in the Faculty of Arts must consult an advisor at the following times in their academic programs.
- · prior to first registration at the University, and
- · during that semester when they are taking their 45th credit hour, and
- · during that semester when they are taking their 90th credit hour
Students in other programs such as certificate and post baccalaureate diploma programs are governed by the requirements of the specific programs.
Important Note
Students may count any Simon Fraser University course for which credit is received toward the bachelor of arts degree with the exceptions of EDUC 401, 402, 405 and 406; ATHL, 201, 202, 203 and 204.
Only the first five duplications taken in a student's program will count toward a BA degree. A maximum of five duplications will count toward all programs taken in the Faculty of Arts at Simon Fraser University.
There are specific restrictions regarding counting GS 498 and 499.
The maximum number of credit hours offered through the Tri-Education Summer Institute that can count toward a degree or post baccalaureate program in the Faculty of Arts is nine.
Load Levels
Students who have not yet completed 60 credit hours require written consent of the dean's designate to register in more than 16 hours in one semester. Students who have completed 60 credit hours require the written consent of the dean's designate to register in more than 18 credit hours in one semester.
Cooperative Education Program in Liberal Arts
6176 Academic Quadrangle, 778.782 -3041/5751/3776/5839 Tel
- Co-ordinators
The cooperative education program is available for students who wish to acquire practical experience in conjunction with their studies in departments or programs in the Faculty of Arts. The student normally spends alternate semesters on campus and in paid, study-related jobs.
Refer also to Archaeology, Criminology, Economics, English, First Nations, Geography, History, Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Women's Studies as well as the Cooperative Education sections of this Calendar.
Requirements
To be admitted, students must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours with a minimum CGPA of 2.75. Prior to admission, all students must complete
ENGL 199-3 University Writing (or any two 100 division English courses)
A quantitative research course in your area of interest is strongly recommended. Computer literacy is a requirement. See the Faculty of Arts coop coordinators for further information.
- Major Program
The following are recommended prior to entry in the coop education program: one course from either set 2 or set 8 as listed under the certificate in liberal arts, and at least 12 hours of required lower division courses in the major program.
- Undeclared Majors or Students Without Majors (BGS/BEd)
The following requirements are from the liberal arts certificate.
Note: Enrolment in the certificate in liberal arts program is not required for participation in the liberal arts coop program. However, students are encouraged to complete the certificate in conjunction with the coop program.
- Transfer Students
Transfer students should contact the co-ordinators in the first week of their first semester at Simon Fraser University. College transfer students who have participated in coop programs elsewhere may be credited with the semesters already taken. Those students contemplating transfer to the Faculty of Arts coop program at Simon Fraser University should make early contact with an admissions advisor in the Office of the Registrar.
To obtain coop accreditation on the bachelor of arts degree, the following courses must be completed.
LBRL 402-0 Practicum V (optional)
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Students can meet the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in any one of five ways: either through a major program; or through a joint major program; or through two extended minors; or through an honors program; or through a joint honors program. The requirements for earning a bachelor of arts degree in any of these ways are set out below.
In addition to degree requirements, students may also fulfil the requirements for an extended minor or a minor as noted under the Options headings.
Major Program
Students wishing to concentrate in a subject area may take a major, consisting of at least 30 upper division credit hours in that subject area. This program, which is the most common option chosen by students pursuing a bachelor of arts provides students with a strong background in a subject and is preparation for a range of occupations or for further study following graduation.
At least 120 credit hours are required which include the following.
- · at least 65 credit hours in arts subjects
- · at least 45 credit hours in upper division courses, including at least 30 upper division credit hours in an arts major program. No more than 15 upper division hours transferred from another institution may be used toward the requirements for a major.
- · lower division requirements for at least one arts major
- · satisfaction of the Faculty of Arts breadth requirements (see below)
Note: A department may designate up to eight credit hours of program-related upper division courses offered by other departments as being acceptable in fulfilling part of the required hours in a major program.
Joint Major Program
At least 120 credit hours of credit are required which include the following.
- · at least 65 credit hours of credit in Faculty of Arts subjects
- · at least 45 credit hours in upper division courses which must include at least 20 credit hours in upper division courses in each of the two joint major subjects. No more than 15 upper division credit hours of credit transferred from another institution can be used toward this requirements.
- · lower division prerequisites for both joint major programs
- · satisfaction of the Faculty of Arts breadth requirements (see below)
Extended Minor Program
An extended minor consists of the lower division requirements for a major program, plus the upper division requirements for a minor program. At least seven upper division hours counted towards this requirement must be taken at Simon Fraser University.
Students wishing to prepare themselves in two subject areas and not desiring to undertake a major program may take an extended minor program consisting of the completion of two extended minors in the bachelor of arts degree.
At least 120 credit hours are required which include the following.
- · at least 65 credit hours in Arts subjects
- · at least 45 upper division credit hours, including 30 in two extended minor programs (at least 15 upper division credit hours in each of two extended minor programs). No more than 8 upper division hours transferred from another institution may count toward an extended minor.
- · lower division requirements for at least two extended minor programs. The lower division requirements for an extended minor program are the same as lower division requirements for a major program.
- · satisfaction of the Faculty of Arts breadth requirements (see below).
Note: There are programs in the School for the Contemporary Arts which have individually defined extended minors but which do not have majors.
Students declaring this degree option must get approval from the advisors in their two extended minor departments as well as the approval of the degree advisor: Ms. M. Caufield, 6171 Academic Quadrangle, 778.782 -5921.
Minor Program
All Faculty of Arts minor programs require at least 15 upper division credit hours taken within a single discipline unless otherwise specified in the Calendar. At least seven upper division credit hours counted towards this requirement must be taken at Simon Fraser University.
Honors Program
At least 132 credit hours of credit which include the following.
- · at least 65 credit hours in Arts subjects
- · at least 60 credit hours in upper division courses which must include at least 50 credit hours in upper division courses in an Arts honors program. No more than 15 upper division credit hours of credit transferred from another institution can be used toward this requirement.
- · lower division prerequisites for at least one Arts honors program
- · satisfaction of the Faculty of Arts breadth requirements (see below)
Note: A department may designate up to 12 credit hours of program related upper division courses offered by other departments, as being acceptable in fulfilling part of the required upper division credit hours in the honors program.
Joint Honors Program
At least 132 credit hours of credit which include the following.
- · at least 65 credit hours of credit in Arts subjects
- · at least 60 credit hours in upper division courses which must include at least 28 credit hours in upper division courses in each of the two honors subjects. No more than 15 upper division credit hours of credit transferred from another institution can be used toward this requirement.
- · lower division prerequisites for both honors programs
- · satisfaction of the Faculty of Arts breadth requirements (see below)
- · satisfactory completion of an honors essay jointly supervised by and acceptable to both honors departments
Students are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 in the upper division courses in each of the subjects of the joint honors program.
Breadth Requirements
In addition to completing the courses within a department or program required for any degree in the Faculty of Arts, students must complete breadth requirements that acquaint them with areas of knowledge and modes of thought outside their discipline of specialization. These faculty breadth requirements may be met in a variety of ways. In completing them, students are encouraged to earn a certificate in liberal arts, a program specifically tailored for breadth of learning. The requirements follow.
- · a minimum of 30 credit hours outside the Arts honors, major or extended minor department (for the purpose of this requirement, read `school' as department)
- · no fewer than five departments (other than the Arts honors, major or extended minor department) from the list below
- · no more than nine credit hours from any one department may be counted toward the total of 30 required credit hours
- · up to six credit hours of the 30 credit hours may be from GS courses.
For the purpose of this last requirement the following academic units will count as separate `departments.'
Community Economic Development (CED)
Education (EDUC, except EDUC 401, 402, 405, and 406)
Environmental Studies: Environmental Science (ENVS), Resource and Environmental Management (REM), Environmental Planning (ENPL)
Languages: Chinese (CHIN), German (GERM), Italian (ITAL), Japanese (JAPN), Language (LANG), Spanish (SPAN)
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB)
Sociology and Anthropology (SA)
Course enrolment in some of these may be limited to those with approved programs in these subjects. Courses that are not clearly within the above `departments,' or courses transferred from other institutions in subjects without direct equivalence at Simon Fraser may count toward these requirements on an individual basis and upon application to the Dean of Arts Office (AQ 6168).
Whether or not students complete the certificate program, they may take the faculty breadth requirements as an opportunity for exploratory study in advance of choosing a major discipline. Some departments will advise students as to subject areas and specific courses they recommend to prepare for a major program. A substantial proportion of these requirements may be applied to a number of cross-disciplinary major, extended minor or minor programs within the faculty. In planning the most effective way to fulfil the breadth requirements, students should seek advice in the Student Academic Resources office and in any departments in which they plan to major.
Program Declaration
Prior to or upon registering for the semester in which the 61st credit is taken, students must formally declare and be accepted into a major program or two extended minor programs, and may, subject to the regulations below, apply for an honors program. The formal declaration establishes the exact major, or extended minor requirements for graduation as they appear in the Calendar in effect at the time of declaration. Students are urged to keep a copy of this Calendar, known as the Graduating Calendar, for reference.
Students may change their degree programs at any time prior to graduation. A new formal declaration must be approved by the department of the new major and by the Dean of Arts Office if a change of faculty is involved. At that time, the Calendar then in effect becomes the new Graduating Calendar, and the requirements which it specifies for the major or extended minor program must be fulfilled.
Honors Program
Acceptance to this program is contingent upon satisfying the entrance requirements of the department concerned. Applicants normally will have received a GPA of 3.0 in subject(s) of the honors field. When admission has been granted, the student then registers as an honors student. To continue in the program, this 3.0 GPA must be maintained. Failure to do so will place the student in the corresponding general degree program. Students will still be subject to the regulations of the original graduating Calendar. If a student is subsequently reinstated into the honors program, the graduating Calendar is the Calendar which was in effect at the time of the original acceptance into the program.
Graduation Requirements
The graduation GPA is different from the cumulative GPA. Please see "Graduation Requirements". for both the general and honors program.
- General Program
In addition to the general requirements, please note that the Faculty of Arts has the following requirements for the general program.
The minimum requirement for graduation is a graduation GPA of 2.0 and a GPA of 2.0 in all upper and lower division courses taken in the major, extended minor or minor department(s) with the exception that duplicate courses are counted only once. It should be noted that the university regulations governing the duplication of courses are vigorously applied in the Faculty of Arts. Students who do not obtain the minimum GPA in their programs within the limits of five duplications will not be able to complete a major, extended minor or minor degree within the Faculty of Arts.
University College of the Fraser Valley Program
University College of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC offers a program leading to a bachelor of arts degree, in association with the Faculty of Arts and is issued by Simon Fraser University.
Bachelor of General Studies Degree
6170 Academic Quadrangle, 778.782 5426 Tel, 778.782 -3033 Fax
- Advisors
Ms. M. Caufield, BA (S Fraser), 778.782 5426
This non-specialist degree program, administered within the Faculty of Arts, is designed for students whose educational goals are not met by other, more structured, undergraduate degree programs. Students may complete one or more minors or extended minors (but no major), in any academic area(s) as part of the BGS degree. Students considering this program are strongly urged to consult the advisor before declaring the BGS as the goal.
The BGS program may not be used as a second or subsequent bachelor's degree except by written approval of the Deans of Arts prior to admission. Students who hold a first degree and are interested in a program of general studies may wish to consider a post baccalaureate diploma program.
Requirements
Students must complete 120 credit hours, including at least 45 upper division credit hours. The graduation minimum is a graduation GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 calculated on all upper division courses taken, except duplicate courses.
With the exception of EDUC 401, 402, 405 and 406, courses taken from any faculty may be used to satisfy the degree requirements, but admission to courses is subject to the prerequisite requirements of the various departments. The maximum credit hours offered through the Tri-Education Summer Institute that count towards the BGS is limited to nine.
Transfer
Special transfer regulations for the BGS degree provide broadened opportunities for degree completion for students who may have difficulty in availing themselves of courses.
In accordance with normal University regulations, 60 credit hours of transfer and/or course challenge credit may count toward a Simon Fraser University degree. In addition, a further 30 credit hours of transferable credit from a degree granting institution recognized and accepted by Simon Fraser University may be credited toward the BGS degree, provided that the student also completes at least 30 of the required 45 credit hours of upper division credit in Simon Fraser University courses.
Even within these special transfer regulations, students must complete a total of 45 upper division credit hours. Any minor program within the BGS must include at least seven upper division credit hours earned at Simon Fraser University. See "Admission and Readmission". for regulations.
Integrated Studies Program
Information is available from the director of integrated studies, Continuing Studies, at Harbour Centre. Integrated Studies programs within the bachelor of general studies degree are highly structured cohort based programs designed to meet the educational needs of specific student groups. Such programs integrate liberal studies with knowledge and skills associated with a particular field of practice, or with a background common to its students. Students may undertake this degree option only through special admission to an individual program. Integrated studies programs will typically be designed and structured in consultation with external agencies or employers and may therefore have special locations, admission requirements and fee structures.
Because these programs may require and build upon varying levels of previous post-secondary education, related employment experience, and demonstrated intellectual maturity, the credit hours required to earn a degree may in some instances be less than the normal 120 credit hours. All such programs will require a minimum of 60 in designated Simon Fraser University courses offered within the program, to include at least 45 upper division credit hours.
Each integrated studies program will be governed by an academic steering committee. The curriculum, including both designated courses and total credit hour requirements, admission criteria, and any other special conditions for each individual integrated studies program will be approved in advance by the Faculty of Arts curriculum committee.
Post Baccalaureate Diploma Programs
The Faculty of Arts offers disciplinary and interdisciplinary post baccalaureate diplomas. See "Post Baccalaureate Diploma Program". for further information.
Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Community Economic Development
2100 East Academic Annex, 778.782 -5850 Tel, 778.782 -5473 Fax, www.sfu.ca/cedc, cedadmin@sfu.ca E-mail
- Director
M.L. Roseland, MA (Wesleyan), PhD (Br Col)
This program is for those with an undergraduate degree or equivalent. The diploma is applicable to a wide range of occupational, professional and academic fields. By combining courses from several different disciplines with a specially designed core program of study and opportunities for guided practice, the program provides unique perspectives on economic, social and cultural development within the context of communities.
New program application deadlines: May 1 for fall semester, October 1 for spring semester, February 1 for summer semester, Intercession and summer session.
- Required Courses
Students must complete 30 upper division credit hours, including 16 hours in the following courses.
CED 301-4 Sustainable Community Development
CED 401-4 Concepts, Techniques and Principles for CED Practice
CED 403-4 Models and Cases in Community Economic Development
In addition to these required courses, students must complete at least 14 credits in elective courses.
- Elective Courses
Select electives from the CED electives (CED 410, 412) and from a wide variety of departments, in consultation with the CED Centre's academic supervisor. A list of pre-approved electives is available each semester, but students may also propose courses for approval. Courses must meet the following requirements.
- · the proposed course must be an upper division course (300-400 level) or higher.
- · the elective proposal must be submitted to the CED Centre (CEDC) and approval obtained before the student registers. The request must be in writing and include a copy of the course description. We strongly advise students to complete their elective choices early in the registration period because of strong competition for these courses.
- · the proposed course must meet the CEDC's content requirements for being thematically related to CED or applicable skills for CED field work. It must be sufficiently related by topic to CED (e.g. underdevelopment, regional planning, public planning processes) and/or provide research and other skills relevant to CED practice (e.g. business management, organizational behaviour, fieldwork methodologies, qualitative and quantitative analysis). Determination of relevance and applicability of the proposed course will be made by the CEDC academic supervisor or their designate.
- · If the student proposes a directed studies course from another department, the proposed detailed study plan must be approved in advance by both the CEDC academic supervisor and the chosen faculty supervisor. The CEDC requires the final report of the project to be submitted to the centre as well as to the named faculty member.
- · Some courses require prerequisites outside of the diploma program. Students take full responsibility for obtaining prerequisite clearance or other clearances that are required to gain entry into the course. Many departments waive some introductory courses for those with extensive experience in the area. However, other Simon Fraser University departments give course registration priority to their own students and will not necessarily permit CED students to register. Check all Calendar entries and consult both those departments and the CEDC advisor before attempting to register.
Transfer credit for work done at other institutions, before or after admission to the program, may be approved toward fulfilment of the program provided it meets CED Centre requirements for relevance to community economic development, and further, provided that at least 18 of the total credit hour requirements are taken at Simon Fraser University. All other requirements for transfer credits under general post baccalaureate programs regulations apply.
Applications for transfer credit must be initiated at the time of application for admission to SFU by requesting a Letter of Permission from the admissions office. A GPA of 2.5 in all required and elective courses to be credited toward the diploma must be maintained for continuance in the program.
More information on the centre and its programs is available at the Community Economic Development Centre and its web site www.sfu.ca/cedc
Certificate Programs
The certificate programs below are administered by the Faculty of Arts.
Credits applied toward a certificate may not be applied toward any other Simon Fraser University certificate or diploma, but may also be applied toward major program or minor program requirements or toward a bachelor's degree under the normal regulations governing those programs.
Certificate in Community Economic Development
2100 East Academic Annex, 778.782 -5850 Tel, 778.782 -5473 Fax, www.sfu.ca/cedc, cedadmin@sfu.ca E-mail
- Director
M.L. Roseland, MA (Wesleyan), PhD (Br Col)
Community Economic Development is a process by which communities can initiate and generate their own solutions for their common economic problems and thereby build long term community capacity and foster the integration of economic, social and environmental objectives. The CED Centre is actively involved in community based projects throughout the province and offers an undergraduate certificate and a post baccalaureate diploma, both available by distance education.
This program offers recognition to those who seek basic accreditation in community-based social and economic development, or who seek an holistic, active, practical credential with an undergraduate degree. It offers a wide range of theoretical and practical perspectives on alternate economic strategies and ecologically sustainable communities, both rural and urban. Students may take this certificate program with or without registration in a bachelor's degree program. General certificate program regulations apply: courses taken toward this certificate may also be applied toward major or minor program requirements or toward a bachelor's degree under normal regulations governing those programs. This program may be taken by distance education.
Admission Requirements
General undergraduate admission to the university and formal application for program approval with the CED Centre. Students must normally complete 30 credit hours before applying for this program.
New program application deadlines: May 1 for fall semester, October 1 for spring semester, February 1 for summer semester, Intercession and summer session.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 19 credit hours of required courses and approved elective courses, attain a grade of at least C+ in each of CED 201 and CED 301 for continuance in the program, and must maintain a CGPA of at least 2.5 over all CED courses in order to obtain the certificate.
Fifteen credit hours are earned by completed four core courses:
CED 201-3 Introduction to Community Economic Development
CED 301-4 Sustainable Community Development
CED 401-4 Concepts, Techniques and Principles for CED Practice
CED 403-4 Models and Cases in CED
The remaining minimum of four credit hours are selected from a list of multidisciplinary courses approved by the CED Centre or other electives approved by the director. These include CED 410 Special Topics, offered with a changing CED related topic annually. Under circumstances where fieldwork or work experience is not available as part of a student's major, minor or coop program, the student may apply to take CED 404 Project as their elective. Note that a choice of a three credit elective means that more than one elective will be required to fulfil the minimum credit hours for completion of the certificate. Electives may be either upper or lower division courses, but must be approved by the CED Centre. Courses in other departments may have prerequisites not included in this certificate program.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credit for work done at other institutions, before or after admission to the program, may be approved toward fulfilment of the program provided they meet CED Centre requirements for relevance to community economic development, and further, provided that at least half of the total credit hour requirements are taken at Simon Fraser University. All other requirements for transfer credits under general undergraduate regulations apply.
Limits
Those who complete the undergraduate certificate will not be permitted to enrol in the post baccalaureate diploma program. Those who have taken the CED PBD may not enrol in this certificate program. Those who have taken CED 400 or CED 402 may not take CED 201 or CED 301 for credit toward the certificate.
More information on the centre and its programs is available at the CED Centre and its website
www.sfu.ca/cedc/
Certificate in Liberal Arts
This program provides broad exposure to areas of knowledge and methods of inquiry that are essential to a liberal education. It is available to all undergraduate students who desire a program structured for breadth of learning. It may be taken in conjunction with a degree program, or it may be taken by students not currently seeking a degree. Those planning to obtain a BA within the Faculty of Arts may choose to complete the certificate in such a way that most or all of the Faculty of Arts breadth requirements are fulfilled by the same courses.
The certificate in liberal arts requires the completion of ten courses, comprising at least 30 credit hours, from among a list of designated courses. These courses, which include both lower division and some upper division courses, have been carefully chosen for their suitability in providing accessible and valuable material for the generally interested student.
Course Sets
Courses that can be applied toward the certificate are listed in 12 sets. Each set includes courses from various University departments. For a certificate student to be acquainted with various fields of inquiry and approaches to knowledge, the ten required courses must be distributed across these sets in the manner described below. See "Distribution Requirements".. The sets, with brief descriptions of the kinds of courses in each, are as follows.
- Verbal Skills
These courses are designed to enhance the student's mastery of some basic tools of verbal reasoning and expression. They include courses on writing and critical thinking, and introductory language courses. Students who take an introductory course in a language other than English are strongly urged to complete a second course in that language as part of their certificate program.
- The Study of Theory and Theory Building
These courses introduce students to the nature of explanatory systems in various fields of inquiry. They include courses from various disciplines that focus on the dynamics of theory construction and on the historical evolution of theory within that discipline. Courses in this set will provide appreciation for the ways in which the processes of reasoning, argument, observation and analysis are included within the development of disciplines.
- The Analysis of Contemporary Issues
These courses examine some current social problems and controversies, emphasizing the application of appropriate conceptual and investigative methods to areas of public concern. Courses in this set will give students some appreciation for the ways in which careful reasoning and disciplinary knowledge can be applied in clarifying the discussion of public issues.
- The Study of Literature
These courses introduce important literary works and to ways of understanding literary expression. They include courses on literature written in English and in other languages, as well as literature in translation.
- Fine and Performing Arts
These courses familiarize students with non-literary modes of artistic expression and with important works of art. They include courses on the history and criticism of various arts forms.
- Studies in Culture and Civilization
These courses introduce a wide study of cultures and civilizations. They include courses that consider the development of human values, and that take comparative and interdisciplinary approaches to culture, as well as historical studies that include substantial attention to cultural themes.
- The Study of Period and Place
These courses study developments in human society with emphasis on historical or regional particularity, and introduce methods associated with such study. They include courses that focus on regions and regionalism, as well as on specific historical periods.
- Foundations of Social Science
These courses introduce fundamental concepts and investigation methods in various social science disciplines.
- Social and Behavioral Analysis
These courses articulate an approach to social structures or to individual or group behavior and apply that perspective to a particular area of social investigation.
- Natural Science
These courses introduce students to methods basic to the natural sciences and to findings in at least one specific science.
- The Impact of Science and Technology
These courses investigate the social impact of developments in science, technology, and computational and quantitative methods.
- Quantitative Skills
These courses enhance the mastery of mathematical skills and tools for quantitative reasoning. They include basic level mathematics and computing, and statistics oriented research methods courses.
Distribution Requirements
Eight of the required 10 courses must be distributed among the above sets as follows. (See course lists for applicable courses.)
two courses drawn from any two of the sets 1-3
two courses drawn from any two of the sets 4-6
two courses drawn from any two of the sets 7-9
two courses drawn from any two of the sets 10-12
The two additional courses required may be selected from any two sets.
Within these distribution requirements, students select any listed courses, and may tailor choices toward their academic needs and interests. Credits applied toward this certificate may not be applied to any other SFU certificate or diploma, but may be applied toward major or minor program requirements.
- Course Lists
Courses within each set are published annually and are available at the Student Academic Resources office and the Office of the Dean of Arts. Lists include courses regularly approved by senate for program inclusion and occasional courses approved as certificate courses only for a single offering.
Some listed courses have prerequisites. In most such instances the specific course prerequisites may also be completed within the certificate program.
Consult the Calendar and course outlines to understand the nature of courses and prerequisites. Some may be very demanding for those without adequate preparation. Advice is available through departmental advisors, the Office of the Dean of Arts, and Student Academic Resources.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is permitted to a maximum of 15 credit hours. Normally, only credit that is assigned as directly equivalent to a course regularly listed within the program may be transferred.
Relation to Faculty of Arts Breadth Requirements
The Faculty of Arts recommends that students planning to major within the Faculty complete the Faculty of Arts breadth requirements through the certificate program. Certificate completion does not ensure students have fulfilled faculty requirements, but it is readily possible to fill these requirements entirely within the certificate program.
Certificate for Senior Citizens
The program provides senior citizens with opportunities to participate in University life, to undertake study relevant to life goals, and to gain recognition for academic achievements. Each fall and spring the University offers courses for adults aged 60 and over at Harbour Centre. Courses may also be selected from regular University offerings.
Admission
Current admission regulations apply. Most will apply either as secondary school graduates or under the terms of mature student entry. See "Admission and Readmission".. Also, applicants shall consult a program advisor concerning the demands of the program and their educational objectives.
Program Requirements
Successful completion, after age 60, of 30 credit hours, approved by the program coordinator or other official appointed by the Dean of Arts is required.
Note: Normally, all courses for the certificate must be taken at Simon Fraser University and not more than six credit hours of approved transfer credit for university/college work may be applied toward certificate requirements.