Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Students will define culture and be introduced to intercultural communication theories and issues. Learners will identify how these theories apply to our daily lives and how they can be used to develop respect for differences between cultures. The main objective of this course is to enhance the students' ability to communicate comfortably with people from different origins. As part of the course, students will communicate with people from other cultures electronically as well as in person. This course will be of interest to individuals working in health, education, human services, and business who have regular interactions with people of foreign descent.
Students critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students develop a clear understanding of the groups affected and the possible strategies of community empowerment.
The past 500 years has introduced marginalizing intergenerational effects of colonization on contemporary issues experienced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada. As a path towards Truth and Reconciliation, this course will examine the impact of several factors. These include the residential school system, treaties, The Indian Act, Indigenous authors, artists and academics, murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
This course introduces necessary underlying concepts in understanding interpersonal communication. It encourages students to examine their own self-concepts, self-esteem and perception processes while learning about how these can interfere with the development of positive relationships. Students will learn the basic skills and competencies required for effective interpersonal relationships. They examine the ways in which relationships are initiated and maintained, and how they sometimes deteriorate. Finally students learn of the challenges involved in interpersonal communications.
Please note: Students in BHS, ECE, SSW, SSWA, SSWG, SSWI or SSIA cannot take this course to gain a General Education credit as it is too similar to core courses in these programs.
This one semester course introduces economic principles relating to Canada's mixed market economy and uses these principles to examine current economic issues including the nature of markets, employment, the level of economic activity, the structure of industry, international trade, and the appropriate role of government in the Canadian economy.
This course is a history of ideas, with special reference to the Universe. We will look at early Greek, Egyptian and Chinese attempts to understand the starry heavens and the earth's place therein. We will follow the work of the great interpreters of the universe and attempt to understand the perceptual, political and religious problems that stood in the way of accuracy. Finally, we will look at modern interpretations of the universe and its use in the art of navigation. Thus an examination of our current understanding of the universe is central to the course.
Physiology of Fitness is designed to be both theoretical and practical, combining traditional classroom activity and practical application of health and fitness theory. Students participate in lectures and practical physical fitness and health activities that present how the body responds and adapts to exercise stress and explore contemporary fitness and health issues.
This course is a journey into adopting attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility. It is based on the general principles of national citizenship, where environmental citizenship goes beyond national borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities to focus on both conservation of and planned sustainable use of our planet's resources, as well as the recognition that environmental health is a prerequisite to human health. Environmental citizenship is a personal commitment to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action.
This course assumes no prior college courses in biology, psychology, or sociology. It is designed as an introduction to understanding human sexuality within a social context. Topics include: ethics, religion, and sexuality; conception, pregnancy, and childbirth; contraception and abortion; sexually transmitted diseases; gender roles, female sexuality, and male sexuality; sexual orientation: gay, straight or bisexual; sexual coercion; commercial sex; and variation in sexual behaviour.
This course introduces students to the science of Nutrition and outlines the functions of the human body. The effectiveness of various diets and usefulness of food additives is explored. They will gain insight into the ways that food plays a variety of roles in maintaining health and reducing the risk of illness. Students will also learn the fundamentals needed to evaluate claims made by food faddists and food vendors.
The night sky has been a source of fascination for people of all ages for millennia. This introductory course provides the basic tools for locating, viewing and understanding the nature of many fascinating celestial objects including the moon, planets, and stars as well as transient phenomena such as comets and meteor showers. Students will develop a true understanding of the "Big Bang" theory. The course also includes discussions of the features, use and selection of telescopes and binoculars to help individuals consider which is best suited for their interests.
Globally, the quality of the environment is being eroded at an accelerating rate. The crisis has become so visible that the general public is responding. But, are short term political systems capable of responding to complex, long term problems and are economic systems based on growth, workable in a finite world? This course will introduce some of the major threats to environmental quality on both the global and local levels. Cultural causes of the crisis, possible consequences, and alternatives will be discussed.
The discipline of Psychology is the study of human behaviour. It is concerned with the observation behaviour of an individual and its relationship to unseen mental and physical processes, as well as to external events. Introduction to Psychology will provide a framework within which the student can begin to explore the human personality.
This course introduces the student to the knowledge base developmental psychology provides as a guide to social service practice. Students will become familiar with the range of social, emotional, physical and psychological factors affecting human development throughout the lifespan.
Please note: Due to similar content covered in this course and courses in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma program, PSY106 will not accepted as a General Education elective credit for ECE.
Positive human development is the study of fulfillment and personal growth. In this course, students discover what distinguishes positive human development from the general study of human behaviour. Built on scientific principles, its applied approach uncovers strengths and promotes positive functioning. Subjective well-being is investigated resulting in techniques to enhance happiness that can be applied to current and future life circumstances and goals.
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, interact, influence and relate to others. The course will emphasize understanding about how and why individuals behave, think and feel in social situations. Of particular importance will be the study of the individual, their thoughts and resultant behaviour in social situations.
Human behaviour is the result of a complex interaction between the individual person and his or her physical and social environment. This course examines selected knowledge about human behaviour and the use of the knowledge to the individual. Students will learn how to better understand themselves and others and to use psychological theory and research to manage their own lives and their own problems more effectively. The topics covered include: learning theory, learning skills, personality, self-concept, stress, memory, interpersonal relating, and communication.
Abnormal Psychology is the scientific study of the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that interfere with psychologically adaptive functioning. An understanding of the principles of mental and emotional functioning is an essential part of both self-knowledge and an understanding of others. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the concepts and theories of abnormal psychology. In addition, an appreciation of the determinants of psychopathology sheds light on not only disturbed functioning, but also normal and adaptive psychological processes. Following a consideration of theories, concepts, and research, the various types of psychopathologies will be considered, with special emphasis on anxiety disorders, personality disturbances, mood dysfunctions, and abnormal thought processes. The knowledge and skills acquired in this course ultimately allow students to successfully navigate personal, social, and professional life. Students are encouraged to draw from their own experience as the course progresses.
Personality psychology is a branch of psychology that defines what personality is and how it influences our behaviour and actions. This course will seek to understand how personality is developed and organized. Through an examination of current research and applicable theories, the course will explore enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviour that make a person unique. Personality type, assessment and disorders are explored.
This course is designed for those interested in understanding or pursuing a career in forensic psychology. It provides an overview of the intersection between psychology and the law as well as the assessment, treatment and management of various offender types, i.e. the mentally disordered offender, psychopath, male and female sexual offenders.
Economic issues that were once confined within national borders, today, can and do have global ramifications. A nation defaulting on its foreign debt creates issues that spiral beyond the confines of its relationship to the banking industry. An oil spill in one part of the world not only impacts the price of crude but also has devastating environmental implications. Global Economic Issues is designed to introduce the student to the key issues behind our complex and changing world from a social, political and economic point of view.
This general introduction to Women's Studies will examine a broad range of issues surrounding work, education, family, sexuality, health, politics, gender, socialization, language and culture. All topics will be approached with attention to the ways in which class, gender, race and ability form women's experiences. Connections between feminist theory and personal experiences are emphasized.
The Sociology of Food examines the different ways that we are nourished by food: these may be physical, psychological, or emotional. This course looks at how food plays a central role in our lives, the value of food, food in different cultures, and uses of food.
Sport is transformational and has the ability to unite people from different backgrounds the world. Using sport as a lens to view society and the self, students will explore the impact sport has on shaping individual and group behavior; think critically about how sport influences global society, discuss the challenges, issues and significance of sport, and identify the essential life skills learned through active participation in sport.
People are social animals and Sociology seeks to explore the nature of this socialization. Among topics examined are membership in various groups and institutions, how one is socialized to play a variety of roles, the family, social class, bureaucracy, the power structure, and race and ethnic relations. Through examining human behaviour in various settings, students will learn to sharpen their observational, descriptive and analytical skills.
Marianne Tang
Program Assistant
Marianne.Tang@senecapolytechnic.ca
437-312-0357
Rosemare Mariaseelan
Academic Program Manager
Rosemare.Mariaseelan@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-9890
For more information about these courses, fill out the following form.