Current Semester

This course outlines the development of Renaissance Art in Italy, from the fourteenth to the late sixteenth century. We will explore the main protagonists and the key themes: Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, and many others. Furthermore, we will focus extensively on the major centres of artistic production—Florence, Rome, and Venice—and we will investigate the interactions with northern Europe. The course will devote particular attention to crucial problems of the history of painting and sculpture in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and to the fashioning of identities through the lenses of portraiture, funerary monuments, and public monuments.

In this course you will explore materials, methods and techniques that have informed artistic production throughout history. This semester will focus specifically on the practice of drawing; exploring theories, approaches, tools, and media from a historical perspective. Team taught by studio and art history faculty, this course will engage students with practical and historical studies, providing a contextual art historical approach to students’ hands-on experience.

An introductory- level course covering the principles of biology with examples taken from humans.

A practical and computer-assisted approach to the design of biological experiments and to multivariate analyses of discrete and continous variables.

This course explores design practices for branding and advertising as they are developed in a professional environment. Through experiental learning process, lectures, case studies and studio projects, students will gain practical and theoretical knowledge to create and understand the visual language underpinning brand identities and advertising campains.

This course focuses on skills, experiences, and critical thinking related to the production of online experiences. While investigating case studies and visual communication principles, students will engage with projects including display/mobile advertising, as well as the design of a website.

This course develops students' proficiency in critical reading and writing through the study of a wide range of non-literary and literary texts, and the study of composition, with emphasis on connections between modes of reading and writing.

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Did you love the Harry Potter series and want to read more books like it? If so, this class is for you! We will study Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, and The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander. We will look at the mythological elements used in the novels, particularly the idea of an archetypal hero, as well as how these novels fit into a tradition of children's literature.

J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the great writers of the 20th century, and his works are among the greatest achievements in fantasy fiction. This course will discuss The Lord of the Rings, a text that is familiar to many students due to its incredible cultural impact, as well as a number of shorter writings by Tolkien. By exploring many of the various influences and contexts that shape Tolkien's fantasy, this course seeks to deepen students' understanding of the complex and dynamic relationship between fantasy and reality in Tolkien's fiction and in fiction generally.

The theory and practice of expository and persuasive writing. Each student will be expected to write several papers in a variety of modes of writing.

Wooden legs, parrots, swords, the Jolly Roger... our image of pirates, as fixed by popular narratives such as Treasure Island & the Pirates of the Caribbean is consistently recognisable, because it derives from a specific period in history: the “Golden Age of Piracy” (1715-1730). The real world of the pirates also had social and political dimensions that Hollywood always leaves out. They were an important force in the Transatlantic world of the 18th century, and influenced global events far more than one would expect from rogues, outlaws, and criminals. We will examine some familiar and unfamiliar fictional representations of pirates, along with historical documents and contemporary accounts. We’ll consider the intersection of fiction & history, & how each influences & changes the other.

This course provides insights into five major regions of the world. The physical environmental characteristics (physical geography) and the socioeconomic characteristics (human geography) of each region are examined in order to provide an all-encompassing understanding of the regions. Country case studies will be used to provide in-depth analyses of prominent issues within each region, such as the Syrian civil war; Nigeria’s struggle for political-economic stability; South Africa’s legacies of apartheid; China’s rise as a global superpower; the emerging market economies of southeast Asia, and Australia as Asia’s “farm and mine”.

This regional geography course begins with a critical overview of explanations of development or lack of development in the so-called “third world”. Overarching historical and contemporary processes that have shaped and continue to shape the region, including colonization, dependency, and globalization, and their impacts, will be evaluated to help explain the similarities and differences in the geography of development (or underdevelopment). Next, analyses of specific development-related topics will provide systematic insights into this broadly similar, but also heterogeneous region. Specific topics to be covered will include economic reforms, aid and debt, urbanization, population and the fertility transition, agriculture and the exceptional problem of famine, and industrialization.

This course explores the influence of the past on the world in which we live. Topics addressed will be taken from today's headlines and will reflect a wide variety of periods and geographical areas. Topics may include terrorism, environmentalism, war, demonstrations, popular culture, the welfare state, global crises.

Industrialization, urbanization, science, ideological conflicts; Congress of Vienna, Concert of Europe, revolutions of 1848-49; unifications of Italy and Germany; Napoleon III; Imperialism, origins of the First World War.

This course is on the history and historiography of Native people in Canada. It will cover aspects of the history of Native people from coast to coast since the time of European contact. It will also look at the changing ways in which historians have approached and interpreted that history.

Many people in 16th century Europe believed they were living in the end times, the final, apocalyptic battle between good and evil – this was the only way to make sense of the religious and political chaos they were living through. Religious reformers questioned longestablished church practices, political rulers broke away from the authority of the pope, & the working classes fought for a more just society. Thousands became migrants and refugees as new religious and political boundaries were drawn. New ideas about women, marriage, & sexuality redefined gender relations. The Protestant & Catholic Reformations not only ruptured the Christian Church, but unleashed a century of religious warfare, reimagined social relations and redrew the political map of Europe.

Defining humanity; recognizing the rights of all people; determining social roles for men and women; tracing the effects of Western Imperialism; coming to terms with Western perceptions of Islam: while many of these issues are common for us in the 21st century, people have been trying to understand and solve them for over 300 years. This course will examine these and other so-called “contemporary issues” by placing them within their historical context, beginning in the 17th century and continuing through to today, and by studying what political thinkers, essayists, and even poets, novelists, and artists of the past had to say about them. By using the perspectives from a variety of disciplines—especially history, sociology, psychology, political science, and even literary studies—we will look at how the world-views of our ancestors have shaped the world that we live in today, with the hope that by understanding the past we are not condemned to repeat it.

Differentiation of algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Optimization, curve sketching, and integration by substitution.

An introductory course in the theory and techniques of differentiation and integration of algebraic and trigonometric functions. Differentiation rules such as power, sum/difference, product quotient and chain rule are studied. Implicit differentiation is introduced. The fundamental theorem of calculus is introduced and the substitution technique for evaluating integrals is studied. Other topics covered include limits, related rates, optimization, curve sketching and areas.

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The objective of this course is to introduce students to elementary linear algebra, particularly at a computational and applied level. Topics include vectors in Euclidean space, systems of linear equations, Gaussian reduction, matrices, matrix operations, vector spaces, linear dependence, bases, dimensions, determinants, eigenvectors and eigenvalues. The emphasis of this course is on problem-solving rather than theoretical development.

Without doubt, the study and application of differential equations are among the oldest and most important subjects in mathematics. MATH 381 is a continuation of MATH 217, which was devoted to methods of solving differential equations. In this course, solutions of non-linear equations, series solutions of linear equations and systems of equations are studied. Partial differential equations are introduced and the method of separation of variables is studied. Fourier series and integral transforms are also examined.

What would life be without music? This entertaining survey course is geared toward students with no or little musical background who wish to increase their listening skills, and learn more about Western classical art music. We will begin with the instruments of the orchestra and basic musical elements, followed by a chronological survey of important composers (think Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, etc.) and representative genres (chant, symphony, concerto, opera, etc.). There will be two midterms, a concert report and a final exam to write, with detailed study guides provided for each; all other important materials will be posted on our UR Courses, including lecture notes. NOTE: Attendance of local concerts featuring classical music is required. No music reading ability is required.

“Music brings people together.” (Gord Downie) This seminar-style course will focus on Canada’s rich musical heritage of the past and the present, with emphasis on why, how, where and, most importantly, by whom musical communities, identities, and styles have been created, especially across cultures. A variety of activities in- and outside of the classroom will provide students with multiple opportunities to hone their research, writing, listening, presentation, discussion, reflection and critical thinking skills. There will be no final exam; attendance of specific local musical events for credit is required. NOTE: This class is mandatory for, and therefore geared toward upper-level students majoring in music. Other upper-level students should check with the instructor prior to registering; the successful completion of MU 100 would be an asset.

Introduction to the nonprofit/voluntary sector including its unique characteristics and central philosophy/values, volunteerism and philanthropy, scope and size, history, types of organizations, roles in society, relationships with governments and business sector, economic contributions, ethical challenges and current critical issues. The course focuses on Saskatchewan specifically and Canada generally. ***Pre-requisite: Completion of 15 credit hours or permission of the Department.*** * Note: Formerly numbered IDS 290AA. Students may receive credit for only one of IDS 290AA or NSLI 200. *

An introduction to management and leadership principles and practices for nonprofit organizations, including regulatory requirements, organization types, governance and decision-making models, strategic planning, capacity building, leadership styles, sustainability, partnerships/alliances with other organizations, and roles and responsibilities of boards of directors. Technology and software resources for organizational development are presented. ***Pre-requisite: NSLI 200 or IDS 290AA or permission of the Department.*** 

Communications with the general public, governments, other nonprofits, businesses, media, funders and donors in order to build intentional relationships are explored. Theory and practice are integrated in examining relationships and accountabilities. New perspectives on social media, virtual/public presence, branding, key messages, and time-sensitive response mechanisms are discussed.

The course emphasizes theoretical and practical considerations in the governance of nonprofit organizations. It focuses on what boards, the volunteers who serve on them do, and how they do it to maximize nonprofit governance and organizational effectiveness. Emphasis on competencies of highly effective boards, CEOs, board chairs, and leadership volunteers.

Introduction to the theories of morality, knowledge, and metaphysics through a critical examination of such historically significant philosophical problems as the nature and justification of value judgments, the possibility of knowledge, the existence of God, and the possibility of immortality.

Critical Thinking is an introduction to the systematic study of reasoning. It teaches the theory and practice of good reasoning, allowing students to identify arguments in everyday speech and writing and to understand what makes a good argument. Students will also learn to identify and avoid the most common mistakes in reasoning. The course provides students with reasoning skills that are useful in whatever disciplines and careers they may pursue (such as law, journalism, or business). More generally, Critical Thinking empowers students to formulate and express their own ideas and arguments well, building their capacity to act as citizens and as full participating members of communities to which they belong.

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A philosophical consideration of such contemporary moral issues as racism, sexism, abortion, the right to privacy, adultery, homosexuality, capital punishment, pacifism, the obligation to obey laws, and social justice.

An introduction to the social science aspects of psychology, including the study of adjustment, disorders, development, personality and the social environment of the person.

A study of developmental processes across the lifespan; the interaction between environmental and biological processes; maturational and learning factors; how these interact with social influences in the developing person.

The study of human behaviour in its social context dealing with the impressions we form of others and emphasizing the influence of group membership and interactions upon important psychological processes. Topics include: non-verbal, language/bpdy language, persuasion, propaganda, attitudes, prejudice, discrimination, prosocial behaviour, love/relationships, charismatic leaders and cults.

An integrative course examining various perspectives on the study of the person.

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An examination of the major theories and research methodologies in the field of the Psychology of Women. Philosophical values of feminism and the psychological impact of women's historical roles in society will be considered throughout the course. A cross-cultural comparison of women's issues will be included.

This course will discuss in detail issues related to psychological and psychiatric disorders including diagnosis, definition, history, and controversies surrounding classification. This course will use the scientist/practitioner approach to abnormal psychology that emphasizes the application of clinical methods from an empirical perspective. Issues related to service delivery in terms of therapy and treatment will also be discussed.

An introduction to the academic study of religion; a survey of the thought and practices of major world religions; the impact of religion on society and culture.

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"When it comes to Canada, what do the First World War, its current system of education, debates over how one may be dressed when accessing public services, and 20th century labour disturbances have in common? None of it can be understood without taking into account the role religion played. Through guest speakers, seminar-style interaction, films, and lectures, this course will offer students an in-depth look at how religion has shaped Canada, and how Canada has shaped religion. Students in this course will better appreciate the country’s religious diversity and will be able to situate current debates involving religion within Canada’s past. This course will offer students a background in Aboriginal traditions, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, and Buddhism, among other religious traditions that are a part of Canadian life. These traditions will be situated briefly within their historical context , and within the current situation of religion in Canada. Contextualizing the current state of religion in Canada will involve the study of major debates that shape religion's role in the country, the changes in Canadian religiosity over the past several decades, the rise of ""No Religion"" individuals, and the important process surrounding reconciliation with Aboriginal Canadians. In addition to students appreciating the religious diversity of Canada, students will also improve their ability to think critically through written argumentation and classroom discussion."

Religion contributes to the construction and understanding of gender and sex/sexualities. This course examines how this happens in both historical and contemporary South Asia, for example, how Hinduism informs gender and sex/sexualities in India, Islam the same in Bangladesh and Pakistan, or Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

This course introduces students to sociological analyses and theoretical perspectives on the place of religion in modern society.

This course introduces students to sociological analyses and theories of ethnic and cultural diversity, with an emphasis on contemporary Canada. Specific topics might include Aboriginal cultures in Canadian society, issues arising from conflicts between concepts of human rights and specific cultural practices, overt and systemic racism, and controversies about immigration.

This course provides an introduction to statistical methods. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, probability, the normal distribution, and basic techniques of statistical inference (confidence intervals and hypothesis tests for population means and proportions, one-way analysis of variance), as well as simple linear regression.

Have you ever wondered why boys don't cry and why women like pink? Have you heard of thing called feminism? What the heck was that all about, and what happened to it, anyway? Figuring out the world begins with thinking about ourselves-our upbringing, our social location, our perceptions - and wondering where our ideas come from. If you like thinking about theory but also thinking about making a difference in the world, or if you have questions about sexualities, politics, religion, colonialism and First Nations teachings, men's movements, economics, and global development, or if you just want to know the history of the North American movement, try this class out. Women's and Gender Studies is applicable to every single university major and career trajectory.