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Mount Allison University houses one of the oldest Canadian studies programs in Canada. From its inception over a generation ago, Mount A's Canadian Studies program has offered a range of interdisciplinary courses that seek to engage the evolving dynamics of "the Canadian experience." In addition to a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, Mount A's Centre for Canadian Studies is an active and dynamic research centre that hosts scholarly conferences, welcomes noted Visiting Scholars, supports student initiatives, and works with other academic units to promote new and innovative approaches to the study of Canada.
Our Program
At the heart of the academic program in Canadian studies lies the belief that the study of Canada should be something other than an exercise in patriotism. Instead, the academic program in Canadian studies looks to develop a critical perspective that engages the lived realities of Canadians. At Mount A, you can complete a minor, major, or Honours degree in Canadian studies, or a double major with Canadian studies and another subject.
Canadian studies courses can also be taken as electives for those who are simply interested in particular aspects of Canadian life, as distribution credits for students majoring in a Social Science or a Science, and as complementary credits that can count towards a major degree in subjects like history, political science, geography, or anthropology. Some Canadian studies courses can also be counted toward degree programs in women's studies, Canadian public policy, and drama.
The Canadian Studies program is built around core interdisciplinary courses and multidisciplinary offerings in fields such as history, English, French, political science, economics, geography, sociology, and anthropology. All Canadian studies students complete introductory level courses on modern Canadian public life and Canadian culture. As well, a capstone seminar draws Canadian studies students together to discuss important themes in modern Canadian life. In addition to this, major and minor students select from a range of other interdisciplinary courses offered by Canadian studies that address issues such as Canadian First Peoples, regionalism, women in Canada, contemporary Canadian issues, multiculturalism, sport, and public policy. Majors and Honours students also complete courses from a wide selection of Canada-centered courses in history, English, sociology, music, geography, anthropology, modern languages, fine arts, political science, and economics. Taken together, these differing perspectives provide students with a rounded and integrated perspective on Canada and the diverse elements of Canadian life.
You and Your Career
As an academic program, Canadian studies provides students with the type of background that can lead to a diverse range of future careers. Some students leave Canadian studies at Mount A for further schooling in education, law, journalism, or graduate studies. Others work in some aspect of public life, in culture industries, and in various forms of public service such as policing or a career in the military. An interdisciplinary program like Canadian studies can afford students the flexibility and rigour to build a program of studies that suits their aspirations and interests.