Williams Lake Campus
Bachelor of Arts - Year 1
Get a start on your Bachelor of Arts with first-year courses you can take close to home.
TRU Williams Lake offers year 1 of the Bachelor of Arts degree (BA). The BA degree offers a variety of majors and minors while ensuring a comprehensive foundation in the liberal arts. Flexible, innovative programs include opportunities for undergraduate research, co-op, field schools and study abroad. Cultivate skills like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership, and apply your knowledge in real-world settings. Courses in anthropology, archaeology, English, history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology are offered on an annual basis. These courses can accumulate credits towards various programs while you choose the path best for you.
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Journalism
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Bachelor of Business Administration
Possible BA paths
Majors (main concentration)
Communications, Economics, Economic and Political Studies, English, Geography and Environmental Studies, History, Mathematics, Mathematics and Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Theatre Arts
Minors (secondary optional concentration
Archaeology and Geology, Creative Writing, Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development, Geography, Language and Global Studies, Management, Political Studies, Visual Arts
Careers
Graduates can enter into a wide range of positions spanning private and public sectors, non-profit organizations and self-employment. Positions include:
- Project coordinator
- Researcher
- Public relations specialist
- Teacher
- Counsellor
Application requirements
- Grade 12 (or equivalent) or Mature Student Status
- English 12/English 12 First Peoples 73% (B)
- Recommended: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or higher is strongly recommended for students pursuing Education or a major in Geography and Environmental Studies, Sociology or Psychology
Don't meet the requirements? We offer several Adult Basic Education courses to help you upgrade.
Program Information Package| These courses are typically offered by TRU Williams Lake. Availability is subject to change. |
ANTH 1210 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3,0,0) ANTH 1210 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students will learn about Cultural Anthropology as the branch of Anthropology concerned with the holistic study of human societies and of how humans use culture to organize themselves, make sense of things, and meet their basic survival needs. Students will examine how anthropological approaches increase their understanding of global and local issues in diverse cultural contexts. Students will be challenged to engage multiple and coexisting ways of knowing and being on equal footing through culturally relative cross-cultural comparative analysis and method. Through increased intercultural awareness students will examine a range of topics including the effects of race and racism and colonialism, cultural diversity in expressions of gender and sexuality, social inequalities, religion and cosmology, economics and modes of exchange, and the organization of power through political systems and polities. |
ANTH 2250 Sex, Gender and Culture (2,1,0) ANTH 2250 Sex, Gender and Culture (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits A cross cultural survey of the different ways in which a biological condition (sex) is transformed into a cultural status. A central issue concerns the question whether there are 'natural' male and female behaviours that are expressed regardless of local cultural influences.
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ANTH 2600 Minorities in the Modern World (2,1,0) ANTH 2600 Minorities in the Modern World (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits An introduction to the anthropological study of minorities, with special reference to the present position of indigenous peoples around the world. Case studies from North America, Europe, Asia, Russia and Oceania illuminate the concepts of genocide, ethnocide, pluralism and multiculturalism.
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ARCH 1110 Human Origins (2,1,0) ARCH 1110 Human Origins (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits An introduction to the anthropological study of human origins. The course addresses the distinction between mythical and scientific explanations of the emergence of animal and human life. It outlines the basic principles of evolution and reviews the major stages of human prehistory. Although some attention is paid to the interplay between biology and culture, the course is designed for social science students who may lack extensive knowledge of biology.
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ARCH 2010 Introduction to Archaeology (2,1,0) ARCH 2010 Introduction to Archaeology (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits An introduction to the discipline of archaeology, including the ways in which archaeologists reconstruct past cultures and lifeways, the development and major discoveries of archaeology, and the relationships between human material remains and human behavior. Students will gain an appreciation of what the past was like, what archaeological data are, and how archaeology is used to answer questions about the human condition.
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ARCH 2230 Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia (2,1,0) ARCH 2230 Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits A survey of the traditional Indigenous cultures of British Columbia as known through ethnography and archaeology. Topics will include regional variation and adaptation in economy, technology, language, religion, art, medicine, kinship, and social organization. The contemporary social problems of the native peoples are not part of this course.
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BIOL 1592 Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology 1 (3,0,0) BIOL 1592 Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology 1 (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course is intended primarily for students taking the Nursing and Respiratory Therapy programs. However, space is also available for Academic students. Students examine the anatomy and physiology of human organ systems over the course of two semesters, while focusing on the relationship between structure and function.
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BIOL 1594 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 1 (0,0,2)(L) BIOL 1594 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 1 (0,0,2)(L)Credits: This course covers the first half of the laboratory component of anatomy and physiology. Students are introduced to the structure and function of the human body, beginning with an orientation of the body and continuing with the functions of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems (including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems). As well, the healthy functioning of the body and consideration of how each system contributes to overall health and maintenance of homeostasis will be covered.
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BIOL 1692 Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology 2 (3,0,0) BIOL 1692 Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology 2 (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the anatomy and physiology of the human organ systems over the course of two semesters, while focusing on the relationship between structure and function.
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BIOL 1694 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 2 (0,0,2)(L) BIOL 1694 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 2 (0,0,2)(L)Credits: This course is the second half laboratory course in anatomy and physiology. Students in the course will learn about the nervous system and the senses as well as the endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems.
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CMNS 2290 Technical Communication (3,0,0) CMNS 2290 Technical Communication (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students study a variety of technical communications used to document professional activity, including proposals, technical and formal reports, policies and procedures, technical descriptions and definitions, and instructions. Students learn the importance of documentation and accountability as part of professional due diligence, applicable across many fields including journalism, business, government, public service, consulting and research institutes. Students develop skills in assessing communication needs in a scenario, identifying communication goals, audience need and relevant media. Finally, students learn skills in research and synthesis to ensure professional engagement and presentation of research material.
Prerequisites: CMNS 1291 OR CMNS 1290 OR ENGL 1100 OR ENGL 1101 OR CMNS 1810
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ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0) ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore the practices of reading and writing in scholarly contexts by investigating a chosen topic or issue. Students read, critically analyze, and synthesize information and ideas found in appropriate secondary sources and coming from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. They also develop their abilities to communicate knowledge by composing in the genres and sub-genres of scholarly writing, including the incorporation of research and documentation while using a clear, persuasive, grammatically-correct style.
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ENGL 1110 Critical Reading and Writing (3,0,0) ENGL 1110 Critical Reading and Writing (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students develop skills in close critical reading comprehension, written composition, and argumentation through the exploration and evaluation of a variety of creative narrative texts. Students learn critically and creatively to articulate complexities of various perspectives, techniques and rhetorical strategies, and assumptions employed by writers to convey a given subject matter or social issue. They also practice critical reflection and clear, persuasive, and grammatically-correct communication by building on scholarly writing and documentation skills. Students develop critical reading and writing skills, which are keys to success in any academic discipline and transfer directly to the workplace.
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ENGL 1150 |
ENGL 2020 Writing and Critical Thinking: Research (3,0,0) ENGL 2020 Writing and Critical Thinking: Research (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students continue to explore the theory and practice of academic reading and writing through a variety of topics or issues. Students perform close critical readings of scholarly texts to identify, analyze, and communicate the stylistic strategies and characteristics of academic sources. While investigating a topic, students use various research methods to assess, organize, and synthesize those scholarly sources in their own writing. They gain extensive practice in research writing, and apply the theories and practices of academic writing, with a focus on the research genres, including critical summaries, research proposals and research papers, and reinforced attention on documentation and grammatically-correct style. Students also practice communication strategies for professional discourse through group feedback on writing.
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ENGL 2180 Studies in Literature and Culture (3,0,0) ENGL 2180 Studies in Literature and Culture (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students continue to develop skills in close critical reading comprehension and written composition through exploration and evaluation of the relationship between literature and cultural contexts. The approach of the course varies, sometimes focusing on a specific literary and cultural theme in a variety of genres and time periods, sometimes focusing on a specific cultural period, place, or movement and the literary texts and issues that emerge from it. Students critically and creatively evaluate a variety of texts, interpret and analyze a range of rhetorical strategies, and apply diverse critical perspectives. Whatever the focus, students learn to reflect critically and creatively and to articulate complexities and assumptions of various literary texts, considering their historical, political, and cultural contexts. Students investigate a topic, using scholarly writing that illustrates grammatically-correct style and appropriate documentation skills.
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ENGL 2200 Studies in Literature 1 (3,0,0) ENGL 2200 Studies in Literature 1 (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students continue to develop skills in close critical reading comprehension and written composition through exploration and evaluation of literary topics, themes, or issues within the discipline. Students critically and creatively evaluate a variety of interrelated literary texts, interpret and analyze a range of techniques and rhetorical strategies, and apply diverse critical perspectives. While course topics vary depending on faculty and student interest and current developments in the field, students learn to reflect critically and creatively and to articulate complexities and assumptions of various literary texts, considering their historical, political, and cultural contexts. Students investigate a topic, using scholarly writing that illustrates grammatically-correct style and appropriate documentation skills.
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ENGL 2410 Indigenous Narratives in Canada (3,0,0) ENGL 2410 Indigenous Narratives in Canada (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students continue to develop skills in close critical reading comprehension and written composition through evaluation of the contemporary application of narrative structure that shapes the literature of Indigenous cultures. Students critically and creatively explore Indigenous experiences through narrative structure, including local Secwepemc narratives, oral culture, and relationships between land and identity. They investigate and interpret modern and contemporary poetry, drama, short stories, novels, and essays, relating principles of Indigenous knowledges and ways. Students also critically and personally reflect on and articulate the complexities and multiplicities of Indigenous writing and the Indigenous experience of systemic marginalization, discrimination, and cultural oppression within Canada. Students explore a topic, using scholarly writing that illustrates grammatically-correct style and appropriate documentation skills.
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FNLG 1000 Introduction to First Nations Language 1 (3,0,0) FNLG 1000 Introduction to First Nations Language 1 (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course will introduce students to the First Nations language. Emphasis will be placed on developing listening and speaking skills, conversational ability, and knowledge of grammatical structures. Little or no prior knowledge of the language is the expected entry level for this course.
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FNLG 2010 First Nations Language Immersion 3 (3,0,0) FNLG 2010 First Nations Language Immersion 3 (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits This course will, through continued Immersion, permit students to build on their abilities developed in Year 1 to gain an enhanced understanding of grammatical structures, while continuing to expand their vocabulary of the First Nations language.
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GEOL 2050 Historical Geology:Global Change Through Time (3,0,3)(L) GEOL 2050 Historical Geology:Global Change Through Time (3,0,3)(L)Credits: 3 credits In this course students explore the evolution of Earth, the continents, oceans, atmosphere, climate, and biosphere over geologic time. Students learn about the scientific principles, evidence, techniques and technologies for addressing fundamental inquires such as how oxygen was added to the atmosphere, how and why climates have changed throughout time and the significance to current climate change; how water and salts were added to the oceans, and causes of sea level change; the formation and erosion of mountains; causes and effects of glaciations; theories for the origin of life, and the timing and causes of major extinctions; and the recent importance of humans as geologic agents.
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HIST 1120 An Introduction to Canadian History (2,1,0) HIST 1120 An Introduction to Canadian History (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits In this course students examine the development of Canada to 1867. They will engage with material on Indigenous histories before and after the arrival of Europeans, relations with settlers, European projects of colonization, the rise and fall of New France, colonial political and economic changes, the development of British North America, social and cultural histories, and the emergence of a federated settler regime. Students will encounter primary documents to better understand how economic, political, and social developments affected individuals and groups in what is now called Canada. Students will also read and thoughtfully critique secondary sources (journal articles, book chapters, and journalistic pieces) to better understand how narratives of the Canadian past are researched, produced, and disseminated to wider audiences.
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HIST 2020 Indigenous peoples' History of Canada (2,1,0) HIST 2020 Indigenous peoples' History of Canada (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore the history of the Indigenous peoples of what is now Canada. The course begins with pre-contact perspectives, however, emphasis is on the social, cultural, political, economic and military interactions between Indigenous peoples and newcomers. Examples are drawn from all regions to reveal the breadth and variety of Indigenous culture, history, and experience. Topics include Indigenous involvement in the fur trade and later economic developments, the treaty-making process, and Indigenous responses to government policy. |
HIST 2700 The History of Women in Canadian Society (2,1,0) HIST 2700 The History of Women in Canadian Society (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits Students are introduced to the history of women in Canada. Organized chronologically and thematically, this course surveys women's history from the era of Indigenous-European contact through to the postwar years. Topics include the family, the workplace, sexuality, education, and politics. An emphasis is placed on the diversity of women's experiences. |
PHIL 1110 Introduction to Critical Thinking (3,0,0) PHIL 1110 Introduction to Critical Thinking (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students access the basic blocks of knowledge building through an exploration of logical analysis. Students use the philosophical methodology of argument analysis to navigate issues presented in natural language and to resolve real world problems. Students examine the meaning of logical terms and philosophically investigate their contribution to arguments. Students give considerable attention to representing the logical structure of arguments and discovering their validity or invalidity.
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PNUR 1300 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (48 hours) PNUR 1300 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (48 hours)Credits: 3 credits This course provides an overview of the structure and function of body systems, and encourages various health promotion strategies that work towards optimum functioning of these systems.
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PSYC 1210 Introduction to Psychology 2 (3,0,0) PSYC 1210 Introduction to Psychology 2 (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore selected topics in contemporary psychology, including intelligence, development, personality, social psychology, emotion, motivation, and psychopathology.
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PSYC 2130 Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (2,1,0) PSYC 2130 Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits Students explore the developmental process from conception to adolescence. Theoretical perspectives and research data are examined as they relate to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development.
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PSYC 2230 Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (2,1,0) PSYC 2230 Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (2,1,0)Credits: 3 credits This course is an inquiry into the developmental changes from adolescence onwards with an emphasis on adolescent adjustment, adult maturity and growth, middle age, retirement, old age, dying and death. Current research is examined as it relates to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
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SOCI 1110 Introduction to Sociology I (3,0,0) SOCI 1110 Introduction to Sociology I (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students learn the core concepts of the discipline of sociology by examining key topics (such as culture, socialization, social interaction, social roles, and social structure) that allow us to locate ourselves within society. Students also explore theoretical perspectives within sociology and the fundamentals of the sociological research methods.
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SOCI 1210 Introduction to Sociology II (3,0,0) SOCI 1210 Introduction to Sociology II (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students critically examine social stratification and inequalities based on dimensions of class, race, gender, and sexuality in both the Canadian and global contexts. In this second introductory course, students apply a sociological analysis to the study of major social institutions including: education, work, politics, media, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. Students investigate questions and debates concerning our modern world, in particular, those around consumer culture, globalization, and the role of social media.
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Inquiries and Advising
Phone: 250-392-8000
Email: williamslake@tru.ca
Admissions
Phone: 250-392-8020
Email: wladmissions@tru.ca
