Skip to McMaster Navigation Skip to Site Navigation Skip to main content
McMaster logo

Arts & Science Program

2021-22 Courses

ARTSSCI 1A06
Practices of Knowledge

An examination of significant themes in intellectual history through a reading of major works in philosophy and literature that shed light on the conceptual foundations of contemporary life.

Instructor: Dr. Travis Kroeker
Term: 3
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 1BB3
Argumentation

This course provides students with some of the conceptual tools needed to recognize, understand, evaluate, formulate, and attack arguments. Students will have the opportunity to develop such skills in their oral and written work.

Instructor: Dr. Daniel Coren
Term: 2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 1CC3
Contemporary Indigenous Studies

This course will explore the relationship between Indigenous peoples and mainstream society in the 20th century with regard to governmental policy, land claims, economic development, and self-determination.

Instructor: Dr. Adrianne Xavier
Term: 2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 2A06
Social and Political Thought

Development of political, moral and religious thought in the writings of such major figures as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Adam Smith, Burke, Marx, Mill, Weber, von Hayek, Nietzsche, Freud and Arendt.

Instructor: Prof. Danielle Martak
Term: 3
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 2E03
Economics: Principles & Policy

An introduction to the core principles of economics with the objective of helping students to apply economic reasoning to issues that are central to modern societies, such as: the role of government in a market-oriented setting; equity and efficiency; growth and the environment; and fiscal and monetary stability.

Instructor: Dr. Stephen R.G. Jones
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 3A06
Literature

Literary works drawn from a variety of genres, cultures and historical periods will be examined with a focus on the treatment of enduring ethical concerns. The course considers how literature is an indispensable means of thinking about human life and society.

Instructor: Dr. Jean Wilson
Term: 3
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 3BB3
Technology and Society II

The Social Control of Technology. The dominant mechanisms of the social control of technology will be studied, with attention to the role of ethics.

Instructor: Dr. David Goutor
Term: 2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 3CU3
Alumni Experience Inquiry

Using an inquiry methodology, students will explore the practical applications of an interdisciplinary degree through interaction with, and mentorship from, graduates of the Arts & Science Program. Emphasis will be on problem-based learning, with the professional experiences of alumni informing the exploration of complex and multifaceted issues.

Instructor: Dr. Mat Savelli
Term: 2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 3RL3
Religion and Law

The notion of law has deep roots in religious thought and writing. This course will survey the historical development of law in the western world in connection with various religious traditions, with a focus on Judaism and Christianity. It will also address some contemporary issues and tensions between religion and law in pluralistic, secular societies.

Instructor: Dr. Meirav Jones
Term: 2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 3X03
Individual Study

This course consists of study under the supervision of a McMaster faculty member. See here for more information.

Instructor: Dr. Jean Wilson
Term: 3
More Information


ARTSSCI 4C06/9
Thesis

This course consists of original research under the supervision of a McMaster faculty member. Proposal deadline is March 1. See here for more information.

Instructor: Dr. Jean Wilson
Term: 3
More Information


ARTSSCI 4CD3
Research and Creative Writing

This course exposes students to creative writing that is grounded in research. It also invites students to explore ways in which research findings might be disseminated through creative expression.

Instructor: Prof. Anton Piatigorsky
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 4CT3
Medical Humanities Inquiry

This course exposes students to the rapidly developing international field known as medical humanities. It explores the interconnections between health, medicine, the arts, and the humanities, with a particular focus on issues of medical ethics and narrative in medicine.

Instructor: Dr. P.K. Rangachari
Term: 2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 4HS3
History of Science Inquiry

An exploration of theoretical questions and case studies from the history and sociology of science. Students will undertake inquiry projects on selected topics and present their work to the class.

Instructor: Prof. Matthew Jordan
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 4ST3
Selected Topics in Inquiry

Topics will vary from year to year in accordance with student interests and faculty availability. Students should consult the Arts & Science Program for information on topics to be offered.
In 2021-22, the selected topic will be Speculative Fictions and Who We Are. Full course outline will be posted before the course begins.

Instructor: Prof. Pasha Malla
Term: 2
Course Outline

ARTSSCI 1B03
Writing

This course aims to develop students’ ability to use language in written communication, with a focus on academic writing in particular. Students will develop their writing skills through assignments and activities that ask them to produce, analyze, and reflect on written work in a range of genres.

Instructor: Dr. Wendy D’Angelo
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 1C03
Inquiry: Global Challenges

This inquiry course, designed to develop skills basic to the systematic, evidence-based investigation of public issues, focuses on issues relevant to global development, with attention to theoretical frameworks and empirical actualities.

Instructors: Dr. Becca Collins-Nelsen and Dr. Mat Savelli
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 1D06
Calculus

This course aims to provide a thorough understanding of the principles and major applications of differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, as well as an introduction to multivariate calculus and differential equations.

Instructor: Dr. Megumi Harada
Term: 3
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 2D06
Physics

Exploring many of the great concepts of physics in a quantitative way. Beginning with Newtonian mechanics, it moves into Einstein’s relativity, wave phenomena, atomic physics, quantum mechanics and cosmology. Selected laboratory projects will be carried out.

Instructor: Dr. Alan Chen
Term: 3
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 2R03
Applied Statistical Inference

Inferential statistics, with an emphasis on applications. Topics include data description, graphical methods, probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, one-way ANOVA, analysis of categorical data, regression and correlation. Use of a statistics software package.

Instructor: Dr. David Lozinski
Term: 2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 3B03
Technology and Society I

The Culture of Technology. Technological practices and approaches are studied as cultural activities in the contexts of beliefs, philosophies, values and social structures both past and present.

Instructor: Dr. Becca Collins-Nelsen
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 3CL3
Theatre, Self, and Social Development

Theatre skills are life skills. Throughout this course, class exercises, creative work, and online discussions will allow students to explore the practice and ethics of Applied Drama and to learn how theatre can be used as a tool for social development and change.

Instructor: Prof. Hartley Jafine
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 3F03
Experiential Project in Teaching and Learning

This course allows students to explore in depth an issue related to teaching and learning in higher education under the supervision of faculty/staff affiliated with the MacPherson Institute. Students may propose research questions of their own or contribute to the development of existing initiatives within the Institute.

Instructor: Dr. Beth Marquis
Term: 3
More Information


ARTSSCI 3S03
The East Asian Religious Tradition

Readings of East Asian texts in translation will centre around themes such as culture vs. nature, virtue vs. power, social responsibility vs. personal cultivation, bookish learning vs. meditation.

Instructor: Prof. Lan Li
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 4A06/9
Individual Study

This course consists of study under the supervision of a McMaster faculty member. Proposal deadline is March 1. See here for more information.

Instructor: Dr. Jean Wilson
Term: 3
More Information


ARTSSCI 4CB3
Education Inquiry

Students will have the opportunity in this course to use an inquiry-based approach to focus on social, cultural, political, and economic issues that influence and are influenced by education.

Instructor: Dr. Henry Giroux
Term:
2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 4CI3
Diversity and Human Rights Inquiry

This course explores issues of diversity and the role of human rights protection regimes in both Canadian and international contexts.

Instructor: Dr. Arig al Shaibah
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 4DS3
Digital Society and Public Policy

This course explores the challenges to public policy posed by an increasingly digital society and its advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, 3D printing, robotics, and the Internet of Things.

Instructor: Prof. Vass Bednar
Term: 1
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 4VC3
Visual Culture Inquiry

This course allows students to explore the ways in which images and other visual texts intersect with issues of social concern. Drawing from a range of disciplinary perspectives, it considers histories, theories, and practices of the visual, and provides students with an opportunity to conduct self-directed, creative inquiry into visual culture.

Instructor: Dr. Kristin Patterson
Term: 2
Course Outline


ARTSSCI 4MN1
Local Explorations

An experiential learning course, which offers students the opportunity to explore issues of local significance and global relevance. Students may pursue independent study options or, when available, participate in assorted modules.

Instructor: Various
Term: 3
More Information