Program Overview
Kwantlen Polytechnic University's ARTS program offers a diverse range of courses that explore the climate crisis, display culture, wellness, and interdisciplinary studies. Students can engage in field schools, prison exchange programs, and research opportunities, gaining practical experience and developing critical thinking skills in various fields. The program prepares students for careers in fields such as environmental studies, social work, and education.
Program Outline
Outline:
Summer 2024 Highlights:
- ARTS 1150, S10 - Introduction to the Climate Crisis: This condensed course explores various fields of study related to the climate crisis. It examines key concepts and methods surrounding the topic and encourages critical discussions about its impact on people, society, and the environment.
- ARTS 1100, S10 - Display Culture: This course dives into the concept of "display culture" from various perspectives, including English Literature, Geography, Criminology, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, and Asian Studies. It explores the implications of displaying objects and considers the differences between private, public, and displayed items.
ARTS 1100: Experiencing the Arts:
Explores a broad theme through different Arts disciplines. The theme changes each semester, and the course is run by a passionate instructor with guest lecturers from various fields.
ARTS 1150: Introduction to the Climate Crisis:
This 3-credit course introduces students to various fields of study related to the climate crisis. It examines key concepts and methods surrounding the topic and encourages critical discussions about its impact on people, society, and the environment. This course may include field trips.
ARTS 2000 The Practice of Wellness:
This Spring 2024 course explores the science and practice of wellness in daily life. It focuses on strategies and practices like gratitude, nature immersion, relationship building, acts of kindness, and self-compassion that are linked to mental well-being. Several sessions of this course will take place in local parks.
ARTS 3000: Interdisciplinary Amazon Field School:
This program immerses learners in an intensive interdisciplinary field school in the Amazon rainforest. Participants engage in cultural and creative activities, participate in community engagement projects, and analyze their field learning through classroom sessions before and after the field experience. They develop interdisciplinary skills in creativity, ecological conservation, cultural awareness, and community development. Students spend two weeks at the field school site and attend additional classroom sessions on campus.
ARTS 3200: Inside-Out Prison Exchange:
This Spring 2024 course offers an intensive, upper-level learning experience inside a local correctional facility. Students engage in communication theory and practice, focusing on personal, interpersonal, and public communication with an emphasis on developing emotional literacy and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, they will explore storytelling as a powerful tool for self-expression and examine the impact of stories on individuals and society. Pre-application and interview required.
ARTS 4800: Arts Practicum:
This course introduces students to the workplace and degree-relevant entry-level work through placement in an employment setting. During the term, students complete 48 to 64 workplace hours (approximately 4-6 hours per week). The course is for senior students with a declared Major or Minor in Geography, History, Philosophy, Policy Studies, Journalism or Political Science.
ARTS 3991, 3992, 3993: Undergraduate Research and Scholarship:
Students conduct research and scholarship in collaboration with a faculty mentor. This course offers experiential learning in an academic setting by partnering students with faculty who have, or are initiating, research projects. For program-specific information, contact arts@kpu.ca.
