Course Description

A critical understanding of contemporary Canadian issues is vital to being an active member in our democratic society. Students explore a variety of topics and analyze their ethical implications and relevance to Canadian life. Discussions, debates and other collaborative activities offer opportunities to consider recent controversies from different perspectives, and use of a variety of media (e.g. newspapers, articles, and other resources online) allows for in-depth reflection on the history and current state of a range of social and political topics.

General Education Theme Area(s)

This is a General Education course that supports learning in the following theme area(s): Social and Cultural Understanding

Essential Employability Skills

This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:

EES 1 Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience. (T, A, CP)
EES 2 Respond to written, spoken or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication. (T, A)
EES 6 Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. (T, A)
EES 7 Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (T, A, CP)
EES 8 Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others. (T, A)
EES 9 Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals. (A)
Assessment Levels —T: Taught A: Assessed CP: Culminating Performance 

Course Learning Requirements / Embedded Knowledge and Skills

When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify current issues in Canadian society.

  • Research the historical origins of current social problems in Canada today.
  • List key players in significant controversies.

2. Distinguish between fact and opinion as they are expressed in a variety of viewpoints.

  • Identify parts of an argument.
  • Detect hidden assumptions
  • Compare and contrast facts, arguments, and preferences.
  • Recognise and classify reasoning errors.

3. Reframe the context and content of several current social and political issues in Canada.

  • Define and categorise the ethical frameworks of arguments.

4. Establish coherent and complete positions on both sides of various controversies.

  • Incorporate research data and expert testimony into persuasive arguments.
  • Identify the criteria for sound research.
  • Detect misleading language.

Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit

The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:

Quiz(zes)/Test(s) (35%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, EES 1, EES 2, EES 7

Journal/Reflective Assignment(s) (15%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, EES 1, EES 2, EES 6, EES 8

Research Assignment(s) (10%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 4, EES 1, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8

Essay(s) (15%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, EES 1, EES 2, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8

Debate(s) (10%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, EES 1, EES 2, EES 6, EES 7, EES 8, EES 9

Participation (15%)

Validates Outcomes:  CLR 1, CLR 2, CLR 3, CLR 4, EES 1, EES 2, EES 7, EES 8, EES 9

Learning Resources

Symbaluk, D.G, and Bereska, T.M. (2018). Sociology in Action: A Canadian Perspective. Third Edition. Toronto: Nelson.

Learning Activities

  • Individual activities and assignments
  • Individual readings and research
  • News articles
  • Group activities (online and/or in class)
  • Case studies
  • Mini-lectures
  • Discussions
  • Videos

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:

  • Challenge Exam

Other Information

Students are required to respect the confidentiality of employer, client and/or patient information, interactions, and practices that occur either on Algonquin College premises, or at an affiliated clinical/field/co-op placement site. Concerns regarding clients, patients, and/or employer practices are to be brought to the attention of the program coordinator, or designated field/clinical/co-op placement supervisor so that they may be resolved collaboratively. Such concerns are not to be raised publically either verbally, in writing, or in electronic forums. These matters are to be addressed through established program communication pathways.

Grade Scheme

Final Grade Mark Equivalent Numeric Value Final Grade Mark Equivalent Numeric Value
A+ 90% - 100% 4.0 A 85% - 89% 3.8
A- 80% - 84% 3.6 B+ 77% - 79% 3.3
B 73% - 76% 3.0 B- 70% - 72% 2.7
C+ 67% - 69% 2.3 C 63% - 66% 2.0
C- 60% - 62% 1.7 D+ 57% - 59% 1.4
D 53% - 56% 1.2 D- 50% - 52% 1.0
F 0% - 49% 0 FSP 0 0

Course Related Information

Please refer to the Course Section Information (CSI) / weekly schedule for specific course-related information as provided by your professor.

Program Information

Department Information

School of Business Procedures
The School of Business Procedures file is located under “Course Information” in your course Brightspace  site.  These procedures are specific to School of Business programs and either cover issues not included in College Policies and Directives or elaborate on them.

Student Academic Responsibilities
Each student is responsible for:
• Knowing the due dates for marked out-of-class assignments.
• Knowing the dates of in-class marked assignments and exercises.
• Maintaining a folder of all work done in the course during the semester for validation claims in cases of disagreement with faculty.
• Keeping both paper and electronic copies of all assignments, marked and unmarked, in case papers are lost or go missing;
• Regularly checking both Brightspace announcements as well as one's Algonquin e-mail account for important messages from both professor and college administration.
• Participating in on-line and classroom exercises and activities as required.

Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted to students who have successfully passed an equivalent course at a post-secondary institution. If you wish to apply for an exemption contact the coordinator of the course for academic advice.  To apply for an exemption, you must contact the Registrar’s Office before the deadline listed on your timetable.

Withdrawing From The Course
The last date for withdrawing from courses without academic penalty is printed on your timetable.  The student is responsible for notifying the instructor and completing the appropriate form for withdrawal with the College Registrar.

Software Copyright
In the past few years, the Copyright Act has been updated to cover computer software. If the police lay charges against someone infringing copyright, the maximum penalties for a
summary conviction are "a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment for a term not
exceeding six months or both." The maximum penalties for an indictable conviction are "a fine not exceeding one million dollars or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both."  Making a copy of software package for your own use, other than a backup copy of package that you have purchased as allowed in your license agreement, would make you liable for the above penalties.

Harassment/Discrimination/Violence
Harassment, discrimination and violence will not be tolerated. Any form of harassment (sexual, racial, gender or disability related), discrimination (direct or indirect), or violence, whether towards a professor or amongst students, will not be tolerated on the college premises. Action taken will start with a formal warning and proceed to the full disciplinary actions as outlined in Algonquin College policy. For further information, refer to the Student Instaguide or get a copy of the official policy statements from the Student Association (Directive A8).  

Plagiarism Detection Software
"Turnitin" and "Safe Assign" plagiarism detection software is in use in the School of Business. Professors may require students to submit their work for review. Students are accountable to Plagiarism Policy AA20 found at http://www2.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/plagiarism/

Retention of Student Work
Students are advised that original, electronic, or copied samples of their work may be retained for the purpose of program quality review by assessment panels. Unless students have otherwise granted permission, anonymity will be respected for all work retained for the purpose of quality review. Original work samples, may be retained with student agreement and will be returned to students upon request.

Academic Probation or Withdrawal from Academic Program
As per College Policy AA14, which can be found at http://www3.algonquincollege.com/directives/policy/aa14-grading-system/

"A student is on academic probation when the term cumulative grade point average falls below
1.7, or when a student carries 2 or more "F" grades. A student on academic probation may
continue in the program, subject to conditions set by the Academic Administrator. In some
cases, there may be program specific progression requirements which supersede the foregoing.

The transcript message reads:
Academic Probation - Please see your Program Coordinator"

"A student on probation may be required to:
a. reduce his/her course load,
b. withdraw from full-time status within the program, or
c. withdraw completely from the program.

A student required to withdraw completely from Level 01 must reapply through the Ontario
College Application Services. A student required to withdraw from an advanced level of the program must have the approval of the Academic Administrator prior to resuming his/her studies."

College Related Information

Algonquin College’s policies have been developed to ensure the health, safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, and the proper and fair operation of the College as an academic institution and employer.  Please refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current policy information available at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/.

Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations

Academic Integrity 
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards as part of the learning process. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise and all sources must be attributed. All students should be familiar with the Algonquin College policy AA48: Academic Integrity .  In some courses, online proctoring may be used to discourage cheating. Additional information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/student-learning-kit/preparing-to-learn-online/. Students with any questions about the course expectations for academic dishonesty and plagiarism are encouraged to speak to their professor.

Centre for Accessible Learning
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations.  Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.

College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities.  Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/

Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and course section information documents. In circumstances where evaluation and/or completion deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary or permanent disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. In such instances, please consult your course faculty member. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.

Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College’s invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.

Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices can be  disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices may facilitate cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Mobile Devices in Class

Technology Requirements
As Algonquin College continues to respond to public health guidelines, many courses will be offered through remote delivery. As such, students will be required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Course Section Information of the course outline for each course available on Brightspace.

Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.