About
Home to approximately 50% of students at Grenfell Campus, the School of the Arts and Social Science is committed to contributing to the western region of this province and beyond through innovative teaching and learning.
Our graduates become the foundation for an educated and skilled labour force through curiosity-driven and applied research, and through meaningful, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships.
We offer a variety of degree programs and minors that will help develop a wide range of skills, including critical thinking and analysis, research, creativity, interpersonal abilities, and communication. Our programs will also provide you with a global perspective which will help you in making informed decisions down the road.
Programs
- Business (BBA)
- English (BA)
- Historical studies (BA)
- Multidisciplinary Humanities (BA)
- Psychology (BA/B.Sc.)
- Social/cultural studies (BA)
Certificate Programs
Graduate programs
Minors
A minor in business administration offers you an overview of the science and art of managing people to produce goods and services. Studying business administration combines a number of topics, including:
- Marketing
- Human resource
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business ethics
- Social responsibility
- Social media
- Business law
The business administration minor is an excellent complement to many programs, as it demonstrates the art of working with people, resources and ideas. Or, if you would like a greater concentration of these topics, learn more about our business administration program.
Requirements
Students completing a minor in Business Administration must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- BUSN 1010 and 1020
- 9 credit hours in BUSN courses at the 2000 level
- 9 credit hours in BUSN courses at the 3000 level or above
Note that course prerequisites to all Business courses will apply to the Business Minor.
A minor in Canadian studies is a logical choice if you would like to investigate the many facets of what it is to be Canadian. As you would expect, the courses come from a wide variety of disciplines, in turn reflecting of the interdisciplinary nature of Grenfell's programming. The minor can be used in combination with most of the majors at Grenfell Campus, and consists of eight courses from a wide selection of arts and social science areas.
Canadian studies courses
a) Five courses (15 credit hours) from the following list from at least four different disciplines:
- English 2146. Canadian Prose after 1949.
- English 2156. Canadian Short Stories.
- French 1502. Introductory University French III.
- French 2601. Reading Skills.
- French 2602. Reading Complete Texts.
- History 2200. Canadian History: 1497-1867.
- History 2210. Canada Since 1867.
- Political Science 1010. Canadian Political Problems.
- Political Science 2710. Introduction to Canadian Politics I.
- Political Science 2711. Introduction to Canadian Politics II.
- Sociology/Anthropology 2240. Canadian Society and Culture.
b) Three additional courses (9 credit hours) from the following list from at least two different disciplines:
- Art History 3710. Canadian Art to 1900.
- Art History 3711. 20th Century Canadian Art.
- English 3145. Canadian Fiction to 1949.
- English 3147. Canadian Poetry to 1949.
- English 3148. Canadian Poetry after 1949.
- English 3149. Canadian Prose.
- English 4307. Contemporary Canadian Drama.
- English 4825-35. Special Topics in Canadian Literature.
- Folklore 4300. Folklore of Canada
- History 2120. The History of Canadian-American Relations, 1783 to the Present.
- History 3520/Anthropology 3520. The Early Ethnohistory of North America’s Native People.
- History 3525/Anthropology 3525. The Later Ethnohistory of North America’s Native People.
- History 4254. Special Topics in Canadian History: A History of Social Welfare.
- Political Science 3731. Environmental Policy.
- Sociology 3395. Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Note: A student may not use the same course to satisfy the requirements for both a Major and a Minor.
Note: The Canadian studies minor can be used as an eight- course “teachable” in the bachelor of education (intermediate/secondary) degree at Memorial University.
Classics at Grenfell Campus
Classics is the study of the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome. Classical themes permeate Western literary and artistic traditions making classics courses particularly relevant to students majoring in English or visual arts as well as in historical studies or humanities. Classics courses at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, are divided into three groups:
Cultural
- Greek and Roman Civilization
- Greek and Roman Literature (Epic and Tragedy, in translation)
- Greek and Roman Mythology (Gods and Heroes)
- Greek and Roman Art and Architecture
Historical
- Surveys of Classical Greece, Rome, and the Hellenistic World (second year)
- A focused look at Alexander the Great and the Macedonians (third year)
Language
Latin and ancient Greek form the basis of most of the modern Western languages (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish). The study of Latin or Greek provides:
- Greater comprehension of the modern languages
- Understanding of the basic roots of scientific terminology
- A linguistic foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in law or medicine
Requirements
Students completing a minor in Classics must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- Classics 1100 (Life in Ancient Greece)
- Classics 1200 (Life in Ancient Rome)
- Classics 2035 (History of Classical Greece)
- Classics 2040 (History of Rome)
- Three credit hours in a Classics course at the 3000 level
- An additional nine credit hours in any other Classics courses
If you love to read and write, an English minor at Grenfell will expand your creativity, imagination, and critical thinking. There is a particular focus on creative writing and our instructors expose you to different worldviews through literature, allowing you to analyze culture, world events, and your own daily encounters in a new way.
- Explore both classic and modern literature, from medieval epics to contemporary graphic novels.
- Better understand the social and cultural conditions of people throughout history.
- Grasp the changing views and attitudes related to concepts like beauty and truth.
- Understand the joys and sorrows of others, and make sense of the events that shape us.
- Learn ways to engage with the world around you and appreciate the diversity of cultural work done by writers in Canada and around the world.
- Gain solid communication and critical thinking skills.
Grenfell's English minor includes key courses that give you a strong understanding of the essential aspects of English literature. The courses also focus on specific areas of English studies, including:
- Canadian literature
- Dramatic literature
- Modern literature
- Creative writing
Learn more about Grenfell's English program.
Requirements
Students completing a minor in English must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- Six credit hours at 1000 level in English
- Six credit hours chosen from English 2005, 2006 and 2007
- Three credit hours chosen from English 3205 or 3206
- Nine additional credit hours in English electives; 3 credit hours must be chosen from courses having an initial digit "3" or "4"
Parts of the Cinderella story are used to advertise shoes. Historic ogres reappear in contemporary movies. Baseball players use various forms of 'magic' to help them play successfully, while contemporary legends appear in anti-vaccination campaigns and political speeches. Examining these and other traditional artistic communication practices is part of the contemporary study of folklore.
Some scholars divide the field into three genres:
- Verbal lore (things people make with words);
- Customary lore (processes people create through actions);
- Material lore (objects made with materials)
Folklore examines how various 'folk' groups use these genres to assert, negotiate or even camouflage their identity. Topics of study include:
- Narrative;
- Customs and beliefs;
- Music and song;
- Childlore;
- Drama;
- Religion;
- Health beliefs and practices;
- Foodways;
- Arts and crafts;
- Occupational lore;
- Architecture
Folklore is one of the core disciplines in Grenfell's social/cultural studies degree program. It is also a useful minor for majors in disciplines such as English, historical studies, or psychology. Students in the bachelor of education degree program can choose folklore as a focus area.
Requirements
Students choosing a minor in folklore must complete:
- FOLK 1000 (introduction to folklore), FOLK 2100 (folklore research methods), FOLK 2300 (Newfoundland and Labrador folklore), FOLK 2401 (folklife studies), and FOLK 2500 (Oral literature)
- Three more folklore courses
It is recommended that students choosing a minor in folklore complete Folk 2100 as early as possible in their program of studies.
Students choosing a folklore focus area for the university's bachelor of education (primary/elementary) program must complete the following courses:
- FOLK 1000 (introduction to folklore) FOLK 2100 (folklore research methods), FOLK 2300 (Newfoundland and Labrador folklore), FOLK 2401 (folklife studies), and FOLK 2500 (Oral literature)
- Three more courses coursesin folklore at the 3000 or 4000 level
It is recommended that students choosing a folklore focus area complete Folk 2100 as early as possible in their program of studies.
- 8.4 Minor in Folklore
A student declaring a minor in Folklore must take a minimum of 24 credit hours including:
- 15 required credit hours: 1000 (or the former 2000), 2100, 2300, 2401, 2500; and
- 9 additional credit hours in Folklore - not more than 3 of which can be taken from courses at the 1000 level.
Students who declare a minor in Folklore should have completed Folklore 1000 (or the former 2000); it is recommended that students intending to minor in Folklore take Folklore 2100 as early in their programs as possible.
The French minor gives students a solid foundation in the fundamentals of French language, literature and culture. The minor has a particular emphasis on accuracy in oral and written expression so that students are well equipped to handle advanced French language study anywhere in the world.
Requirements
Students completing a minor in French must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- No more than 6 credit hours at the 1000 level and no more than 6 transfer credits may be used to fulfill the minimum requirement of the minor in French.
- French 2100 and 2101
- French 3100 or French 3101
- 15 additional credit hours in French
Education students: Students planning on completing a bachelor of education degree should note that having the equivalent of a minor in French represents a few additional courses to what would be required for a focus area; however, having a minor represents a more profound level of French. Primary/elementary education students are also encouraged to consider the new education program that allows students to pursue an undergraduate degree in a discipline before doing a one-year education degree.
The historical studies minor is a window into the moments, years and centuries that have shaped today's world.
Historical studies explores the different ways in which western societies, cultures and nations have evolved from the days of Greece and Rome to the present. Historical studies students learn to research, discuss, communicate and engage an audience. You will learn how to investigate important issues and ideas, make sense of them, and critically evaluate them.
Requirements
Students completing a minor in historical studies must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- History 1100 and history 1101
- History 3840 (historical methods)
- One course (three credit hours) at the 3000 level in history
- One course (three credit hours) at the 4000 level in history
- Three additional courses (9 credit hours) in history
Learn more about our historical studies program.
Students pursuing a minor in humanities explore the process of intellectual discovery. In this program, you'll learn about how humans look at their own personal development by studying diverse topics including:
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Religion
- History
- Fine arts
- Indigenous studies
Grenfell's humanities program is one of only five in Canada. We provide students with an intimate, supportive learning environment where our instructors challenge you to consider ideas from a variety of perspectives and cultural works, past and present. The humanities program also encourages students to use critical thinking skills and creativity to express their ideas in effective ways.
Learn more about our Multidisciplinary humanities program.
Requirements
Students completing a minor in humanities must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- HUMN 1001 and 1002
- Six credit hours from HUMN 2001, 2002, or 2010
Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence. Its own content and logic express the reason implicit in the actual worlds of history, religion, art, science and politics. Philosophy courses at Grenfell Campus treat philosophy as a way of thinking that tells us truths about humanity and the universe we live in, looking to the history of philosophy to reveal the rational principles of western civilization.
Requirements
Students completing a minor in philosophy must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- 1002 Introduction to Philosophy (same as the former PHIL 1200) is a general introduction to the study of Philosophy both as a contemporary intellectual discipline and as a body of knowledge. It introduces philosophy's forms of enquiry, the nature of its concepts, and its fields (epistemology, logic, metaphysics, aesthetics, ethics, and political philosophy) by way of the critical study of primary works by major philosophers. Authors may include Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, de Beauvoir, Arendt. CR: the former PHIL 1200
- 1005 Philosophy of Human Nature (same as the former PHIL 1000 and the former PHIL 1600) is an approach to philosophical thinking by way of analysis and critique of theories of human nature, classical and modern, and the world views associated with them. This course is of particular value to students interested in the Social Sciences and Humanities. CR: the former PHIL 1000, the former PHIL 1600
- 2030 Logic (same as the former PHIL 2210) aims to improve the student's ability to formulate and evaluate arguments. At the end of the course, the student will have a thorough understanding of the essentials of argument, the rules of valid inference, and ways of proving the validity of good arguments and the invalidity of bad arguments. Open in any year to all students desiring acquaintance with basic logical skills. All sections of this course follow both Writing Course and Quantitative Reasoning Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr. CR: the former PHIL 2210
- 2100 Health Ethics (same as the former PHIL 2551) examines concepts of health and illness and their ethical implications. CR: the former PHIL 2551
- 2130 Environmental Ethics (same as the former PHIL 2561, the former PHIL 2809) is a philosophical approach to issues in ecology. Topics may include historical and contemporary concepts of nature, technology, the ethical status of animals and the non-human, the application of traditional ethical paradigms to environmental issues, and the future of humanity in an age of climate change, ballooning human population, disappearing wilderness, and dwindling resources.
Nine additional credit hours in philosophy, of which at least three credit hours must be at the 3000- or 4000-level. Here are some regularly offered courses for the philosophy minor:
- 2050 Social and Political Philosophy is concerned with the social and political institutions and practices by which human life is organized. Historical and/or contemporary texts will be engaged to explore some of the following issues: What is the nature of political authority? What is the nature of freedom? What material and social conditions must be met in order for societies to be just? How are existing societies unjust, and how should that injustice be addressed? CR: the former PHIL 3400
- 2070 Philosophy of Religion (same as Religious Studies 2070) examines the philosophical aspects of religious belief, religious language, and theology. Topics may include: the distinction and relation between reason and faith, the existence of God, the meaning of human existence, the problem of evil, and the religious foundations of moral action. CR: the former PHIL 3500, Religious Studies 2070, the former Religious Studies 3500
- 2201 History of Ancient Philosophy (same as Classics 2701, the former PHIL 2701) introduces students to the origins of philosophy in the West. Topics include cosmology, metaphysics, physics, ethics, God, and the ancient ideal of philosophy as a 'way of life.' We will examine the texts and fragments of the most influential and foundational philosophers of the ancient world, focusing primarily on the thought of Plato and Aristotle.
- 2215 History of Modern Philosophy (same as the former PHIL 2702) is a survey of the development of Western philosophy since the 17th century until the late 18th century. Topics may include the existence of God, whether nature is determined and if there is free will, the rise of early modern science, and the debates over rationalism and empiricism. CR: the former PHIL 2702
- 2310 Philosophy and Literature engages philosophically with different literary forms such as poetry, drama, and fiction. Possible topics include the use of literary works to express philosophical ideas, the nature of literary expression, and different traditions of literary criticism and interpretation. Course readings will comprise both literature and philosophy. CR: the former PHIL 3610
- 2340 Philosophy of Film (same as the former PHIL 2581) introduces some of the central philosophers, topics, and themes in the philosophy of film. Topics and themes include: the nature of film image, the relationship between film and "reality", the social/ political role and function of film, and the nature and value of the documentary. The course will also consider the representation of broader philosophical ideas in film. A film or films will accompany each section. CR: the former PHIL 2581
- 3010 Plato (same as the former PHIL 3730) examines Plato's philosophy from selections representing the Socratic, transitional, eidetic, and stoichiological dialogues, as well as Plato's philosophy of the concrete. Plato's thought will be examined as a development of ideas and problems raised in Pre-Socratic philosophy, and the development of his own philosophy will be traced throughout a selection of his writings.CR: the former PHIL 3730. PR: 6 credit hours in Philosophy courses at the 1000 or 2000 level
- 3430 Existentialism (same as the former PHIL 3940) is a philosophical tradition dedicated to thinking through the experience of human freedom and to casting doubt on conventional answers to the question of how we should live. Human beings are free to define themselves, according to existentialism, but with that freedom comes a forbidding challenge: the responsibility to define themselves, without any easy answers to the question of how. This course will address some of the central figures associated with existentialism. Authors may include Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Camus. CR: the former PHIL 3940, the former PHIL 3980. PR: 6 credit hours in Philosophy courses at the 1000 or 2000 level
Psychology seeks to understand how we think, act and feel. By exploring mental functions and actions, we can understand individual and group behaviour. Grenfell's psychology minor covers a wide variety of topics and provides you with skills and knowledge that will have relevance throughout your life including:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving abilities
- Analytic abilities
- Writing skills
- Speaking skills
Learn more about our psychology program.
Requirements
- Psychology 1000, 1001
- 18 credit hours in psychology at the 2000 level or above
Social/cultural studies focuses on ways in which society and culture affect everyday life. Courses explore the rituals, beliefs and traditions of different cultures and societies. You'll also learn about the influence cultural and political shifts have on society, the influences of mass media, global issues and trends and the formation of group and personal identity.
Culture and society are probed in their present-day and historical forms from three distinct, yet complementary perspectives:
- Anthropology
- Folklore
- Sociology
Learn more about our social/cultural studies program.
Requirements
Students completing a minor in social/cultural studies prior to changes in the minor in Fall 2022 must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- ANTH 1031 (social and cultural anthropology), FOLK 1000 (introduction to folklore), SOCI 1000 (principles of sociology)
- Either ANTH 2410 (classics in cultural anthropology) or SOCI 3150 (classical social theory)
- Either FOLK 2100 (folklore research methods) or SOCI 3040 (methods of social research)
- One more anthropology course, one more sociology course, and one more folklore course
Students completing a minor in social/cultural studies who are enrolled on or after Fall 2022 must complete 24 credit hours in the following courses:
- Anthropology 1031, Folklore 1000, Sociology 1000
- Anthropology 2410 or SCS2000
- Folklore 2100 or Sociology 3040
- 3 additional credit hours at the 3000 or 4000 level in each of Anthropology, Folklore, and Sociology
What is sociology?
Simply put, sociology is the study of society, of the values that hold it together, the challenges that tear it apart, and the forces that change it over time. Sociology looks beyond normal, taken-for-granted views of reality, to see the full complexity of what is really going on underneath it all. It takes us into the complex core of our surroundings, not merely as participants or as observers, but as creators, because sociology is the study of the world that we human beings have created, and continue to re-create over time. We've created our world through our actions (or inactions), but we can also change the world. We are not passive receivers of the system; we are active creators of it and we play a role in enforcing the system. This is how the social order is maintained and preserved.
The discipline of sociology gives us the tools we need to remake society; therein rests its power. Sociology gives you knowledge about how the world works and it gives you knowledge about how to change it if you choose. Sociologists and their students have often been at the forefront of significant social change.
Sociology covers a wide range of areas. Some of the topics we explore in our program include:
- Social inequalities;
- Genders and Sexualities;
- Technologies;
- Social and cultural theories;
- Families;
- Ethnicity;
- Diversity;
- Global development and change;
- Social movements;
- The politics of identity;
- Social and cultural aspects of death and dying
At Grenfell Campus, sociology is one of the constituent disciplines in the social/cultural studies program. Students may also complete a minor in Sociology. A minor in sociology is beneficial to students in several different majors including: psychology, history, business, and environmental studies.
Requirements
Students completing a minor in Sociology must complete::
- SOCI 1000 (principles of sociology) SOCI 3040 (methods of social research) SOCI 3150 (classical social theory)
- Five more sociology courses, two of which must be at the 3000 or 4000 level
Tourism Studies Minor Requirements
- Business 1020
- Tourism 1000, 3240, 4902
- 6 credit hours in Tourism Studies beyond the 1000 level
- 6 credit hours chosen from Environment and Sustainability 2200 or 2201, Philosophy 2561 or Religious Studies 3880
Winter 2020 Tourism Studies Course Offerings
TRSM 4903 Special Interest Tourism (Online)
This online course examines the various aspects of special interest “niche tourism” in relation to the more traditional forms of tourism. Trends, growth and diversity in the industry will be critically analyzed in addition to the successes and challenges in promoting different types of special interest tourism globally. Best tourism best practices will be a key focus using various case studies around the world in capturing particular tastes and preferences of tourism products. The students will be required to participate in local tours depending on availability.
TRSM 1000 Introduction to Tourism
This course introduces students to the history of tourism and leisure, and the development of the field of tourism studies. This will include consideration of foundational concepts such as culture and nature, research on the needs and gratifications of tourists, and studies of the functions of tourism.
For more information on the Tourism Studies minor you can consult the University Calendar here.