Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Summer 2024. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
Learning Drives Career Mobility
Enhance the value of your previous postsecondary academic success by building an honours degree that is both marketable and progressive. Seneca's Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (offered part time, full time and online) presents students with a clear and flexible pathway into degree studies.
This honours degree addresses the challenges of tomorrow's world by developing expertise across multiple perspectives and by providing valuable skills that cross broad themes and disciplines. The program builds on professional knowledge and skills gained from a diploma and uses previously earned credits to complete the degree.
Core to a liberal arts focused curriculum are the skills and abilities that are most valued by 21st century employers: communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving. Seneca's Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree can ensure that you have right balance of skills to maximize your potential and to be ready for the future.
Students are invited to attend an information session.
Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree are uniquely placed to enter the competitive workplace or continue their studies at the graduate level in a variety of disciplines.
Within the dynamic landscape of the global economy, individuals who have completed the Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program contribute to a well-rounded workforce where human skills - those acquired in this degree - are highly valued. For example:
Education focused on Liberal Arts is the future of work.
Mature students (19 and older) with:
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
This course focuses on critical thinking and the rhetorical elements of both persuasive and evaluative forms of writing. Students will learn to differentiate between shades of fact and opinion, objectivity and bias, and apply the techniques of sound argument for a variety of purposes. The main elements of effective communication and research techniques are also examined. Techniques explored and skills developed in this course are applied throughout the four years of the program.
Scholarly Research and Writing will focus on developing the student's evaluative and analytical skills, which are essential to writing an academic research paper. The emphasis will be on preparing the student to deepen and improve their understanding of scholarly materials, and on expanding and refining their writing and documentation skills. Also, there will be a focus on rhetorical analysis because it is the foundation of exposition and argument. The final research paper will be complemented by an oral presentation.
This course provides a foundation for further study in the social sciences by introducing students to their basic subject matter and theory. It is designed for students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program, forming a basis for upper level courses in any of the relevant social sciences. It will also serve as a Liberal Studies course suitable to provide an introduction to social science topics for the broader body of Seneca College students. The course is unified via a focus on a central theme or themes of relevance to all the social sciences, such as power and human nature. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments, this course will offer a comprehensive interdisciplinary introduction to these central issues, integrating diverse social science approaches to the topic. The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills, facilitates the practical application of student learning, and promotes the integration of social science insights into students' broader understanding of themselves and their world.
This course examines the challenges and opportunities that face sustainable development across the world. Students will become familiar with the concepts and methods that inform sustainable development.
Affiliation in a Degree program.
Students in INW100 will develop a broad understanding of world civilizations that have contributed to our sense of world history. Students will explore the development and interactions of various societies over time by examining world historical processes and using a range of disciplinary approaches (i.e. history, philosophy, sociology, art history, etc.). In INW100 students will discover how this complex tapestry of narratives has culminated in our modern understanding of the world as a "global village".
ENG106 or equivalent
This course prepares students to make professional oral presentations to diverse audiences in a variety of settings. The fundamentals of public speaking and speech writing are covered, as well as the production and use of presentational aids. Students will be in introduced to presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint and/or Adobe Photoshop. They will familiarize themselves with presentation techniques based on imaging manipulation and other aids.
Affiliation in a degree program
The overarching purpose of the INS capstone is to complete an independent research project that is original, systematic and clear. In doing so, you will contribute novel ideas and theories that advance your chosen field of research. In this course, students will learn and apply a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Please note: due to the individualized nature of the INS capstone process, courses associated with the INS capstone project will include a mix of asynchronous, independent project design with individual and small group workshop opportunities throughout the term. Please check the course Blackboard and addendum for more information on any scheduled meetings.
This course provides a foundation for further study in the social sciences by introducing students to their basic subject matter and theory, focusing in particular on political science and economics. It is designed for students in the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, forming a basis for upper level social science courses. It will also serve as a Liberal Studies course suitable to provide an introduction to social science topics for the broader body of Seneca College students. The course is unified via a focus on central themes relevant to all the social sciences, such as power and human nature. Through lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments both online and in-class, this course offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary introduction to these central issues, integrating diverse social science approaches to the topic. The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills, facilitates the practical application of student learning, and promotes the integration of social science insights into students' broader understanding of themselves and their world. Introduction to the Social Sciences 1 is not a prerequisite.
Students in INW200 will develop a broad understanding of world civilizations that have contributed to our sense of world history. Students will explore the development and interactions of various societies over time by examining world historical processes and using a range of disciplinary approaches (i.e. history, philosophy, sociology, art history, etc.). In INW200 students will discover how this complex tapestry of narratives has culminated in our modern understanding of the world as a "global village".
This survey course is intended to give students a broad understanding of those sub-disciplines that comprise the natural sciences and to provide students with an understanding of the history, philosophy and social contributions of science. It will introduce students to current issues of particular concern to both science and society.
ENG106 or one lower-level liberal studies (LSO) or Critical Thinking course
Examining sport as both a phenomenon in its own right and as a metaphor for our contemporary world, reveals the often paradoxical nature of modern, and post-modern, living. Individuals and communities invest personal time and expenditure, along with significant emotional capital, in apparently ephemeral activities, whose financial rewards and honours most often accrue to a wealthy sponsor and an elite playing class of performers. Public and private resources, extensive media attention, and national identity are either additional beneficiaries or victims of this phenomenon.
ENG106 or one lower-level liberal studies (LSO) or Critical Thinking course.
Historically, women and men have been expected to behave in gender appropriate ways. Yet, what is considered appropriately feminine or masculine is not fixed; instead, these ideals are socially constructed and depend on time and place and are influenced by other categories of identity like status or class, and race and ethnicity. In this course, we will examine the construction of gender ideals and consider the impact of these ideals on aspects of life ranging from the most private (sex, sexual identity, sexual regulation, family formation) to the most public (work, citizenship and political power, war, conquest). Covering the classical period to the modern period and including societies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, this course will take a comparative approach and will analyze the impact of cultural contact on gender ideals. Whether accepted, adapted or rejected, gender expectations have affected every aspect of men's and women's lives in world history.
ENG 106 and one lower-level liberal studies (LSO) or Critical Thinking course.
This course is divided into two parts: theory and practice. In the first part, we examine the philosophical foundations of the defining political ideologies of our time: liberalism, conservatism, communism, socialism, and their intellectual heirs and hybrids. Authors include John Locke, Adam Smith, Immanuel Kant, Edmund Burke, Karl Marx, John Stuart Mill, among others. In the second part, we turn to questions of public policy and to the ways in which various ideologies approach, and attempt to solve, difficult political questions. Issues include education, health care, immigration and citizenship, among others.
ENG106 or one lower-level liberal studies (LSO) or Critical Thinking course.
Every day, millions of people share their opinions with a global audience via Tweets, #s, blogs, wikis, videos, likes, tags, text messages and online comments. Digital spaces and mobile technologies allow us to be connected to our personal and professional networks and communities 24/7. In what ways does this hyper-connectivity impact the ways in which people regard their place in the world and define themselves?
In this course we will analyse the social, ethical, political and cultural ramifications of societies that are increasingly mobile and digital. The impact of new genres and forms of expression on our identities will be explored as we actively participate in online networks and create materials for social media.
ENG 106 and one lower-level liberal studies (LSO) or Critical Thinking course.
What is the nature of love? In his novel La Nouvelle Héloïse, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's female protagonist, Julie, states: So many people speak of love, and so few know how to love.... The experience of romantic love raises several philosophical concerns. Is love an emotion or a feeling? Why do we say? I fell in love? Is love irrational or can one deliberately choose to love? Is there a difference between love and its trashy cousin lust? As one commentator explains, Love thrives on candlelight and conversation. Lust is equally happy in a doorway or a taxi. Is love at first sight? logically possible? Is love necessarily exclusive (i.e. can you be in love with two persons at the same time)? Is true or genuine love possible, or is love perhaps an illusion, a chimera? In this course, we will probe and interrogate your most intimate intuitions and notions of love as they are defined historically and characterized contemporarily.
ENG106 or equivalent.
Although philosophers have considered the nature of the mind for millennia, a new interdisciplinary approach developed in the 20th century: cognitive science. After millennia of study, the problems remained the same: Is the mind different from the brain? What is consciousness? How can I tell if other people have minds? Is it possible to create an artificial intelligence? Are humans truly rational? Cognitive science includes approaches from computer science, linguistics, anthropology, philosophy and psychology in an attempt to answer these ancient questions. Students will be introduced to central themes in cognitive science by reading key articles and excerpts from books from important cognitive scientists across the various disciplines.
ENG106 or one lower-level liberal studies (LSO) or Critical Thinking course.
This course examines some of the most influential ethical theories, emphasizing practical application in real world situations. Starting with timeless issues affecting persons throughout history, the main focus will be on current ethical problems unimaginable to the founders of western ethical thought along with future scenarios at the boundaries of our own imaginations. Students will explore how to make ethical choices in our complex, technologically mediated, and rapidly changing world.
ENG106 and one lower level Liberal Studies (LSO) course
This course combines classroom discussion, guest lectures, and cultural experiences to raise awareness and help students gain a deeper understanding of varied contemporary experiences. We will explore significant issues related to colonization, justice, the contemporary indigenous experience, gender, through guest speakers, documentaries, current events, podcasts, literature, and art.
ENG 106 or one lower-level liberal studies (LSO) or Critical Thinking course.
This course introduces students to the science of Astronomy. They will study the planets, stars, galaxies, the structure of the observable universe and our place in it. Students will understand the Earth's motions, the reason for seasons, tides, and eclipses. They will learn about modern views of the solar system, the nature of stars and their evolution. Students will gain understanding of galaxies and the history of the observable universe. As a result, they will develop a better appreciation of the beauty of the cosmos and the scientific quest to understand it.
ENG106 and one lower level Liberal Studies (LSO) course
This course will look at how Canadian society will be shaped by technologies that are at the cutting edge of current research. These may include self-driving autos, crispr gene editing, social media engineering, and auto-diagnostic artificial intelligence. We will focus on the proven accomplishments in these fields and expert opinion on the likely course of development, using sociological concepts to draw conclusions about how Canadian society will be impacted.
This course will explore the major theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research and examine the ways in which research designs relate to the development of supportable conclusions and the validity and reliability of research findings. The ways in which the choice of paradigm, conceptual framework, approach, design and data collection and analysis influences the outcomes of a research study will be examined, as well as the ethical considerations for social research. This holistic approach chosen for this course differs from the more traditional introductory methods courses which often focus solely on technical procedures. Through the analysis and evaluation of published research articles and reports students will develop the skills for critically evaluating the choice of a variety of research methods and the reliability and validity of research studies
Please note: due to the individualized nature of the INS capstone process, courses associated with the INS capstone project will include a mix of asynchronous, independent project design with individual and small group workshop opportunities throughout the term. Please check the course Blackboard and addendum for more information on any scheduled meetings.
INR300 or equivalent.
Our primary goal for this course is for students to conduct a capstone project. Students apply learning from previous courses to one large scale product. INR700 build on prior learning in Applied Research Methods to conduct a small scale project that relates to the student's area of academic and professional interest. Students refine the design of the project, collaborate with peers and the Research Advisor in charge of this course. The main task for INR700 is to ensure that students can complete a capstone research project on time in INR800.
Please note: due to the individualized nature of the INS capstone process, courses associated with the INS capstone project will include a mix of asynchronous, independent project design with individual and small group workshop opportunities throughout the term. Please check the course Blackboard and addendum for more information on any scheduled meetings.
Please note: due to the individualized nature of the INS capstone process, courses associated with the INS capstone project will include a mix of asynchronous, independent project design with individual and small group workshop opportunities throughout the term. Please check the course Blackboard and addendum for more information on any scheduled meetings.
Co-op education is meant to provide learners with the opportunity to integrate academic learning with relevant work experience. It also provides students with the opportunity to learn more about themselves and their chosen field of study. The purpose of this work term is to enable the learner to make a smooth transition from the academic setting to a work environment. In this course, learners will develop strategies to assist them in the job search process.
The Co-op work term is 4 months in length and is a paid or unpaid work experience whereby a student is employed in a job directly related to the program outcomes of the degree. The work term is based on an approval from the faculty supervisor in charge of placements and co-ops. It provides the student with the opportunity to practice in his/her chosen field. A faculty supervisor helps the student prepare for, select, and contract an approved co-op opportunity. The faculty supervisor provides support for the learning experience throughout the student's time in placement.
OSAP Funding Available
Note on Liberal Studies Options (LSOs): Students who have a two-year diploma from a recognized College are typically required to take four (4) LSOs. Students who have a three-year advanced diploma from a recognized College are typically required to take two (2) LSOs.
Note on Professional Studies Options (PSOs): Students who have a two-year diploma from a recognized College are typically required to take five (5) PSOs. Please consult the Program Coordinator for information on course options. Students who have a three-year advanced diploma from a recognized College are typically granted transfer credit for all the PSOs required to graduate.
Work Term
A work experience that includes at least one term in a formal work environment. The work term(s) may be a paid or unpaid position that is completed between two academic semesters and requires a minimum of 420 hours of work. Students must be in good standing and meet all identified requirements prior to participating in the work experience. The successful completion of the work term(s) is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for the mandatory degree work term regardless of success in securing a work position.
Part-time studies students who are currently employed or who have past work experience that is relevant and aligns with the program outcomes are encouraged to use their current or past full-time work experience to fulfill (INS881) of the Work integrated Learning requirement through the completion of a process called a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
To apply, please fill in the form below and forward the following documents:
If you have questions about this application process or the Interdisciplinary Studies program, please contact Gaye Rubens, Program Support Coordinator at gaye.rubens@senecapolytechnic.ca.
This program is eligible for OSAP funding.
Course load is used by OSAP to determine funding options for programs.
If you are taking one to two courses at the same time, you may be considered for part-time student grants and loans.
If you are taking three or more courses at the same time, you may be considered for full-time student grants and loans.
To find out if you qualify and to learn how to apply, please visit the OSAP website.
For information on other awards and financial assistance, please see Financial Aid.
If you would like to learn more about this program, please register for the live online information session below.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register
Now
Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.
Seneca has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a 7-year term starting April 26, 2012. In conformity with the Minister's criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
As per section 12.1 of Seneca's Academic Policy:
For degree programs, the minimum requirement for promotion is an average of C (2.5) in courses in the main field of study (professional courses), and an average of C (2.0) in all other courses.
Marianne Tang
Program Assistant
Marianne.Tang@senecapolytechnic.ca
437-312-0357
Gaye Rubens
Program Support Coordinator
gaye.rubens@senecapolytechnic.ca
437-312-0352
Rosemare Mariaseelan
Academic Program Manager
Rosemare.Mariaseelan@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-9890
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.
Students are invited to attend an information session.