General Education Electives

Everything you need to know about General Education

What is General Education?

All employers value workers who have a broad-based education. In fact, employees with a knowledge of subject areas beyond their primary area of study can contribute to a constantly changing workplace in a variety of ways. For this reason, all Ontario Diploma and Advanced Diploma college programs require students to complete a minimum of three General Education (GE) courses. The courses are intended to help learners acquire a greater knowledge and understanding of the world, as well as how to cope with life challenges. GE courses also enhance a learner’s sense of social responsibility so that college graduates can participate actively and fully in society.

General Education Courses Count Towards GPA

Your marks in your Confederation College General Education courses are included in the calculation of your Grade Point Average.

General education courses are divided into five themes:

General Education Requirements

Students in two or three year college programs must complete a minimum of three General Education electives.

These courses may be required or selected via the electives process when you register; check your program's website to review required courses, such as SY066, PY199 and others.

At Confederation College, General Education courses are offered in regular classes and also online.

*Some General Education courses specific to only one or two programs are not listed below; check your program’s website for details, or contact your Program Coordinator.  Some courses may not be offered every semester.

**A variety courses are offered by alternative delivery (Distance Education/Online); check Continuing Education for current offerings.

The information on this page is manually maintained and updated as needed on an ad hoc basis.

Theme 1. Arts in Society

  
  Credits
HU 200 Contemporary Applied Ethics 3
  All civilizations employ ethical systems to guide social behaviour. In this course we will grapple with the ethical dilemmas facing our postmodern worlds of art, business, science, and society. Be prepared to think, discuss and write about contentious moral issues.  
HU 220 Greek Mythology 3
  Have you ever wondered how Zeus became the terrifying sky god of the How did Perseus behead the monstrous Medusa who could turn anyone to stone at a mere glance?...This course looks at some of the best stories ever told, with an emphasis on how mythologies, originating in Greek and other ancient civilizations, help us make sense of our lives and the world around us. The course also examines the relationship between mythology and recorded history and the influence of myths on contemporary society.  
HU 119 The History of the Movies (Film Production only) 3
  Movies have been with us for over a century and each subsequent generation of filmmaker has left their mark on the style, form and structure of film. There is much we can learn from old films and in The History of the Movies students will explore great films that still resonate with us today. How culture and history are reflected in the movies of their era, and how great films of the past have influenced popular culture, sets the stage for discussing the far reaching importance of movies. From the invention of the moving image to the latest films of the modern era is explored.  

 

Theme 2. Civic Life

  
  Credits
AS 332 Workplace Readiness 3
  This course is designed to help the student develop career preparation skills as well as good working and personal relationships. The student will be able to understand the importance of delivering service excellence to the customer, the employer and themselves. The focus will be on practicing techniques that strengthen these relationships, preparing for, and securing workplace and professional success.  
HU 272 21st Century Wars 3
  This course takes a closer look at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including the implications of the war in Ukraine for global security. The course also examines global terrorism, revisiting the 9/11 attacks and looking at everything from conspiracy theories to the raid by SEAL Team Six to kill Osama bin Laden. The learner is taken on an eye-opening tour of the post 9/11 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the war in Syria, as well as previous conflicts that forged Canada’s peacekeeping reputation. Other topics include the rise of China and a possible new Cold War between China and the U.S. in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The course also examines nuclear proliferation globally, as well as the prevalence of spying (espionage) in the post 9/11 world.  
HU 240 The World Now 3
  This course looks at what is happening in the world right now, including the fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The course also examines the implications of the Donald Trump presidency for the United States, Canada and the rest of the world. Global security issues are highlighted, including terrorism, the global arms trade and global crime. The course also looks at environmental issues, poverty and inequality, and the global refugee crisis.  

 

Theme 3. Social and Cultural Understanding

  
  Credits
GE 099 Passport to Latin America 3
  In this course the student will learn about the preservation of cultural heritage by appreciating archaeological sites, local cuisine, traditional customs and local etiquette while experiencing the passion, colour and diversity of Latin America. Issues to be discussed include socio-cultural sensitivity and environmental sustainability at destinations of natural and cultural significance in tourism segments. Learn about Voluntourism , a rapidly-growing trend, which is a mixture of volunteering and travelling abroad while developing a broad understanding of cultural knowledge, sensitivity and awareness of another ethnic group  
AL 100 Indigenous Language and Culture  
  In this course, students will experience an introduction to the development of oral language and culture. Students will explore vocabulary related to conversational topics, the writing systems and relationship of language to cultural expression and revitalization.  
HU 024 Historical Impacts of Colonization on Indigenous Communities 3
  This course will provide an introduction to the history of colonial relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canadians. It will focus on the social, economic, political and psychological impact of colonialism on the development of Indigenous communities and culture. The causes of intergenerational trauma and the impact of residential schools will be examined as a context for understanding contemporary issues in Indigenous society. ~ ~ Students will also be introduced to the concepts of resistance and resilience and will examine how these concepts have contributed to the survival of Indigenous peoples through this era. Finally, the course will focus on present initiatives in decolonization, reconciliation, cultural revival and the reestablishment of personal and collective identity within Indigenous communities which inform the present relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canadians.  
HU 250 The Psychology of Terror 3
  This course is intended to be a practical introduction to the psychosocial implications of terror. Today, there is an ever increasing realization of one's mortality, brought on by events such as school shootings, acts of terrorism and genocide. Emphasis will be placed on understanding human behaviour, anxiety, and fear of death in relation to Terror Management Theory. Students will also be given an opportunity to explore the ramifications of terror via class discussions of contemporary and historical models.  
PY 114 Understanding Addiction 3
  This course is designed to provide students with an introductory understanding of addictions and addictive behaviour. The course will explore the various theories of addiction including historical and current conceptions of 'the addict', an understanding of how drugs work, different methods of treatment and the recovery process. Issues of drug use in special populations and family issues will also be examined.  
SY 125 Introduction to Sociology 3
  This course will introduce students to the field of Sociology. Students will develop a general understanding of sociological perspectives by focusing on the basic concepts of sociology. Topics examined include, culture, socialization, sexuality, inequality, crime, deviance, education, religion, gender, media, globalization and the environment. Furthermore, students will be able to use basic sociological terminology and apply the major sociological perspectives to current social systems in Canada.  
SY 126 Sociology of Pop Culture 3
  We are living in a society in which we are continually bombarded with information from a variety or popular media: popular music, television, films, magazines, books, and the Internet. The messages we receive are often very subtle, yet powerful and can shape the way we think, feel and behave both collectively and individually. In this course, students will explore the ways in which they are socialized and how their self-concepts develop. They will also use a variety of strategies to critically analyze the impact of the popular media on Canadian society and on their personal sense of who they are.  
SY 130 Gender, Society and Change 3
  This course provides students with an introduction to theories and concepts related to the sociology of gender. Students will explore current gender issues with a focus on the social and cultural construction of gender. Content includes an exploration of the relationship of gender to personal experiences, social institutions, economics, politics and power. Furthermore, the course examines how people are rewriting their traditional social scripts and finding solutions to current-day problems and gender issues.  
SY 180 Exploring Human Diversity 3
  In this course students will study diversity from an anti-oppression and social justice framework. Students will explore how elements of race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and age have been transformed into systems of oppression and privilege. Various forms of stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism, as they relate to the division of cultures and classes in society, will be examined. Students will develop diversity competency skills and will explore strategies to create socially inclusive and equitable environments; skills that are in demand in today's workplace.  
SY 066 Sociology of Community: The Aboriginal Context 3
  This course will provide students with an introduction to the history of colonization of Indigenous communities in Canada. Contemporary Indigenous community issues within Northwestern Ontario (NWO) and Canada will be examined. Students will explore the unique socio-political relationships between Canada and Indigenous peoples with an emphasis on colonial, legal and political issues. With a broader understanding of the context of colonization, students will analyze contemporary relationships and efforts towards renewed relationships and reconciliation.  
SY 222 Intimacy, Relationships and Family 3
  This course provides students with an opportunity to examine their assumptions and values concerning intimacy, relationships, and family. Using sociological theories and perspectives, students will explore topics such as friendship, family formation, parenting, family violence, and poverty. Students will be given opportunities to examine family dynamics, changes and challenges within families, and enhance self-awareness regarding personal experiences, beliefs, and values.  
GY 199  Travel the World in 48 Hours 3
 

This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to take an amazing journey to the many unique and off the beaten path destinations of the world, through the language of geography. The study of human geography will also be examined and how it relates to the diversity of Indigenous cultures and their complex physical geographic environments. Social, political and environmental impacts on global tourism will be discussed as well as tourism trends and travel patterns.

  
AL 200 Structure of Indigenous language  
  Students will learn to use the Indigenous language to build fluency development. Through practice, students improve on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills that support the development of practical conversational skills.  

 

Theme 4. Personal Understanding

  
  Credits
AS 220 Wellness for Life 3
  The physical, social, intellectual, occupational, emotional, environmental, and spiritual dimensions of health are the focus of this course. Students will be provided with current factual information regarding a broad range of health-related issues including stress management, fitness, weight management, nutrition, healthy relationships, sexual health, substance use, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, environmental concerns, suicide awareness, and death and dying. As well, students will be actively involved in examining the impact of lifestyle choices upon their own health status.  
GE 103 Human Sexuality 3
  This course examines human sexuality from a variety of perspectives: historical, biological, cross-cultural, psychological, and socio-cultural. Students will gain factual knowledge relating to sexual anatomy and physiology,contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infections and sexual coercion. This course will assist students to acquire current sexual information, clarify personal values, develop effective sexual communication skills, and to increase tolerance for diverse sexual views.  
GE 113 Building Skills for Success 3
  This transformative course will provide you with the practical skills, knowledge and attitudes you need for success in college, your career and your life. In order to maximize your post-secondary experience, you will learn about your personal learning style, how to study effectively, how to take notes, how to manage your time, the importance of effective communication and much more. You will also discover specific abilities and characteristics that will provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and increased well-being. Learn how to maximize your potential with this course!  
GE 182 Start Your Own Business 3
  This course provides a hands-on learning opportunity to individuals with a personal goal of starting their own business one day. Students will meet and interact with local entrepreneurs and learn about a variety of topics that are relevant to starting a business, including innovative thinking practices, idea generation, identifying business opportunities, business planning, marketing, budgeting and financing, and pitching. Students will put their learning into action when they have the opportunity to pitch their idea to stakeholders and potentially receive investment to start their own business!  
GE 190 Easy Healthy Cooking 3
  This course will introduce the student to the fundamental aspects of nutrition and the recommended nutrient intakes. Students will make informed diet choices and will prepare healthy nutritious meals. This course also explores the rise in chronic diseases linked to obesity such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer and the underlying metabolic causes of weight gain. Students will also examine the topic of food intolerances and allergies.  
PY 063 Child Development 3
  This course explores life from a chronological perspective, beginning from conception, then moving through the stages of infancy, childhood, and concluding with adolescence. Each developmental period will be examined in relation to physical, motor, cognitive, social-emotional and biological factors that affect development  
PY 169 Interpersonal Communication Skills 3
  Using a combination of theory and acquired skills, students will learn to express themselves more effectively while preserving the dignity of everyone involved. They will develop the confidence necessary to control their lives without trying to control others in the process. This course facilitates personal growth as the students develop more effective self-expression and healthier relationships. Experiential learning, using a variety of techniques, will be emphasized. Students will participate in role-play, discussions, presentations and personal reflections.  
PY 199 Introductory Psychology 3
  This course introduces the student to the world of psychology by highlighting human behaviour and mental processes at the individual level. Students will learn why people do and think the way they do from a variety of perspectives and how psychological principles apply to everyday life situations. This introductory course provides a strong foundation for other courses in psychology.  
PY 299 Developmental Psychology 3
  This course is an overview of the human lifespan. The major areas of study include the physical, cognitive, social, and personality domains of development. Students will complete assignments that demonstrate their understanding of human development. In addition, students will identify factors that promote human development.  
PY 399 Abnormal Psychology 3
  This course provides an integrated view of the historical and contemporary models of abnormal behaviour. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of the complex causes, manifestations, and treatments of common psychological disorders. Upon completion of this course, students should have a critical appreciation of the challenges faced by people who are coping with mental health issues.  

 

Theme 5. Science and Technology

  
  Credits
AS 110 Managing Media in the Information Age 3
  This course provides an introduction to how knowledge is produced, organized and assessed in the Information Age. With an emphasis on critical thinking, students will become aware of the influences of various media and learn how to locate and evaluate sources including print, electronic, audio and video sources - especially the Internet. Students will also learn how to make the best use of the vast array of information available when conducting research, as well as how to organize and present various types of information in a variety of contexts.  
GE 059 People and the Forest 3
  This course is designed to broaden the participant's perspective on contemporary Natural Resource issues in Canada, with an emphasis on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples. Forests are an essential part of life and economy in Canada. Eighty percent of First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities in Canada are located in forested lands. Understanding of the past, present and future roles of Indigenous governments in the management of their forests is essential for anyone planning on working on the land. The key issues of Indigenous views of land use, land claims and the integration of sustainable industrial development with Indigenous Knowledge into forest management are explored. Non-wood forest products and ethno ecology are also examined.  
GE 220 Personal Financial Planning 3
  This course will give the learner practical instruction in personal economics, the art of handling money, and managing one's financial affairs. Topics covered include budgeting, income tax, banking, credit, insurance, investing, and retirement and estate planning.  

 Confederation Online Courses

  • GE 113 Building Skills for Success
    This transformative course will provide you with the practical skills, knowledge and attitudes you need for success in college, your career and your life. In order to maximize your post-secondary experience, you will learn about your personal learning style, how to study effectively, how to take notes, how to manage your time, the importance of effective communication and much more. You will also discover specific abilities and characteristics that will provide you with the opportunity for personal growth and increased well-being. Learn how to maximize your potential with this course! 
  • SY 125 Introduction to Sociology
    This course will introduce students to the field of Sociology. Students will develop a general understanding of sociological perspectives by focusing on the basic concepts of sociology. Topics examined include, culture, socialization, sexuality, inequality, crime, deviance, education, religion, gender, media, globalization and the environment. Furthermore, students will be able to use basic sociological terminology and apply the major sociological perspectives to current social systems in Canada.
  • PY 199 Introduction to Psychology
    This course introduces the student to the world of psychology by highlighting human behaviour and mental processes at the individual level. Students will learn why people do and think the way they do from a variety of perspectives and how psychological principles apply to everyday life situations. This introductory course provides a strong foundation for other courses in psychology. 
  • PY 299 Developmental Psychology
    This course is an overview of the human lifespan. The major areas of study include the physical, cognitive, social, and personality domains of development. Students will complete assignments that demonstrate their understanding of human development. In addition, students will identify factors that promote human development.
  • PY 399 Abnormal Psychology
    This course provides an integrated view of the historical and contemporary models of abnormal behaviour. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of the complex causes, manifestations, and treatments of common psychological disorders. Upon completion of this course, students should have a critical appreciation of the challenges faced by people who are coping with mental health issues. 
  • AS 220 Wellness for Life
    The physical, social, intellectual, occupational, emotional, environmental, and spiritual dimensions of health are the focus of this course. Students will be provided with current factual information regarding a broad range of health-related issues including stress management, fitness, weight management, nutrition, healthy relationships, sexual health, substance use, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, environmental concerns, suicide awareness, and death and dying. As well, students will be actively involved in examining the impact of lifestyle choices upon their own health status.

Other online courses available at various start dates: Contact Continuing Education  - Online Learning ...

How do students select General Education courses?

  1. Review your Program's course requirements to see if there are any required General Education courses in your program.
    Link to Postsecondary Programs

  2. When you register in the Fall and Spring for your programs, select your General Education elective from the list that appears. Required courses for each program will be available in the Electives block for your program.
    Link to Registration Services

  3. If you want to take a course that is not in the list provided on this page, or in your electives block, check Continuing Education course offerings.
    Link to Continuing Education
    You may contact your Program Coordinator, or the General Education Coordinator to see if the Continuing Education course meets the General Education requirements.

Applied & Vocational Courses (Non-General Education)

Courses that provide applied training or practical experience in a specific field of employment do not qualify as General Education: 

  • language courses such as French, Spanish, Mandarin, Ojibwe
  • hands-on computer or technology courses: Introduction to Computers, Advanced Spreadsheets, Photo Editing
  • courses that relate directly to a specific workplace: Practical programming in social service courses, communications for early childhood educators or developmental service workers, sports coaching, health and safety training, fitness training, etc.
  • Art or Music courses that provide hands-on techniques such as Introduction to Painting, Playing the Guitar, Cake-Decorating or Gardening
  • Placement, practicum or laboratory courses
  • Math, Physics, or Communications courses

Transfer Credits

You can apply for transfer credits if you have taken General Education courses at another college or university. In addition to transfer credits, General Education courses taken at Confederation College can also be applied to another program at the college. Contact your program coordinator or the General Education Coordinator for more information.

Transfer Credit Process

  1. Confirm that the completed courses fits within the theme areas above, or that it is similar to a required General Education course in your program.
  2. You may apply for a Transfer Credit by completing a Transfer Credit Request form and submitting the form, an official transcript and a copy of the course outline to the Registrar's Department. A fee is required.
    Download Transfer-Credit-Request-Form.pdf

Courses must meet the following criteria:

  • the course must be 45 hours
  • the course must fall within one of the five theme areas
  • the final grade on the official transcript must be 60% or higher
  • the course must be post-secondary
  • the course must be from an accredited institution
  1. Transfer Credits for required General Education courses in a specific program will be reviewed by a professor who teaches the course and a recommendation will be made based on a comparison of the requested course and the Confederation College course.
  2. NOTE: Other courses may be considered to fulfill the General Education requirements. Talk to your program coordinator for more information.

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

General Education courses are available for challenge or assessment through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Please contact the General Education Coordinator for more information or read about Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR). You may be able to gain credits for learning acquired through study, work, volunteering and other life experiences that are not recognized through formal transfer credit mechanisms.

More Information about General Education Courses at Confederation College


David Lammers
General Education Coordinator
Confederation College
Phone: (807) 475-3750
[email protected]