EDUC 210/ASTU 210 (3 credits) Introduction to Global Citizenship
This course makes use of in-class and online discussions to create a coherent and challenging interdisciplinary introduction to key topics in the area of “global citizenship studies”. Activities and materials are designed to strengthen participating students’ ability to assess critically and reflect upon the ideas and information under consideration, and their academic language development (written and spoken, formal and informal). This course offers skills and knowledge that are foundational for a range of more specialized elective courses that they will choose to pursue as part of their study abroad program. For UBC-based students this course will provide an enhanced opportunity for intercultural exchange in a challenging academic context.
ASTU 201 (3 credits) Canada Japan and the Pacific: Cultural Studies
Note: (this course may be used towards a Major in Asian Studies at UBC)
Students will be exposed to many fascinating topics within two overarching themes: “Environmental Governance” and “Migration & Culture.” In the first half of the course (Environmental Governance), students will be challenged to recognize the causes and repercussions of climate change, decide who should govern environmental issues, appreciate how politics and economics influence local and international environmental policies, and evaluate different approaches and strategies proposed by leaders in the field. In the second half of the course (Migration & Culture), students will consider how countries deal, at the policy level, with migration, and how people’s lives are influenced by these cross-cultural experiences.
ASTU 202 (3 credits) Canada, Japan and the Pacific: Political, Economic, and Geographical Perspectives
Note: (this course may be used towards a Major in Asian Studies at UBC)
This course is an introduction to the core geographical, historical, cultural, political and economic forces that shape the Pacific Rim, together with an exploration of the role of Japan and Canada in this region. The Pacific region today is the world’s most dynamic region in terms of economic growth, and is increasingly important in terms of technological development. Overall, the course seeks to interpret the Pacific region by offering an introductory explanation of its history and current economic and political situation.
LLED 200 (3 credits) Introduction to Writing in Academic and Professional Registers
This course reviews the knowledge and skills that are central to the production of academic and professional texts. It provides students with extensive opportunities to develop writing abilities and, simultaneously, to increase awareness of the ways key language features vary across different academic and professional registers. The course promotes a deeper understanding and control of these registers, and a greater strategic awareness of those features that help to create effective texts.
LLED 201 (3 credits) Critical Reading and Writing in Academic and Professional Registers
This course builds upon the skills acquired in Introduction to Academic and Professional Registers (LLED 200) to further develop students’ knowledge of the different textual features that characterize written texts from a variety of disciplinary genres, with a particular emphasis on developing their critical reading and writing skills. In addition to reading and responding to a variety of texts from different disciplines, throughout the course students will receive step-by-step individualized guidance as they compose a research paper using analytical and critical skills.
LLED 212 (3 credits) Introduction to Language Communities and Variation in Language Practices
This course will explore differences in the ways that people use languages in both conscious and unconscious ways. Through class activities and readings you will examine some of the key factors influencing language variation in different communities of interest. As a result of this course, you will become more aware of the choices people make about how they use language, and the impact this has for their identities and communities.
LLED 213 (3 credits) Introduction to Intercultural Communication and Socialization in Multicultural Contexts
This course introduces theories and models concerning the experiences of immigrants and sojourners in host cultures. You will have the opportunity to read and discuss issues of acculturation and integration and examine the role of language in these processes. Course assignments will include small research projects, presentations, essays and personal reflections on your own experiences of acculturation and second language socialization in Vancouver.
LLED 220 (3 credits) Introduction to Translating in a Globalized Society
This course introduces you to translation in an increasingly globalized society, and offers a forum for reflection and discussion on issues, decisions and consequences related to transferring a message from one language to another. The course presents translation as a way to increase your sociocultural understanding, intercultural communication, pragmatics, and written English. You will have hands-on opportunities to translate and discuss various assigned texts designed to help you integrate new insights on decision making (e.g., translate or “trans-create”), the appropriate application of electronic translation tools, reading between-the-lines, and dealing with socio-culturally sensitive issues, among others.
LLED 222 (3 credits) Introduction to Public and Private Language Practices in a Globalized Society
This course explores the interrelationships between the language we use in our private lives and its expression in public. In cross-cultural settings, successful transitioning between these two spheres of communication is often challenging for communicants. The course will consider style, context and register and discuss analysing discourse with a view to helping students build an understanding of public language practices in cross-cultural settings. Course discussions will also focus on reflective exercises and self-regulated learning by helping students reflect on their private language practices in order to develop a “toolkit” of strategies for improving their ability to become self-sufficient language learners.
LLED 223 (3 credits) Introduction to the Nature of World Englishes
This course focuses on the privileged position of English varieties as a language of ‘global communication’. It examines the historical, cultural, political, and geographic reasons linked to the rise of English around the world, as well as key debates, controversies and questions linked to tensions between English’s post-colonial nature and its proposed role as a neutral, or desirable tool for global communication. By studying specific cases drawn from the literature on world Englishes, you will explore factors linked to global languages and their relationships with language policies and language planning, including, for example, educational policies.
CDST 250 (3 credits) Introduction to Canada
This course introduces the issues and debates that are at the heart of Canadian society. Students will become familiar with some of the key cultural, social, political and economic issues that are unique to this country.