Graduate academic calendar 2012 - 2013 - Trent University

GRADUATE PROGRAMS Canadian Studies
58
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
All doctoral students will be required to pass the Ph.D. program’s language test. The language test
entails the translation into English of a French text (or text in another approved language such as
an Aboriginal language indigenous to Canada or another language if it is demonstrably relevant to
their research interests). The language test is two hours in length, and students are permitted to use
a dictionary. Grades for the language test are “Pass” or “Fail.”
Students who have taken a language test as a requirement for their M.A. cannot use it to meet
the Ph.D. language requirement. In order to establish equal treatment to all students, all doctoral
candidates will be required to pass the Ph.D. language test.
COURSES AVAILABLE TO GRADUATE STUDENTS: Canadian Studies
Not all courses will be available every year. Please consult www.trentu.ca/frostcentre for
information on courses that will be offered for the upcoming academic year.
CAST 6000 – Ph.D. core seminar: interdisciplinarity in Canadian Studies: concepts, theories
and methods
This course will examine the complex theoretical and methodological issues associated with the
discourse on an interdisciplinary study of Canada. It will be offered at Carleton and Trent through a
combination of joint sessions at both universities and regular electronic communication. This course
is mandatory for all Ph.D. students.
CAST 6102H – Culture, literature & the arts: Canada and culture(s)
This course surveys some of the major scholarly approaches that have been used to investigate and
comprehend Canadian culture. Readings deal mainly with late nineteenth and twentieth-century
subjects. Topics include high culture, popular culture, media, intellectual traditions, civic culture,
visual culture and cultural transgressions.
CAST 6201H – Environment & heritage: knowledge, society & the environment
This course examines the significance of scientific and other forms of knowledge, with reference
to the environment and sustainability. It draws from history and philosophy of science, science and
technology studies, environmental history, political science, political ecology, postcolonial inquiry, and
environmental justice. It focuses on these ideas in the Canadian context.
CAST 6301H – Policy, economy & society: approaches & contemporary issues.
This course explores the political economy tradition in Canada, and specifically the complex
relationship between the state, economy, society, politics, and culture. The course content will provide
essential grounding in the approaches, methods, and themes that have been critical to the ongoing
development of this Canadian tradition.
CAST 6401H – Identities: the Canadian body & the body politic
The course directly addresses a wave of identity politics and its controversial place even within
seemingly identity-based movements. Readings on gender, queer theory and politics, disability, aging,
and race will come from sociology and political science as well as cultural, literary and film studies.
CAST 6501H – Women & gender relations
This course explores the scholarly interpretations, debates, and theories that have shaped our
understanding of women and gender in the Canadian and North American context. The historical
and social construction of gender identity, culture, and sexualities are explored, and topics such as
work, reproduction, ‘race, ’ colonialism, political engagement and social movements.
CAST 6606H – Ph.D. tutorial
Reading and research tutorials. A program of research and written work in an area not covered by
an existing graduate seminar.
CAST 6070H – Ph.D. comprehensive examination
Available only to Ph.D. students. Students will receive a grade of Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory or Pass
with Distinction.
CAST 6080H – Ph.D. comprehensive examination
Available only to Ph.D. Students. Students will receive a grade of Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory or Pass
with Distinction