Print and PDF Options

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

Faculty of Public Affairs and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

First Year Seminar (FYSM) Courses

FYSM 1003 [1.0 credit]
Introduction to Economics

An introduction to the major tools and policy problems of economics. Economic analysis is applied to a variety of contemporary problems such as pollution, poverty, the control of monopoly, unemployment, inflation and international economic problems.
Precludes additional credit for ECON 1000, ECON 1001, and ECON 1002.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B. Econ. or B.G.In.S. program. This course is an intensive version of ECON 1000 geared to students seeking a more in-depth and interactive introduction to economics.
Seminars three hours a week, tutorials one hour a week.

FYSM 1004 [1.0 credit]
Reading Literatures and Cultures

Introduction to active literary reading skills, focusing on at least three literary genres including poetry, prose, and drama, with attention to literary, social, historical, and political contexts. This course is writing attentive. Strongly recommended for English majors. Consult English Department website for annual topics.
Precludes additional credit for ENGL 1000 (no longer offered), ENGL 1100, ENGL 1200, ENGL 1300, ENGL 1400, ENGL 1600, and ENGL 1700.
Prerequisite(s): Normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1101 [1.0 credit]
Location is Everything

Where we live affects who we are. The role of geographic location and environment on human perception, behaviour, and well-being, viewed at scales ranging from local to global; methods of collecting and interpreting information about location.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1104 [1.0 credit]
Human Rights: Issues and Investigations

Arguments that have been used to defend differing positions on rights issues, past and present. The validity of contending arguments; social factors influencing wide-spread acceptance of popular views.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for HUMR 1001.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar and discussion groups three hours a week.

FYSM 1105 [1.0 credit]
Reading the Web

Academic writing and study skills through examination of the literacy and social interaction required for various media. Reading and writing on and for the Web and other forms of computer-mediated communications and cooperative work compared with writing for academic purposes.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1106 [1.0 credit]
Issues in Classics

An investigation of important issues relating to the Greek and Roman worlds. Themes will be drawn from literature, history, art, religion and social life. All texts are in English.
Precludes additional credit for CLCV 1000 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1107 [1.0 credit]
Social Justice and the City

Struggles over social and economic inequality in the city, and their relationship to processes of urbanization and global change. Theories and case studies explaining how urban lives and form are shaped by social movements and urban politics. Broad introduction to critical urban geography.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1108 [0.5 credit]
Sustainable Environments

The causes and consequences of environmental change; emphasis on the interactions of nature and human behaviour. Ways in which the environment can be protected and restored. Environmental issues that affect our own communities.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1204 [1.0 credit]
Language and Identity

The creation and expression of social identities through language: gender, age, ethnic and social background.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Lectures three hours a week.

FYSM 1205 [1.0 credit]
Language and Power

The role of language in maintaining and contesting power relations in domains such as the media, education, advertising, and politics. How meanings are made and exchanged through language in different situations.
Precludes additional credit for ALDS 2705.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Lectures three hours a week.

FYSM 1210 [0.5 credit]
Special Topics in Philosophy

Selected topics in the study of philosophy. Topics offered may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Department of Philosophy.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B. Econ., or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours per week.

FYSM 1211 [0.5 credit]
Looking at Philosophy

An examination of the following: What is logical thinking? Does God exist? Are values relative? Do we have responsibilities? What is a just society? Do we have free will? What is the mind? What is the nature of reality?.
Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1208 (no longer offered), PHIL 1000 and PHIL 1100.
Seminars three hours per week.

FYSM 1212 [0.5 credit]
Contemporary Moral, Social, and Religious Issues

Philosophical problems associated with such topical issues as feminist, critical race and disability theories; atheism vs. theism; the meaning of life; moral relativism vs. moral objectivism; egoistic vs. non-egoistic ethics; euthanasia, abortion, capital punishment and environmental ethics; legal paternalism; freedom of the will.
Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1209 (no longer offered), PHIL 1500, PHIL 1550.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours per week.

FYSM 1217 [0.5 credit]
Selected Topics in Communication and Media Studies

Introductory communication and media studies seminar. Topics offered may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Communication and Media Studies program.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program. (This course is not the equivalent of COMS 1000).
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1300 [1.0 credit]
History of Philosophy

The major figures and developments in philosophy from the early Greeks to the present. A primarily descriptive and comparative approach, through critical reasoning is included for comprehending philosophic development. Provides a background from which to understand the philosophical aspects of other disciplines.
Precludes additional credit for PHIL 1600.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1306 [1.0 credit]
Diversity in Psychological World Views

Theories, research and applications of psychology from the perspective of different cultures and sub-cultures. The validity of psychology across society; how it defines and changes people, and how it reflects and engineers particular social values and norms.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1307 [1.0 credit]
Psychology and Criminal Justice

Theories, research, and practical applications of psychology to the criminal justice system. Topics may include eyewitness testimony, prediction of violence, classification and rehabilitation of offenders, victim studies, and judicial decision making.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1308 [1.0 credit]
Motivating Humans

The psychology of human motivation. Everyday concepts such as laziness in relation to diverse theories and explanations of motivation such as drive-reduction, sociobiology, personal goals, self-actualization and spiritual awareness.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1310 [1.0 credit]
Selected Topics in Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of our thoughts, feelings and behavior. Course examines a selected topic in psychology. The specific topic will vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1400 [1.0 credit]
Cognition: A Scientific Exploration of the Mind

Theories, research, and applications of Cognitive Psychology. Research projects will familiarize students with the scientific method used to study pattern recognition, attention, memory, language and thinking.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1401 [1.0 credit]
Multiculturalism in Canada

Issues relating to the development of and interaction among cultural communities, with major emphasis on the realities of "doing multiculturalism in Canada." Research teams; organized seminars with volunteers from Canadian cultural and community groups.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1402 [1.0 credit]
Issues in Women's and Gender Studies

Emphasis on the development of writing, research and analytical skills through the intensive examination of selected topics in women's studies (e.g. popular culture, media, representation and identity, communications, women's writing, motherhood, sexuality, health, technology, law, politics). Specific themes will vary from year to year.
Precludes additional credit for WGST 1808.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1405 [1.0 credit]
Selected Topics in History

Examination of a selected historical topic in a small-class setting. The development of writing, research, analytical, and oral communication skills necessary for success in upper-level university courses is emphasized. Topics will vary from year to year. (Field will depend on topic).
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1406 [1.0 credit]
How Ottawa Works: Exploring National Institutions

The fundamental political, judicial and administrative institutions that made Canada a unique nation. Students will learn how government institutions are dealing with preservation and maintenance of Canadian cultural and social values.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1408 [1.0 credit]
French on the World Stage

An introduction to the diversity of the French language and of French-language literatures and cultures throughout the francophone world, including Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East. The course is conducted in French. For French majors and students who have completed the placement.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1409 [1.0 credit]
Social Change in Canada

Interdisciplinary analysis of social change and how people change Canada, through an examination of movements like environmentalism, feminism, peace, and antiracism. Examination of broader efforts to reshape Canadian society, including culture-jamming and change through popular culture.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1410 [1.0 credit]
Canadian Popular Culture

Introduction to sites and genres of popular culture in Canada and their intersections with race, gender, sexuality, diaspora, whiteness, regionalism, class and economics.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1450 [1.0 credit]
Topics in Indigenous Studies

Development of academic writing, thinking and study skills and their relationships with Indigenous ways of knowing. The focus is on contemporary Indigenous topics on Turtle Island and internationally.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): enrolment in the Indigenous Enriched Support Program.
Seminar three hours a week

FYSM 1501 [1.0 credit]
The Study of Religions

Inquiries into the nature of religion and its interpretation, or a specific religious theme or a period of religious history. Specific topics will vary from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1502 [1.0 credit]
Selected Topics in Legal Studies

Selected topics in legal studies. Course offerings for the current year are listed at: carleton.ca/first-year-seminars.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1503 [1.0 credit]
Contemporary Culture in Everyday Life

The role of contemporary cultural forms in everyday life. Focus on the culture/power relationship with attention to the ways that popular forms such as television, film, music, and tourism facilitate or work against the cultural and economic interests of different societal groups.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1504 [1.0 credit]
Society and the Designed Environment

Inquiry into the relation between human societies and the material environment which they inhabit and use. Focus is on the ways in which groups create the environments in which they live and the ways in which those environments influence and reproduce the groups.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1505 [1.0 credit]
Introduction to Applied Sociology

Survey of the historic and contemporary contributions of Sociology to various applied fields, which may include official statistics, policy studies, consumer research, and workplace management. Focus on the philosophical, professional, and ethical distinctions between scholarly and applied sociology.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1506 [1.0 credit]
Topics in the Study of Societies

Introductory seminar emphasizing the development of writing, research and analytical skills through the intensive examination of selected topics in the study of historic and contemporary societies.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1508 [1.0 credit]
Stress, Coping and Well-being

How do you cope with stress? We live in a stressful world, and how we cope has implications for our happiness and well-being. We will examine theory and research on how stress affects our lives, how people cope, and what it means to be well-adjusted.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A, B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1509 [1.0 credit]
Special Studies in Art History, Film Studies and/or Music

Topics and focus to be determined on a yearly basis.
Precludes additional credit for FILM 1511.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1510 [1.0 credit]
Moving Image and Sound

Introduction to the discipline of film studies through an examination of mise-en-scène, editing, cinematography, and sound in a selection of important films. Emphasis on the critical vocabulary needed for analysis of motion pictures and other audiovisual media.
Precludes additional credit for FILM 1000, FILM 1101, FILM 1120.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Lecture and screening three hours a week.

FYSM 1511 [0.5 credit]
Special Studies in Art History, Film Studies and/or Music

Topics and focus to be determined on a yearly basis.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1509.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1602 [1.0 credit]
Selected Topics in Political Science

Selected topics in politics and governance. Topics offered may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Department of Political Science.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1603 [1.0 credit]
Full-Year Seminar in European and Russian Studies

Topics offered may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Institute of European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1607 [1.0 credit]
Cognitive Science: Thinking and Knowing

Interdisciplinary examination of discoveries in linguistics, psychology, philosophy, and computer science concerning the question “What is cognition”? Issues may include the mind-brain controversy, the role of language in thought, and artificial versus natural intelligence.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Classes and seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1608 [1.0 credit]
Selected Topics in Economics

Content of this course may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Department of Economics.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.Econ., B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1609 [1.0 credit]
Integrated Studies in Public Affairs and Management

An integrated multidisciplinary exploration of a topic of interest to disciplines within the Faculty of Public Affairs offering Bachelor of Arts programs.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Lecture one and a half hours a week, seminar two hours a week.

FYSM 1610 [1.0 credit]
Understanding Environmental Discourse

An examination of how language and other symbol systems are used to portray and make arguments about ecology and the global environment, with a particular focus on climate change.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

FYSM 1611 [0.5 credit]
One-Term Seminar in Political Science

One-term seminar on selected topics in politics and governance. Topics offered may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Department of Political Science.
Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1602.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1614 [0.5 credit]
One-Term Seminar in European and Russian Studies

Topics offered may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Institute of European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1700 [0.5 credit]
Connecting Academics to Careers in Public Affairs

An introduction to public affairs work and working life, and the development of skills and opportunities for students to plan their university courses and programs of study to connect to a career in public affairs.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1900 [1.0 credit]
Selected Topics In the Study of Academic Discourses

Introductory seminar emphasizing the development of academic writing, research and analytical skills through the intensive examination of a selected topic in the instructor's field of expertise. Specific topics vary from section to section each year.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for FYSM 1605.
Prerequisite(s): enrolment in the Enriched Support Program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1901 [1.0 credit]
Selected Topics in African Studies

Selected topics in the study of Africa. Topics offered may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Institute of African Studies.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B.Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminar three hours a week.

FYSM 1908 [0.5 credit]
One-Term Seminar in Economics

Content of this course may vary from year to year and will be announced in advance of the registration period by the Department of Economics.
Prerequisite(s): normally restricted to students entering the first year of a B.Econ., B.A., B.Cog.Sc., B.Co.M.S., B. Econ. or B.G.In.S. program.
Seminars three hours a week.

Note: Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca.

Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca