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This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://calendar.carleton.ca.

School of Canadian Studies
1206 Dunton Tower
613-520-2366
http://carleton.ca/cdnstudies

This section presents the requirements for programs in:

Program Requirements

M.A. Canadian Studies (5.0 credits)

Requirements - coursework pathway (5.0 credits)
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
2. 4.5 credits in additional coursework chosen from available elective courses. Subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor, 1.0 credit may be taken outside the program in a related discipline.4.5
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - research essay pathway (5.0 credits)
1.  1.0 credit in M.A. Research Essay1.0
CDNS 5908 [1.0]
Research Essay
2.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
3. 3.5 credits in additional coursework chosen from available elective courses. Subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor, 1.0 credit may be taken outside the program in a related discipline. 3.5
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - thesis pathway (5.0 credits)
1.  2.0 credits in M.A. Thesis2.0
CDNS 5909 [2.0]
M.A. Thesis
2.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
3. 2.5 credits in additional coursework chosen from available elective courses. Subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor, 1.0 credit may be taken outside the program in a related discipline.2.5
Total Credits5.0

Thesis/Research Essay Proposal
At the time of declaring their option, thesis/research essay students are encouraged to declare a preliminary topic and tentative list of potential supervisors. Thesis/research essay students must submit a research proposal to the School that has been approved by their thesis/research essay supervisor prior to registering in CDNS 5908 [1.0] or CDNS 5909 [2.0].

NOTE: Students in the thesis or research essay option are restricted to a maximum of 0.5 credit in a Directed Studies course ( CDNS 5901 [0.5]).

M.A. Canadian Studies
with Concentration in Heritage Planning and Studies (5.0 credits)

Requirements - Thesis pathway:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
2.  1.0 credit in:1.0
CDNS 5401 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation: History, Principles, and Concepts
CDNS 5402 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation: Theory in Practice
3.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5400 [0.5]
Space, Landscape and Identity in Canada
4.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5403 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation and Sustainability
5.  0.5 credit from:0.5
Approved elective [0.5 credit], or
CDNS 5801 [0.5]
Internship/Practicum ( topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies, approved by SICS graduate supervisor)
CDNS 5901 [0.5]
Directed Studies ( topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies, approved by SICS graduate supervisor)
6.  2.0 credits in:2.0
CDNS 5909 [2.0]
M.A. Thesis (in a topic related to heritage planning and studies, to be approved by SICS graduate supervisor)
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Research essay pathway:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
2.  1.0 credit in:1.0
CDNS 5401 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation: History, Principles, and Concepts
CDNS 5402 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation: Theory in Practice
3.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5403 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation and Sustainability
4.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5400 [0.5]
Space, Landscape and Identity in Canada
5.  1.5 credits from:1.5
Approved elective(s), and/or:
CDNS 5800 [1.0]
Internship/Practicum (topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies)
CDNS 5801 [0.5]
Internship/Practicum (maximum 1.0 credit, topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies)
CDNS 5900 [1.0]
Directed Studies (topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies)
CDNS 5901 [0.5]
Directed Studies (maximum 1.0 credit, topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies)
6.  1.0 credit in:1.0
CDNS 5908 [1.0]
Research Essay (in a topic related to heritage planning and studies, to be approved by SICS graduate supervisor)
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - Coursework pathway:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
2.  1.0 credit in:1.0
CDNS 5401 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation: History, Principles, and Concepts
CDNS 5402 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation: Theory in Practice
3.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5403 [0.5]
Heritage Conservation and Sustainability
4.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5400 [0.5]
Space, Landscape and Identity in Canada
5.  2.5 credits from:2.5
Approved elective(s), and/or:
CDNS 5800 [1.0]
Internship/Practicum (topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies, approved by SICS graduate supervisor)
CDNS 5801 [0.5]
Internship/Practicum (maximum 1.0 credit, topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies, approved by SICS graduate supervisor)
CDNS 5900 [1.0]
Directed Studies (topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies, approved by SICS graduate supervisor)
CDNS 5901 [0.5]
Directed Studies (maximum 1.0 credit, topic or activity related to heritage planning and studies, approved by SICS graduate supervisor)
Total Credits5.0

M.A. Canadian Studies
with Collaborative Specialization in Digital Humanities (5.0 credits)

Requirements - coursework pathway (5.0 credits)
1.  1.0 credit in:1.0
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
DIGH 5000 [0.5]
Issues in the Digital Humanities
DIGH 5800 [0.0]
Digital Humanities: Professional Development
2.  1.0 credit in approved Digital Humanities elective courses. 1.0
3.  3.0 credits in approved elective courses, Internship/Practicum, or Directed Studies.3.0
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - research essay pathway (5.0 credits)
1.  1.0 credit in:1.0
CDNS 5908 [1.0]
Research Essay (in the specialization)
2.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
3.  0.5 credit from:0.5
DIGH 5000 [0.5]
Issues in the Digital Humanities
DIGH 5800 [0.0]
Digital Humanities: Professional Development
4.  1.0 credit in approved Digital Humanities elective courses. 1.0
5.  2.0 credits in approved elective courses, Internship/Practicum, or Directed Studies.2.0
Total Credits5.0
Requirements - thesis pathway (5.0 credits)
1.  2.0 credits in:2.0
CDNS 5909 [2.0]
M.A. Thesis (in the specialization)
2.  0.5 credit in:0.5
CDNS 5001 [0.5]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada
3.  0.5 credit from:0.5
DIGH 5000 [0.5]
Issues in the Digital Humanities
DIGH 5800 [0.0]
Digital Humanities: Professional Development
4.  1.0 credit in approved Digital Humanities elective courses.1.0
5.  1.0 credit in approved elective courses, Internship/Practicum, or Directed Studies.1.0
Total Credits5.0
Thesis/Research Essay Proposal

At the time of declaring their option, thesis/research essay students are encouraged to declare a preliminary topic and tentative list of potential supervisors. Thesis/research essay students must submit a research proposal to the School that has been approved by their thesis/research essay supervisor prior to registering in CDNS 5908 or CDNS 5909.

Ph.D. Canadian Studies (3.0 credits)

Requirements:
1.  1.0 credit in:1.0
CDNS 6900 [1.0]
Ph.D. Core Seminar: Interdisciplinarity in Canadian Studies: Concepts, Theories and Methods
2.  1.0 credit in 5000- or 6000-level courses or tutorials (or the equivalent) offered by the School (or approved by the Graduate Supervisor); a GPA of 9.0 or better must be obtained in these courses for students to be allowed to proceed to the comprehensive examinations.1.0
3.  1.0 credit in the successful completion of two 0.5-credit written comprehensive examinations. Students will be examined in two areas of research. (See note)1.0
4. Language requirement: satisfactory demonstration of an understanding of a language other than English.
5. A public defence, in English, of a written thesis proposal. Following the completion of their comprehensives, students will be expected to defend a proposal of the research and analysis they plan to undertake in completing their Ph.D. thesis. The thesis proposal defence should normally occur within six months after completion of a student's comprehensive examinations and within the first 27 months of registration in the program. The thesis committee will be composed of three faculty members, always including one from each university.
6.  0.0 credits in a Thesis, which must be successfully defended in English at an oral examination:0.0
CDNS 6909 [0.0]
Ph.D. Thesis
Total Credits3.0

Note - Comprehensive Examinations: Full-time students are expected to complete their comprehensive examinations within 24 months of their initial registration in the Ph.D. program. Part-time Ph.D. students should finish their comprehensive examinations within 36 months of completing course work. Both full-time and part-time students should complete their comprehensive examinations before defending their dissertation proposal.  Candidates are required to take an oral examination after each written examination.

Language Requirement
This requirement is normally fulfilled in at least one of the following ways: providing evidence of proficiency in a language other than English; completing 1.0 credit in non-English language courses at Carleton University or another post-secondary institution; and/or receiving individual instruction or participating in an online and/or community-led language learning program and providing certification of completion and/or obtaining attestation of basic proficiency from the instructor.

Ph.D. Canadian Studies
with Collaborative Specialization in Political Economy (3.0 credits)

Requirements:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
PECO 6000 [0.5]
Political Economy: Core Concepts
2.  0.5 credit in a relevant political economy course from the approved list or the comprehensive in the major field of Policy, Economy and Society.0.5
3.  1.0 credit in:1.0
CDNS 6900 [1.0]
Ph.D. Core Seminar: Interdisciplinarity in Canadian Studies: Concepts, Theories and Methods
4.  1.0 credit in the successful completion of two 0.5-credit written comprehensive examinations. Students will be examined in two areas of research. (See note)1.0
5. Language requirement: satisfactory demonstration of an understanding of a language other than English.
6. A public defence, in English, of a written thesis proposal. Following the completion of their comprehensives, students will be expected to defend a proposal of the research and analysis they plan to undertake in completing their Ph.D. thesis. The thesis proposal defence should normally occur within six months after completion of a student's comprehensive examinations and within the first 27 months of registration in the program. The thesis committee will be composed of three faculty members, always including one from each university.
7.  0.0 credits in a Thesis (in the specialization which must be successfully defended in English at an oral examination):0.0
CDNS 6909 [0.0]
Ph.D. Thesis (in the specialization)
Total Credits3.0

Note - Comprehensive Examinations: full-time students are expected to complete their comprehensive examinations within 24 months of their initial registration in the Ph.D. program. Part-time Ph.D. students should finish their comprehensive examinations within 36 months of completing course work. Both full-time and part-time students should complete their comprehensive examinations before defending their dissertation proposal.  Candidates are required to take an oral examination after each written examination.

Language Requirement
This requirement is normally fulfilled in at least one of the following ways: providing evidence of proficiency in a language other than English; completing 1.0 credit in non-English language courses at Carleton University or another post-secondary institution; and/or receiving individual instruction or participating in an online and/or community-led language learning program and providing certification of completion and/or obtaining attestation of basic proficiency from the instructor.

Canadian Studies (CDNS) Courses

CDNS 5001 [0.5 credit]
M.A. Core Seminar: Conceptualizing Canada

Interdisciplinary perspectives on theoretical and methodological approaches to Canadian Studies.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in the School.

CDNS 5002 [0.5 credit]
Interdisciplinary Methods

A survey of the issues raised by problem-directed methodologies; critiques of existing methodology including from the standpoints of feminist and Aboriginal scholarship.

CDNS 5003 [0.5 credit]
Selected Topics in Canadian Studies

Topic varies from year to year.

CDNS 5101 [0.5 credit]
Indigenous Peoples, Canada and the North

Interdisciplinary seminar exploring selected Indigenous issues as they relate to historical and ongoing changes in material, social, and cultural phenomena and relationships.
Precludes additional credit for CDNS 5100.

CDNS 5102 [0.5 credit]
Indigenous Politics and Resurgence in Canada

Interdisciplinary seminar exploring selected themes in Indigenous politics, experience, and philosophy since the 1960s.
Precludes additional credit for CDNS 5100.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies.

CDNS 5201 [0.5 credit]
Critical Perspectives on Canadian Feminism

Interdisciplinary seminar examining Canadian contributions to feminist and gender theory as well as developments in women's movements in a Canadian context.
Precludes additional credit for CDNS 5200.

CDNS 5202 [0.5 credit]
Gendering Canada: Selected Contemporary Debates

Interdisciplinary seminar focusing on specific themes that define Canadian women's and gender studies. Themes change yearly but past topics have included sexuality and sexual practices, health and reproductive rights, the body, motherhood and work.
Precludes additional credit for CDNS 5200.

CDNS 5301 [0.5 credit]
Canadian Cultural Studies

The arts, belief systems, institutions and communicative practices in Canada in relation to other social and historical structures.
Precludes additional credit for CDNS 5300.

CDNS 5302 [0.5 credit]
Canadian Cultural Policy

Evolution of Canadian cultural policy from its origins through to the contemporary search for cultural cohesion within a global context, emphasizing developments since the Massey Commission.
Precludes additional credit for CDNS 5300.

CDNS 5400 [0.5 credit]
Space, Landscape and Identity in Canada

Explorations of cultural landscapes and competing constructions of space. Topics may include: settler-colonial space-making, whiteness and space, diasporic space, geographies of gender and sexuality, and different understandings of nature/culture.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as CDNS 4400, for which additional credit is precluded.

CDNS 5401 [0.5 credit]
Heritage Conservation: History, Principles, and Concepts

History of heritage conservation theory in Canada and abroad, as it affects both tangible and intangible heritage; development of the field's conceptual frameworks and operational principles for understanding, evaluating, conserving and managing significant Canadian places of heritage value.

CDNS 5402 [0.5 credit]
Heritage Conservation: Theory in Practice

Application of heritage conservation theory to practice. Models for conservation and management of heritage resources in Canada. Research, planning, development, interpretation and the interplay of disciplines within these conservation domains. Frameworks for evaluating programs and policies. Field exercises and visits.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

CDNS 5403 [0.5 credit]
Heritage Conservation and Sustainability

Exploration of the recent shift in heritage conservation discourse that embraces objectives of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Investigation of synergies and gaps between natural and cultural conservation ideas. Introduction to theory, principles and practices through analysis of Canadian and international research, policy and projects.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as CDNS 4403, for which additional credit is precluded.
Seminar three hours per week.

CDNS 5501 [0.5 credit]
Decolonizing Canada: Cultural Politics and Collective Identities

Interdisciplinary examination of the politics of race, gender, class and cultural pluralism in Canada. Critical theoretical exploration of nationalism, regionalism, multiculturalism, neoliberalism, Aboriginal politics, diaspora and global human rights regimes and claims.

CDNS 5601 [0.5 credit]
Constructing Canada: The Politics of National Identity

Interdisciplinary examination of national identity, public opinion, and public policy; the intersection of national visions of Canada and public policy; and the articulation of Canadian distinctiveness and sovereignty on the world stage. Topics include nationalism and national identity, branding Canada, and selected policy fields.

CDNS 5700 [0.5 credit]
Arctic Passages: The Changing Dynamics of Canada's North

Interdisciplinary exploration of changing political, economic, and cultural relationships between Inuit and non-Inuit interests in the Canadian Arctic. Emphasis on the role of global processes, such as the rise of the circumpolar movement and environmental change, in mediating these relationships.

CDNS 5800 [1.0 credit]
Internship/Practicum

Internships or practicum placements are set in an institutional setting outside of the University. Students in the research essay option are restricted to a maximum of 0.5 credits in an Internship/Practicum. Students must complete a formal written paper in addition to their internship/practicum activities.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): completion of one full credit of coursework in Canadian Studies and prior approval of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies. For students in the coursework option only.

CDNS 5801 [0.5 credit]
Internship/Practicum

Internships or practicum placements are set in an institutional setting outside of the University. Students in the research essay option are restricted to a maximum of 0.5 credits in an Internship/Practicum. Students must complete a formal written paper in addition to their internship/practicum activities.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): completion of one full credit of coursework in Canadian Studies and prior approval of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies. For students in the coursework or research essay option only.

CDNS 5900 [1.0 credit]
Directed Studies

Reading and research tutorials supervised by a qualified adviser, in an area not covered by an existing seminar. Directed Studies are organized by individual students with a faculty member.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies.

CDNS 5901 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies

Reading and research tutorials supervised by a qualified adviser, in an area not covered by an existing seminar. Directed Studies are organized by individual students with a faculty member.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies.

CDNS 5908 [1.0 credit]
Research Essay

Approval of the Research Essay Proposal is required prior to registration in this course.

CDNS 5909 [2.0 credits]
M.A. Thesis

Approval of the Thesis Proposal is required prior to registration in this course.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

CDNS 6900 [1.0 credit]
Ph.D. Core Seminar: Interdisciplinarity in Canadian Studies: Concepts, Theories and Methods

Available only to Ph.D. students in Canadian Studies. An examination of the complex theoretical and methodological issues associated with the discourse on an interdisciplinary study of Canada. Offered at Carleton and Trent through a combination of joint sessions at both universities and regular electronic communication.
Prerequisite(s): enrolment in the Canadian Studies Ph.D. program.

CDNS 6901 [0.5 credit]
Ph.D. Tutorial

Available only to Ph.D. students in Canadian Studies. Reading and research tutorials. A program of research and written work in an area not covered by an existing graduate seminar.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies.

CDNS 6902 [0.5 credit]
Ph.D. Tutorial

Available only to Ph.D. students in Canadian Studies. Reading and research tutorials. A program of research and written work in an area not covered by an existing graduate seminar.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies.

CDNS 6905 [0.5 credit]
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

Available only to Ph.D. students in Canadian Studies. Students will receive a grade of Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory or Pass with Distinction.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies.

CDNS 6907 [0.5 credit]
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

Available only to Ph.D. students in Canadian Studies. Students will receive a grade of Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory or Pass with Distinction.
Prerequisite(s): permission of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies.

CDNS 6909 [0.0 credit]
Ph.D. Thesis

Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Prerequisite(s): permission of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies.

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

Regulations

The minimum requirements for the master's program are outlined in the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

The School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies specifies that all candidates must select one of the following three program patterns:

  • 5.0 credits of coursework
  • 4.0 credits plus a 1.0 credit research essay
  • 3.0 credits plus a 2.0 credit thesis

Students must declare their option as coursework, thesis, or research essay no later than the end of the second term of registration for students enrolled full-time, and no later than the end of the fifth term of registration for students enrolled part-time. For students beginning their program in September the deadline is the following April 30, and for students starting in January the deadline is the following August 31.

Regulations

Consult the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

Doctoral candidates must successfully complete 10.0 credits. Candidates with deficiencies in certain areas may be admitted to the Ph.D. program, but normally will be required to complete additional work.

Academic Standing
All Ph.D. candidates must obtain at least B+ standing or better (GPA 9.0) in each course counted towards the degree. Comprehensive examinations (which will be graded on a Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory or Pass with Distinction basis) are exempted from this required standing.

Admission

Applicants to the M.A. Canadian Studies are required to hold a B.A. Honours (or the equivalent), with at least high honours standing.

Accelerated Pathway

The Accelerated Pathway into the M.A. in Canadian Studies is a flexible and individualized plan of study for students in their final year of a B.A. Honours in Canadian Studies or a B.A. Indigenous Studies Combined Honours. Students intending to pursue an M.A. in Canadian Studies at Carleton may take up to 1.0 credit at the 5000 level in their final year of undergraduate study and receive advanced standing in the M.A. program with those credits transferred to the graduate program, thereby reducing their time to completion of the M.A.

Students in their third-year of study in these undergraduate degree programs  should seek permission from the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies to determine if the Accelerated Pathway is appropriate for them and to discuss their selection of courses for their final year of undergraduate studies. 

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

  1. Minimum overall CGPA of A- at the end of the third year of undergraduate studies
  2. Grade of at least B+ in the 1.0 of 5000-level CDNS courses taken in the fourth year of undergraduate studies.
Qualifying Year

Applicants who do not qualify for direct admission to the master's program may, in exceptional cases, be admitted to a qualifying-year program. However, admission to the qualifying-year program does not imply automatic admission to the master's program. At the end of the qualifying-year program the student will be required to apply for entry into the master's program, at which time the School will determine the student's eligibility to enter the program.

Proficiency in English

Proficiency in English is necessary to pursue graduate studies at Carleton University. All applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy this requirement by presenting a TOEFL score of 600 or higher.

Admission

Admission to the Ph.D. Canadian Studies requires a master's degree (or equivalent), with at least high honours standing in Canadian Studies or one of the disciplines represented in the School. Applicants should note, however, that meeting the admission requirement does not guarantee admission to the program.

The Ph.D. program in Canadian Studies normally will be undertaken on a full-time basis. In cases of exceptional merit, the School will accept a few candidates for the degree on a part-time basis.