Students completing Certificate/Diploma programs may be required to complete General Education Band Selection (Elective) courses as part of their program of study.
Important Information
- There are two parts to the list of available courses displayed on this page. Please read the list headers for more information.
- The first list contains courses that are pre-approved as electives for all students / all programs.
- The second list contains courses that require approval.
- The course you choose must NOT be related to (or included in) your program of studies.
View a list of restricted courses by program
If you are choosing a General Education Elective from a list of Missed/Failed, or Special Authorized courses, or through Continuing Education:
- The course chosen must NOT be related to (or included in) your program of studies.
- The chart below identifies the restrictions for the programs listed:
Continuing Education offers a selection General Education courses each term.
This list is for the entire Spring 2021 term.
Click on the Check Availability button to determine if the course you’re interested in is open for registration.
The following courses can be applied to any program available at Mohawk College.
Upon successful completion credits for these courses will be automatically applied as general education electives to your academic record/MAP.
Art Through the Ages – ARTT10052
A survey of primarily Western artistic traditions beginning with Ancient Greece and Rome provides an understanding of continuity and change in art making through the ages. The exploration of art movements is framed thematically in relation to societal issues. Introduces Asian, Islamic, First Nations and African art. 45 hours.
Arts and Science Introduction – GSCI10015
How do we know what is real? What makes us who we are? What forces shape our world? What makes us happy? Explore these questions through an issues-based approach that addresses concerns relevant to everyday life: Are there different ways of knowing? Is the self – one’s identity, character, behaviour – the result of natural forces or cultural conditioning or both? How much control can individuals have in the face of powerful natural and cultural forces? What kinds of fulfillment might we strive for in an imperfect world? Explore these questions through an interdisciplinary approach introducing you to various fields in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. 42 hours.
Astronomy – GSCI10006
Discover the wonders of Astronomy. Examine the bodies of the Solar System, and learn interesting facts about the planets and their moons, the stars, nebulae and galaxies. 45 hours.
Brewing History – HOSP10042
Investigate the relationship that beer has had with humanity from the dawn of history to present day. Explore the mystery of fermentation, beer's central role in the development of ancient civilization, the move from medieval kitchens to commercial breweries, how beer shaped the New World, the link between location and style, the development of a global beer, and the current beer revolution. 42 hours.
Bridging Two Worlds: Connecting with Indigenous People of Canada – INDS10015
Familiarize yourself with Indigenous worldviews and learn from, and about, Indigenous people to dispel stereotypes and myths. Identify and discuss major events in Canada that have led to the issues facing Indigenous people today. 42 hours.
Chocolate History – CULI10087
Survey the 4000 year old history of chocolate: from ancient Mesoamerica, as a bitter drink of ritual and medicine, to the modern chocolate culture and the mass-produced globalized product of the twentieth century. Investigate import to Europe by the Spanish, the transformation into a sugary drink of the nobility, and the importance to colonization, the slave trade and the Industrial Revolution. 42 hours.
Co-dependency as an Addiction – PSYC10008
Examine the personalities of abusers and those who are abused and how individuals with complimentary personality disorders unite and form bonds. Object Relations Theory and how women and men are unconsciously drawn to abusive partners because of personality disorders caused by childhood abuse or neglect will be the focal point. 45 hours.
Contemporary Canadian Issues – COMM10375
A critical understanding of contemporary Canadian issues is vital to being an active member in our democratic society. Students explore a variety of topics and analyze their ethical implications and relevance to Canadian life. Discussions, debates, and other collaborative activities offer opportunities to consider recent controversies from different perspectives, and use of a variety of media (e.g. newspapers, articles, and other resources online) allows for in-depth reflection on the history and current state of a range of social and political topics.42 hours.
Cults and Terrorism – SSCI10006
Examine conformity issues surrounding religious fundamentalism, sects, cults, and terrorist groups. Explore reasons people join, and why they may have difficulty leaving, society's role in supporting cultic groups and strategies for protecting individuals and vulnerable populations. 42 hours.
Cyberpsychology: Self and Others in a Wired World – PSYC10033
Cyberpsychology is the study of what happens to the human psyche, human emotions, behaviours, 'selves' and group dynamics when engaging with online technologies. You will be introduced to theories and research concerning online technologies and how online technology change us, and influences our attitudes and behaviour. Topics include: beliefs about the self, identity formation, self-presentation, social comparison, and interpersonal relationships (friendship and romantic relationship). Emphasis on the application of social psychological principles to our understanding of behaviour in online settings, with particular emphasis on development of the self. 42 hours.
Emergency on Planet Earth – ENVR10078
What is, and is not, part of nature? How have people related to nature at different points in history? In what ways has human development impacted the natural world? This course is designed to help students better understand the environment, environmental concerns and our relationship to the natural world. In addition, students discuss topics such as the living environment, environmental pollution, eco-disasters, biological sustainability and social responsibility. 42 hours.
Essentials of Canadian History – HIST10019
Study some of the major themes of Canadian history from Confederation to the present. Designed to increase your understanding of how our past influences and engages with the present, and how we are shaping our future. 42 hours.
Field to Fork:Introduction to Local and Global Food Systems – HORT10021
Consider opportunities and challenges for making food system changes at the local and global political, economic and ecological levels. Examine biotechnology, organic farming, climate change, peak oil, water scarcity, and other global issues. 45 hours.
Geography and Human Populations – GSCI10012
Understand the interdependent relationship between geography and the location of human populations. Through scientific inquiry, discover the world's geographic landscape, the global processes that shape planet earth, and their relationship to the location of climates and the natural resources required to sustain healthy societies. 42 hours.
Global Citizenship – SSCI10082
The world is shrinking. The ice caps are melting. Technology enables us to intimately view earthquakes, tsunamis and human rights violations around the world. This reality calls for an understanding of sustainability, diversity and social justice. Gain a personal understanding of yourself as a citizen of the world and apply it in your own life. 48 hours.
Growing Up Digital-Living and Working In Canada – INFO10158
Examine the impact of the Internet and digital media in shaping recent history and influencing the way Canadian youth live, work and play. Gain analytical tools to anticipate and act on future developments. 42 hours.
History of Indigenous/Canadian Relations – INDS10017
Discover the historic stages of the relationship between Indigenous peoples in Canada from contact to present day. Explore world views, cooperation and negotiations through the fur trade era and the impact of government colonial policy on Indigenous communities, cultures and people. 42 hours.
Indigenous Identity & Relationship to the Land – INDS10018
Explore Indigenous cosmology, knowledge and world view and its relationship to the land. Students will be encouraged to examine and locate their own identity and world view in relation to these concepts. 42 hours.
Indigenous Peoples: A Global Perspective – INDS10019
Examine contemporary issues relevant to Indigenous people around the globe. Explore patterns and themes of Indigenous histories. Focus on contemporary revitalization, repatriation and preservation methods employed by Indigenous people and governments around the world. 42 hours.
Introduction to Geology:An Overview of Planet Earth – ENVR10028
Explore the fundamentals of geology. Focus on the formation of the universe, the solar system, the history of the earth, formation of oceans and continents, plate tectonics, and rock types and their formation. 45 hours.
Introduction to Philosophy – SSCI10049
Examine philosophical issues such as self and world perception and investigate the connection between mind, body and spirit. Debate moral, ethical and human rights issues and philosophical paradoxes and learn to draw meaning from personal experiences. 42 hours.
Legalization of Cannabis in Canada – LAWS10215
ACCELERATED! After almost 100 years of prohibition the Canadian government is legalizing the recreational use of cannabis making Canada the second country in the world to do so at a national level. Examine the history of cannabis within Canada, develop insights of factors behind the decision to legalize, discuss the findings of the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Task Force and explore the emerging legal framework surrounding the personal use of cannabis. Must be 19 years of age. 42 hours.
Let's Talk Sports – SPRT10006
Participate in lively sports debates and learn practical techniques to improve your communication. Through examination of topics such as sports and politics, commercialism, and the Olympic movement, benefit from a behind the scenes look at sports issues and develop understanding of the impact of sports on society. Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 42 hours.
Movies, Identity, & Culture – LITR10001
Examine the impact of popular movies on society. Analyze how the use of language in movies affects perceptions of self-identity and social issues, and propose change in real world situations. 42 hours.
Myths And Legends – HISTLLT05
Discover the universal and enduring presence of myths and legends. Examine creation myths, hero/heroine myths, dominant archetypes and other topics to develop insight into how a distant past connects to our contemporary world. Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 42 hours.
Oceanography – ENVR10049
Study the oceans from an historical, geographical, geological and biological perspective. Travel through the "story of the oceans" exploring a different topic each week. 45 hours.
Personality Psychology – PSYC10007
Learn to define personality and its influence on behaviour and actions. Examine patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviour that make a person unique. Explore personality assessment and intelligence testing. 42 hours.
Philosophy of Art Concepts and Theories – SSCI10054
Explore the concepts of art, aesthetics, nature and experience as the subject of artworks, the place of art in life and society and mimetic theories in the philosophy of art. Equivalent to: SSCIPT001. 42 hours.
Sexual Violence – SSCI10008
Study sexual violence in the context of male toward female, female toward male, and incest and child abuse. Examine the reasons for sexually deviant behaviors and the latest strategies for treating victims and perpetrators. 45 hours.
Social Psychology – PSYC10012
Develop an understanding of how and why individuals behave, think and feel in social situations. The study of the individual, his/her thoughts and resultant behaviour in social situations receives particular emphasis. 42 hours.
Society, Technology And Social Issues – SSCISS299
Examine significant technological developments from an historical perspective and consider their immediate social, political, economic and ecological impact. Explore associated ethical dilemmas and implications for the future. 42 hours.
Truth and Reconciliation – INDS10042
Gain an understanding of the historical factors that contributed to the creation of Residential Schools, including the history of colonization and the relationship between the government and Indigenous communities. Reflect upon and further develop your understanding of the ongoing impact of Residential Schools. 42 hours.
Please seek approval before registering for one of the below courses.
If you would like to select a course from this list, ensure you review the list of restricted courses by program document (link above) to verify that the course is eligible as a general education elective for your specific program.
If you have questions or concerns, email General Education.
If you select a course from this list, you must apply for an exemption upon completion to have the credit recognized as a general education elective on your record. These are represented as an “E” on your transcript/MAP and are not calculated as part of your overall GPA.
Anger Management – CONF10005
Learn about the many types of anger and how to manage and/or modify it. Identify your specific anger triggers and how your anger evolves. Personality and behaviour influences will be examined before moving onto comprehensive anger management strategies proven to be highly successful. 42 hours.
Canadian Criminal Justice System – LAWSPF111
This introductory course provides the student with an overview of the Canadian Criminal Justice System with a particular emphasis on the history, function, role and organization of Canadian Law enforcement services. The operation of the criminal justice system will be examined and analysed in light of contemporary issues affecting the system. Each of the major components from enforcement through the courts and correctional services will be explored. 42 hours.
Canadian Literature – COMMLL903
Focus on literary analysis (written and oral) of selected Canadian novels and short stories, with emphasis on target audience, the relevance of setting and plot in relation to Canadian culture and history, and literary devices. 42 hours.
Canadian Politics – SSCISS105
Develop insight into how Canada is governed. Analyze the structure of government in Canada, the practice of politics, and discuss major political issues. 42 hours.
Censorship and the Media – MCOM10060
Examine the history of censorship and its application in current issues. Through exposure to controversial materials and the discourse of censorship, gain an understanding of who controls knowledge, why and to what effect. Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 42 hours.
Criminal Psychology - Psychopathic Minds – PSYC10002
Explore the psychopathic mind and examine how and why some individuals become criminals. Study what is known about serial killers, stalkers, rapists and criminals and current techniques used in criminal profiling and questioning. 42 hours.
Design Thinking – CREA10199
Design Thinking uses a designer mindset to produce business innovations in products and services, with a focus on deep understanding of and empathy with the people who use them. Following a holistic innovation process for an area of interest or organization, students build an initial business case and apply design thinking and creative problem-solving strategies to make innovation a sustainable practice. 45 hours.
Developmental Psychology – PSYCSS271
Examine the growth and changes of mental, social and emotional characteristics from cradle to grave, with special emphasis on development of human personality. 42 hours.
Environmental Citizenship – ENVR10006
Begin the journey to responsible environmental action, with emphasis on global environmental rights and responsibilities, planned sustainable use of our planet’s resources and recognition of environmental health as a prerequisite to human health. 42 hours.
Ethical Issues in Business – BUSN10010
ACCELERATED CRN! Using case studies drawn from real business situations and research papers, you will explore business ethics. Reports and presentations are required. Equivalent to: BUSN10100. 45 hours.
Forensic Psychology – PSYC10001
Interested in understanding or pursuing a career in forensic/correctional psychology? Cover areas related to criminal psychology, police psychology, victimology, victim services, psychology, the courts and correctional psychology. 36 hours.
FUNdamentals of Entrepreneurship – BUSN10272
FUNdamentals of Entrepreneurship is a gamified business simulation where students assume the role of an entrepreneur pursuing their passion of selling clothing online and in their retail store. Player subscribes to guidance of a business coach and builds a successful venture in a virtual neighborhood. Players can upgrade their store and operations by completed learning modules and testing. Through self-paced game play, students learn important business concepts. 45 hours.
Human Origins: Adaptation and Diet – ANTR10005
Explore the origins of humankind and their adaptations. Survey innovations such as bipedalism, stone tools, the Paleo diet and the impact of meat and cooking on the development of the human brain. Trace the origins of modern humans, their migrations patterns, mutations, your ancestral relationships, and recent human dietary adaptions and maladaptations. Students will be expected to attend a 2 hour online lecture on Wednesdays from 10 am - 12 pm. Blended delivery course. 42 hours.
Inclusive Leadership Practices: Leadership in Contemporary Workplaces – MGMT10168
Take this opportunity to analyze the evolving nature of contemporary workplaces in an increasingly globalized world. Various models of leadership will be examined with a focus on practices that build effective work environments. Explore and reflect on your own values and beliefs relative to leadership practices. 42 hours.
Industrial Relations Introduction – LABRPIR08
Examine theory and practice with emphasis on union-management relations, industrial relations processes, and bargaining issues. Explore the collective bargaining process, administration of collective agreements, grievances and arbitration. Equivalent to: HRESHRM06 (Labour Relations (Hrm)). 42 hours.
Intercultural Communication Introduction – COMM10073
Build skills and confidence in communicating respectfully with people from different cultures. Consider differences in gestures, personal space and customs and identify intercultural issues in North American society. 42 hours.
Introduction to Children's Literature – COMMLLT06
Examine the history and development of children’s literature and its varied forms and techniques. Explore major authors and important issues presented in this genre. Note: May involve material that is explicit and/or offensive to some. 42 hours.
Introduction to Psychology – PSYCSS156
ACCELERATED CRN! Examine the basis of human behavior. Study the scientific research process, the human brain and the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning, memory and personality. 42 hours.
Introduction to Sociology – SSCISS108
Explore basic concepts for understanding human behaviour, individual biases, various roles in society and social groupings. 42 hours.
Introduction to Sustainable Development – ENVR10026
Discuss environmental, economic and social issue that impact the sustainability of our communities. Examine the effects of human populations on ecosystems and consider individual responsibility to promote sustainability through lifestyle change. 45 hours.
Learning, Thinking and Problem Solving – PSYC10027
Examine psychology as a science. Curriculum includes methods of research, accepted psychological models, personality, social psychology, motivation and learning theories. Apply your knowledge of the psychological theories and research to your own life and growing understanding of the world. 42 hours.
Nutrition – HLTH10044
Explore the nutritional effectiveness of various diets and food additives. Examine the role of food in maintaining health and reducing the risk of illness and learn to evaluate claims made by food faddists and food vendors. Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 42 hours.
Organizational Behaviour and Administration – BUSNPIR22
ACCELERATED CRN! Examine the Canadian business environment and the management decision making process as an integral component of organizational behaviour. Equivalent to: BUSNOB371 (Introduction to Organizational Behaviour) or HRESHRM02 (Organizational Behaviour). 42 hours.
Political Science & Public Administration – SSCISS027
Gain an understanding of the Canadian governing system, and organizational theories pertaining to public administration, from a law enforcement perspective. 42 hours.
Popular Music and Society – MUSC10114
ACCELERATED CRN! Analyze the sociological aspects of popular music from the 20th century to the mainstream music of today. Emphasizes important trends, genres, labels and individuals in music history. Special attention will be given to Canadian experiences in popular music. 42 hours.
Racism and Discrimination Introduction – SSCI10026
Enhance your awareness of discrimination and racism and explore sociological factors that contribute to bias and prejudice. Consider how to manage these issues as occupational professionals and individuals in a multicultural society. 42 hours.
Science Fiction – COMM10043
Explore our changing world through the medium of science fiction. Discover the amazing narrative and fantastic voyages of this literary genre, through study of various short stories and novels. Prerequisite: College English or equivalent. 42 hours.
Self and Society – SSCI10080
Apply a sociological lens to examine links between human behaviour and the social environment. Explore the diverse perspectives that may be used to explain the connection between behaviour and the social world. Discuss concepts related to social structure, social interaction, inequality or race, ethnicity, and gender, the family, population, and social movements and social change. Equivalent to: SSCISS109. 42 hours.
Social Media and Society – SSCI10045
Explore major developments in social media and its impact on communication, business, government, the economy, and education. Gain hands-on experience with many of the leading social media applications such as Facebook, YouTube, Wikipedia and Twitter. 42 hours.
Sports Psychology – PSYC10009
Examining the individual components of how one's mind works is a valuable tool for performance in specific sporting events. Concepts of psychology are discussed and applied in past, present and future contexts. Evaluate what goes into optimal levels of athleticism by examining how players, coaches and even fans of the sports get psyched. 42 hours.
Stress, Wellness and Nutrition – HLTH10111
Enhance your understanding of positive and negative stress in personal and professional lives. Using wellness perspectives, gain insights into controlling internal and external stressors to promote long-term health. 42 hours.
The Study of Human Sexuality – SSCI10003
Examine historical, theoretical, cross cultural, and life cycle perspectives on human sexuality. Discuss gender relations, body image, sexual diversity, arousal and response, mating, dating, and interpersonal attraction, interpersonal communication, sex education, sexual health or risk, and issues of power or intimacy. 42 hours.
Understanding Literature – COMM10095
Learn to appreciate literature critically by reviewing literary history and examining different genres. Explore themes and conventions associated with these genres and develop an understanding of literary analysis and various critical approaches. Creative-writing students will benefit from a framework in which to appreciate and evaluate their own writing. 45 hours.
World Of Abnormal Psychology – PSYCSS021
Describe the historical perspectives of abnormal psychology and its impact on contemporary views of abnormal psychology. Identify current perspectives of abnormal psychology and various methods of assessment and treatment. Demonstrate knowledge for systems of classification for abnormal behaviours, such as the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association 2013). Equivalent to: Psychology of Adjustment 2 (PSYCSS233). 42 hours.