Spring Courses 2025

(Spring CRN 14574) A study of the development and role of international organizations in global politics, examining the achievements and limits of institutionalized multilateral cooperation among states. Institutions examined include the UN, NATO, the WTO, the IMF, and the World Bank. Three credits.

(Spring CRN 14572/14573) An introduction to the study of women and politics, this course has three parts: feminist political thought and the women’s movement; political participation and representation; and public policy. Topics include feminist political thought in the Western political tradition; the evolution and politics of the women’s movement; political parties and legislatures; women and work; women and the welfare state. Cross-listed as WMGS 345. Three credits.

(Spring CRN 14575) Topics include research methodology, neuroscience, consciousness, sensation and perception, learning, memory, and cognition. Students have an opportunity to be involved with ongoing research in the department by participating in experiments during the course of the academic term. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 101 or PSYC 100. Three credits.

(Spring CRN 14576) This is a lecture course in which applications of psychology to society will be considered. This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the tools of persuasion (e.g., consistency, reciprocity, liking, social proof, persuasive language, non-verbal cues), how to use these tools in an ethical manner, and apply them to solving everyday life and real-world problems. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 363 or PSYC 375. Three credits.

(CRN: 14577) The focus of this course is on how culture influences human behaviour and mind. The evolution of culture is considered as we dissect the debate surrounding claims that culture exists outside of the human species. Contemporary research and theory in human development and socialization, self-identity and cultural constructs of collectivism and individualism, acculturation and multi-culturalism, building relationships with others, conceptions of health and healing, and the impact of culture on the basic psychological processes will be covered. Three credits.

(Spring CRN 14578) This course will provide an in-depth, scientifically based understanding of development in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Important changes in physical, cognitive, social/emotional development will be discussed, as well as psychosocial issues experienced by adolescents and young adults (e.g., identity, intimacy, risk behaviors) and the contexts in which these developmental tasks occur, including family, relationships, and culture. Credit will be granted for only one of PSYC 383 or PSYC 385(2022-2023). Three credits.   

(Spring CRN 14579) This course is an introduction to the use of supernatural imagery and themes in current tales of superheroes. How are supernatural beings and forces incorporated 148 Religious Studies 2024-2025 StFX ACADEMIC CALENDAR into the stories? How do superheroes function as divine beings? In which ways are the messages presented by DC and Marvel derived from those of world religions? In which ways do they serve as substitutes for religion? Credit will be granted for only one of RELS 216 or RELS 298. Three credits.

(Spring CRN 14580) A study of cults in the context of 20th-century North American society, beginning with defining cults in relation to sects and churches. Topics include neo-paganism; Hare Krishna; the theosophical tradition; the Unification Church; tragic endings to cults such as the Branch Davidians and Heaven’s Gate; why people join cults; and the religio-cultural significance of cults today.  Three credits.

(Spring CRN 14581/14582) Students gain an understanding of the diversity of Islam and Muslims in Canada. The course examines how Muslims negotiate their religious identities in Canadian civic society. Students engage critically with different theoretical models shaping conceptions of identity and consider their relevance to public policy debates. The course uses Muslim and non-Muslim authors representing diverse points of view that have an impact on questions of immigration, multiculturalism, and religious pluralism. Cross-listed as SOCI 374. Three credits.

(Spring CRN 14583) This course introduces students to the origins and development of sociological thinking and research, beginning with the foundations of the discipline in the 19th century. Students are then introduced to the concepts and methods within sociology. The objective is to explore the extent and limits of our capacity to change the social world by reference to sociological research in both a Canadian and global context. Credit will be granted for only one of SOCI 101 or SOCI 100. Three credits.