Course Overview
This course introduces students to a particular issue in the humanities or social sciences by surveying major ideas relevant to that issue. The course will vary from term to term, and focus on issues of cultural, literary, artistic, technological, and/or scientific concern. Examples include aboriginal studies; comparative religion; current trends in visual culture; environmental stability and social justice; history of ideas; information technology and society; and science and the humanities. HSSC 1100 promotes cultural and civic literacy by exploring important social and cultural issues in order to enhance the ability of students to contribute positively to workplaces and communities. Where applicable the course may require group or individual assignments that require students to put ideas communicated in the course into practice, such as making a film, or designing a website or digital game.
Prerequisite(s)
- C+ in Grade 12 English.
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$629.13
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe specific humanities or social sciences issues presented in the course.
- Assess the basis of opposing points of view on course topics.
- Show an understanding of concepts of context, historical period, culture, society, and issues of enduring human concern (e.g., the individual's relationship to society, technology, authority), as they relate to the overall course topic.
- Apply, in course assignments and discussions, the approaches, ideas, and solutions of a specific discipline within the humanities or social sciences.
- Critically read and assess material from disciplines, genres, and eras other than those normally encountered in her/his BCIT technology program.
- Evaluate credibility, context, evidence, and soundness of reasoning related to themes of the course.
- Compare historical and current approaches to ideas and controversies presented in the course.
- Produce short-answer and essay analyses of ideas and arguments contained in course material.
- Produce written arguments and essays, and oral arguments in class discussion that demonstrate skills in critical thinking, reading, and writing.
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic citation procedures in the primary academic discipline of the course.
- Show an understanding of the method of inquiry used by a discipline within the social sciences or humanities to study a topic or issue of the course.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2021
Related Programs
Selected Topics in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSSC 1100) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Construction and the Environment
- Residential Interiors
Diploma Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2026
Below is one offering of HSSC 1100 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 89558
Dates
Jan 05 - Apr 17 Loading
- CRN 89558
- $629.13 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- On the start date of the course, you will have access to the course link in the Learning Hub. FINAL EXAMS: Final exams will be held IN-PERSON on the Burnaby campus in the last week of the course. If you live outside the Lower Mainland area you will be required to have an approved proctor to administer the exam. You are directly responsible for any invigilation fees and related costs. The topic for this term is "Design & Imagination". To most of us, design is invisible. Until it fails. This course explores what goes into the objects we use, covet, and throw away. Nothing exists that isn’t designed. We will consider & learn from the great designers of our time & apply their insights & breakthroughs to objects & things we care deeply about. But remember, first we shape our tools thereafter they shape us. *(A)* This is NOT a SELF-PACED course. There will be specific timelines for assignments and exams. Course content, kind and quality of assignments and general standards for this online course are the same as classroom courses. You will have discussions and assignments to complete each week (although you do NOT have to be online at a particular time or day).
Confirmation
Required
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Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.