Overview
The program explores Canadian issues and realities, such as the country’s vast and varied geography, regional distinctions, history and politics, public policy, culture, economy, the environment, Indigenous peoples, bilingualism, and multiculturalism.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study Canadian studies at Mount Allison?
Mount Allison’s Canadian Studies program is one of the oldest in the country.
The program addresses some of the most pressing topics in contemporary society: diversity, community, cultural literacy, and national identities.
The multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches of Canadian Studies courses are a distinguishing feature of the program. Questions about Canada and the world are addressed across departments and disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences.
Canadian Studies is available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- BA honours (72 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Canadian Arts and Culture is available as an undergraduate certificate (18 credits).
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
Centre for Indigenous and Critical Canadian Studies
As a Canadian Studies student, you can take advantage of Mount Allison’s Centre for Indigenous and Critical Canadian Studies, an active research centre that works closely with the Canadian studies academic program.
The Centre supports and extends student learning through an exceptional program of public lectures, conferences, and extracurricular events; hosts visiting scholars; and supports student initiatives and academic projects.
Experiential learning
Upper-year students have opportunities to work as teaching assistants and research assistants at the Centre for Indigenous and Critical Canadian Studies, as well as attend conferences.
In addition, there are paid internship opportunities, such as the Bradbrooke Smith Internship in Canadian Studies.
Edgar and Dorothy Davidson Collection of Canadiana
91Â鶹is home to the , a rich collection of Canadiana books, imprints, and manuscripts of great rarity and value, and examples of early Canadian glass, 18th century Canadian furniture, and 19th and 20th century Canadian paintings and sculptures.
In first year you will take introductory courses that examine contemporary Canadian issues and institutions as well as Canadian culture and identity.
Second year course options include cultural diversity, media and pop culture, regionalism, and Canadian foodways, while in third year you can explore gender in Canada, Canadian-American relations, and contemporary issues.
Your fourth year provides opportunities for independent studies, seminars, and advanced studies in courses such as Culture of the Maritimes, Aboriginal Political and Legal Issues, and Imagining Canada.
Canadian Studies is an interdisciplinary program, which means that in addition to your Canadian studies courses, you'll be able to take Canadian-centred courses from fields such as:
CANA 1011 — Representing Canada: An Introduction to Canadian Culture
This course provides an introduction to Canadian culture and identity. It examines key Canadian symbols and myths and various forms of cultural expression, including film, the arts, literature, and music in relation to Canadian national identity.
CANA 2121 — Cultural Diversity in Canada
This course explores the key institutions and issues relating to media and popular culture in Canada. Topics include: film, television, state institutions like the CBC, state regulation of media, and the connections among media, consumerism, and public life.
CANA 2311 — Canadian Foodways: Gender, Food, and Culture in Canada
This course explores the interconnections among gender, food, and culture. Topics include: the complex relationships between food production and consumption; food, culture, and national identity; embodiment; food colonialism, food security, and food sovereignty.
CANA 3111 — Mi'kma'ki
This course explores Mi'kma'ki from an interdisciplinary perspective. Topics include: Indigenous history, geographies, politics, language, stories, and culture in the Atlantic region, Mi'kmaw philosophy and ethics, as well as the politics of self-government among various Mi'kmaq, Abenaki, and Wolastoqiyik communities.
CANA 4201 — Culture of the Maritimes
This course explores the history and key elements of Maritime culture. Its focus is on the diversity of Maritime cultural expression.
CANA 4401 — Canada in World Affairs
This course examines Canada's place in world affairs both historically and in the post-global age. It looks at the evolution of Canadian foreign policy, Canadian conceptions of an internationalized self-identity, and key case studies focusing on the situations that challenge Canadian self-conceptions, such as the peacekeeping myth.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Karl Hele
Associate professor, Canadian Studies
What can I do with a Canadian studies degree?
Through experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, Mount Allison's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in law, education, and public administration, while others move directly into careers in public policy, politics, arts, and beyond.
Popular career paths for Canadian Studies graduates include:
- public policy analyst
- municipal, provincial, or federal elected representative
- community/urban planner
- foreign service officer
- journalist
- aboriginal liaison
- entrepreneur/business analyst
- museum curator/director
- arts administrator
- mediator/conflict resolution specialist
- public relations specialist
- teacher/professor
- immigration officer
- economic development officer
- demographer
- heritage researcher/interpreter
- tourism development officer
What is it like to study at Mount Allison?
Majoring in Canadian Studies was the best academic decision I could have made. Drawing from various subjects, the interdisciplinary program has allowed me to continue to pursue topics of interest as well as discover new ones. The flexibility of the program introduced me to new academic areas that I previously would not have considered. Additionally, the Canadian Studies professors have given me a variety of research and teaching assistant opportunities, which has been a great experience!
/current-students/canadian-studies-program
What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to Canadian studies?
Canadian Public Policy
Canadian Public Policy is an interdisciplinary program examining public decision-making and policy processes related to environmental, social, health, and economic policy.
Indigenous Studies
Indigenous Studies provides students with a theoretical, contextual, and engaged knowledge of Indigenous culture, history, politics, law, and community.
Political Science
Political Science provides a strong foundation in Canadian and international politics, comparative politics, and political theory.