Classical Studies introduces you to the history, culture, and people of the ancient Greco-Roman world. This program includes courses in the history, culture, literature, religion, philosophy, art, and society of ancient Greece and Rome. You’ll have the opportunity to gain a working knowledge of Ancient Greek and Latin languages, and then apply them to study ancient literature in its original form. Guest speakers, films, and field trips will enrich your learning experience. Go to the department web site — Classical Studies Information Sheet (PDF)

In our English program, you’ll develop your analytical and critical capacities, become more sensitive to language use, and hone your writing skills. As an Honours English student, you’ll have the choice of three majors. Literature gives you insight into our world, our culture, and our human identity. Rhetoric and Professional Writing provides intellectual challenge and practical insight into rhetoric, professional writing and information design, and digital media. Literature and Rhetoric is an innovative combination of these two areas. All of our degree plans prepare you for careers that value analytical, critical, and creative thinkers, whether in business, industry, government, teaching, or communications. Go to the department web site — English Information Sheet (PDF)

Making sense of today’s world and planning for tomorrow are impossible without an understanding of what happened yesterday. At Waterloo, studying history will broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding of the world, while enhancing your analytical skills and powers of expression. Our History program offers you a wide range of courses and the opportunity to focus on specific areas of interest, such as Canadian and European history. In small discussion groups in core courses, you share knowledge and ideas, and in senior courses you focus on special interests under the guidance of a professor or tutor. Go to the department web site — History Information Sheet (PDF)

Knowledge of the Middle Ages is vital to a complete understanding of the evolution of modern civilization. The Medieval Studies program, administered jointly by Classical Studies and St. Jerome’s University, brings together the resources of several Faculty of Arts departments to present this important part of our cultural heritage. In this program you explore history, Latin, English and other modern European languages, fine arts, philosophy, religious studies, and classical and medieval studies. Go to the program web site — Medieval Studies Information Sheet (PDF)

In Philosophy, you’ll be asked to read the works of the great philosophers, analyze their arguments, recast them in your own terms, and come to a reasoned assessment of the value of those arguments. You’ll learn to analyze ideas, problems, and arguments; organize research; and extract the essence of masses of information. The program will train you to think clearly, preparing you to debate issues in politics, public policy, business, law, and industry. Go to the department web site — Philosophy Information Sheet (PDF)

Exploring the spiritual dimensions of human experience aids us in our understanding of art, literature, and culture. This program invites you to consider the issues, questions, and ideas that arise in the study of religion and religious communities. Courses offered include world religions, the history of Christianity, Biblical studies, theology, ethics, sociology, and religion and the arts. Go to the department web site — Religious Studies Information Sheet (PDF)

Speech Communication is the only honours program of its kind that focuses on the theorized practice of spoken communication in various settings. Our graduates find their communication skills welcome in diverse fields such as public relations, human resources, training, advertising, computer technology, gerontology, law, and teaching. In the core courses, you’ll focus on public speaking, interpersonal communication, interviewing, speech writing, small group communication, and voice technique. Go to the department web site — Speech Communication Information Sheet (PDF)

The Women's Studies program at Waterloo reflects a new understanding of “humankind,” the study of women and men, with a special focus on gender-based experiences. Women’s history and lives, as well as feminist approaches to them, provide you with a rich background for learning and teaching in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Courses cover such topics as sexuality, family violence, feminist criticism, women in literature, women and religion, women’s health, and women throughout history. You’ll be well prepared for a career in law, social policy planning, community action, or counselling. Go to the program web site — Women's Studies Information Sheet (PDF)

Anthropology is the study of human evolution and human cultures, past and present. The program includes three of the discipline's traditional major sub-fields: Socio-cultural Anthropology, Archaeological Anthropology, and Physical (Biological) Anthropology. You’ll learn techniques of research design, ethnographic field methods, anthropometric measurement, fossil casts, and blood testing. Teaching labs, slides, and films enhance classes, and field trips bring classroom learning to life. Go to the department web site — Anthropology Information Sheet (PDF)

In Economics you study how wealth is produced, distributed, and consumed, and how our society, politics, and culture shape themselves around these activities. You can take a broad range of courses in areas such as finance, public policy, and international economics. If you have an interest in the environment, you can choose the Environmental Economics option, which includes courses from the Faculties of Arts, Science and Environmental Studies. Go to the department web site — Economics Information Sheet (PDF)

Geography is the study of the land, its physical forms, and its relationship to the human beings who live on it. You’ll explore geography as it relates to the environment – local, regional, and international systems – and urban and community development. The practical learning process includes the methods of cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems. Field trips, seminars, lab exercises, and tutorials will provide the opportunity for you to discover the world around you first-hand. Go to the department web site — Geography Information Sheet (PDF)

This interdisciplinary major is designed for students who wish to develop a broad understanding of the origins and impact of law and the legal system upon society. Legal Studies offer you an opportunity to study law and related institutions from the viewpoint of a large number of disciplines, including Political Science, History, Sociology, Philosophy, and Peace and Conflict Studies. The Legal Studies program is an excellent way for you to gain an appreciation of the role of law in everyday life and to explore this area as a possible career option. Go to the program web site— Legal Studies Information Sheet (PDF)

“How does the world work (or not)?” Find out something about the political world, which, if you do think about it, is basic to the lives of all people. Political Science helps you to answer the question if the world that interests you most is global, continental or national. Begin in Fall 2010 with introductory courses on “World Politics”, “International Political Economy”, “States and Nations” around the world, Canadian politics, the Canadian justice system, or how political thinkers thought about how we should act politically. Go to the department web site — Political Science Information Sheet (PDF)

Psychology, one of the most popular majors in the Faculty of Arts, is the scientific approach to understanding mind and behaviour. Our professors are world-renowned scholars and researchers who are dedicated to providing high-quality undergraduate programs. You’ll have the opportunity to study psychological theory in depth and to engage in research that includes hands-on lab experience and data collection. You’ll gain insight into the ways this knowledge can be used to solve problems experienced by individuals, systems, organizations and society. Go to the department web site — Psychology Information Sheet (PDF)

If you’re interested in a career in the helping professions, this program may be just what you’re looking for. This unique multidisciplinary entry program draws together courses in social work, sociology, psychology, and interdisciplinary social science. This program is designed to prepare you for a career in professions such as social work, counselling, education, and human resources. You’re encouraged to volunteer with local agencies to gain practical work experience while completing this program. Go to the department web site — Social Development Studies Information Sheet (PDF)

Sociology is the study of society, including human groups as small as the family and as large as the population of North America. Sociologists attempt to understand social interaction and the principles by which society is organized. UW offers you a comprehensive program, covering such subjects as age, class, ethnicity, religion, gender, criminality, education, work, social change, and politics. You’ll develop marketable skills in survey methodology and analysis, and observational field study methods. Go to the department web site — Sociology Information Sheet (PDF)

Sexuality and family relationships are fundamental to our identity as human beings. If you want to pursue in-depth studies in this area, or if you’re planning to work in counselling, therapy, social work, teaching, or health care, you can gain the necessary background through this wide-ranging, multidisciplinary program . Go to the program web site — Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies Information Sheet (PDF)

Our Drama program offers you a balance of practical theatre experience and academic theory. You’ll explore the world of the theatre by taking courses in dramatic literature, acting and theatre design, technology, and management. Practical courses in set design, lighting, stage management, acting, voice technique, stage combat, and audition repertoire will prepare you for all aspects of theatre work. Facilities available to you include 2 theatres and a studio. You’ll have the opportunity to gain experience as an actor, technician, designer, or manager in our numerous annual productions. Go to the department web site — Drama Information Sheet (PDF)

In the Fine Arts program at Waterloo, you can specialize in Art History, Film Studies, or Studio. We offer a wide range of courses in painting, drawing, sculpture, print making, computer imaging, art history, and film studies. Our program will provide you with a critical basis for understanding the fine arts. You’ll put skills gained in the classroom to use not only in the studio, but also on trips to museums and galleries in Chicago, New York and Toronto. You’ll even have the opportunity to study abroad in such places as France, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Go to the department web site — Fine Arts Information Sheet (PDF)

Waterloo offers a strong core of history, theory, and performance courses, and our music program will also be attractive to you if you’re interested in crossing the lines between music and other areas of study – if you like to explore the “edges” of music. The program offers you a choice of courses in music history and theory, popular music and culture, jazz, world music, conducting, and women’s issues in music. Studio courses in voice, piano, and orchestral instruments allow you to apply theory to practice. Go to the department web site — Music Information Sheet (PDF)

The French Studies Department offers language courses from the basic to the advanced level, as well as a wide range of courses in French linguistics, literature, culture and civilization. Most courses are taught in French, allowing you to fully develop your comprehension, speaking, and writing skills. We also offer a French Teaching Specialization that guarantees your acceptance to the Faculty of Education at Nipissing University once you’ve completed your program at Waterloo. This specialization is available only through Honours Arts. Go to the department web site — French Information Sheet (PDF)

At Waterloo, you can choose to specialize in German communications, literature, or studies in German history and civilization. Many courses are taught in German, allowing you to develop your comprehension, speaking, and writing skills. Language courses are taught from the basic level, for students with little or no knowledge of German, to the advanced level, with intensive practice in spoken and written German. Applied German language courses prepare you for many fields, including international business. Go to the department web site — German Information Sheet (PDF)

In the Honours Russian program, you’ll study Russian language, literature, history, and culture. Language courses are taught primarily in Russian and are available from the basic level, for students with little or no knowledge of Russian, to the advanced, in which you’ll gain skills in conversation, grammar, and composition. Special language courses in business Russian will prepare you for a career in international business and commerce. We also offer Polish language courses up to the intermediate level, and Croatian up to the advanced level. Go to the department web site - Russian and Eastern European Information Sheet (PDF)

The study of Spanish language and culture provides you with a better understanding of the Hispanic world. Our language-oriented stream emphasizes understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. The department also offers courses for business and translation, which help prepare you for a career in business, government, or international relations. Our civilization and literature-oriented stream prepares you for a teaching career or graduate studies. Spanish/English translation is also available as a diploma, option, or specialization. Go to the department web site — Spanish Information Sheet (PDF)