ANTHROPOLOGY

Brought to you by the Anthropology Students Association

Anthropology at McGill (Student Perspective):

Anthropology Is... essentially the study of everything concerning humanity and its
interaction with the universe. It ranges from human origins to present societies, and explores the
diversity of human expression throughout time. Sub-disciplines in this department include socio-
cultural anthropology, medical anthropology and archaeology; one also has the ability to tailor a
program to suit ones personal interests within this eclectic field of study.

So if you are the sort of person who is continuously amazed by the baffling creativity,
adaptability and idiocy of people all around the world, intrigued by the incredible difference in
cultural practices, and amused that despite all the variety, it just comes down to getting laid, then
we are the department for you!

Popular Classes:
Whatever interests you specifically will of course be a good class for you, however, word
on the street is these ones are particularly popular:

Socio-cultural Anthropology:
ANTH 204 Symbols Systems, and Ideology
ANTH 208 Evolutionary Anthropology
ANTH 227 Medical Anthropology
ANTH 320 Social Evolution
ANTH 443 Medical Anthropological Theory

Archaeology:
ANTH 201 Prehistoric Archaeology
ANTH 203 Human Evolution
ANTH 311 Primate Behaviour and Ecology
ANTH 335 Ancient Egyptian Civilization
ANTH 413 Gender in Archaeology

Notable Profs:
Micheal Bisson - a definite favourite among anthro and non-anthro students alike, it is
safe to say that he leaves more students starstruck while passing in a Leacock hallway or
the grocery store than arguably any other prof at McGill. An expert flint knapper and
hilarious lecturer, this man is as endearing as the cat which he occasionally brings to class.
Though tough as far as workload goes, his classes cant be beat!
Andre Costopoulos - A must-have prof if there ever was one, prof. Costopoulos is
known for his outside-the- box approach to teaching. The biggest expectation hell have
from you, wonderfully, is merely that you think creatively and apply that thinking. He cares
greatly for the well-being of students and is sympathetic to the stress of the undergraduate
experience. Any burning questions on the universe in general should be directed to this
man.
 Nicole Couture - Perhaps the most appropriately named professor ever, this lady exudes
enviable style everywhere she goes, and in everything she does. This includes, of course,
her lectures and teaching, filled with enough anecdotes and saucy commentary to make
even the driest of material truly thrilling. Her desire to get to know students and treat them
with respect is refreshing... dont expect to slack off with her and get away with it though...
Stephen Chrisomalis - A fun teacher all around, clear and understandable with a healthy
dose of geekiness fully amiable to most anthro students (were all geeks deep down...)
Allan Young - A very likeable professor, funny and knowledgeable on whatever it is he
may be speaking on!
Colin Chapman - honourable mention for single-handedly bringing the mullet back to
McGills hallowed halls... with style. His primatology class will also fundamentally change
your understanding of human nature. Seriously.

The Anthropology Students Association:

The Anthroplogy Students Association (ASA) is a group of anthro undergrads who are SO
INTO anthropology, they just had to get involved. We give students a chance to meet each other
and faculty members at thrilling cultural events, and we also represent the interests of students in
departmental affairs. Years events include:
rowdy Meet n Greets
an autumn camping trip
Cultural Dinners
Cultural movie nights with the renowned Andre Costopoulos
the notorious end of semester Beer n Snax at Gerts
the FFEM, or Ethnographic Film Festival of Montreal

...of course, this is just the tip of our ever-expanding ASA iceberg! For more information, check our
website at http://ssmu.mcgill.ca/anthro_students/.

What can I do with an Anthropology Degree?:

Graduates of B.A.s in Anthropology enjoy a wide range of career opportunities in fields
directly related to anthropology as well as those that are more obscure, some of which include:

policy analyst
archivist
corporate ethnographer
rural development officer
NGO advisor
midwife

A B.A. in social science (anthropology included) is also ample credential for Graduate Studies
in a surprising number of career specific programs...

For further information and a more exhaustive list, check out the (excellent) Career and Placement
Services (CAPS) website at: http://caps.mcgill.ca/tools/degree/anthropology.php

Questions? Contact Us!

ART HISTORY AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Brought to you by the Art History and Communication Students Association

Art History and Communication Studies at McGill (Student Perspective):

The Department of Art History and Communication Studies at McGill is truly unique as it
embraces the interdisciplinary studies of art history, communication, and visual culture. The
Department offers a minor, major, and honours in Art History, as well as a minor in Communication
Studies.

Electives are a fantastic way to sample what the study of art and communication can offer you.
You can take introduction-level courses such as European Art (1400-1700), and the History of
Communication, or as specific as Chinese Brushwork in painting, the Legacies of Nineteenth
Century Landscape, and Queer Theory and Media. If you are interested in cultural/visual histories,
art history, or communications media, this department may strike your fancy!

Some news from the department:

The departmental website is a fantastic resource on general questions and information.
Check it out at http://www.arts.mcgill.ca/programs/ahcs/index.html
We are a progressive department well-known to other universities and academics.
For the best source of information, make sure you contact:
o Dr. Charmaine Nelson, Undergraduate Director of Art History
(charmaine.nelson@mcgill.ca)
o Dr. Carrie Rentschler, Undergraduate Director of Communication Studies
(carrie.rentschler@mcgill.ca)
o Ms. Maria Gabriel, Student Affairs Advisor (maria.gabriel@mcgill.ca).

Popular Classes:
ARTH 204: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIEVAL ART AND ARCHITECTURE
ARTH 300: CANADIAN ART TO 1914
ARTH 332: ITALIAN RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE
ARTH 339: MODERN ART AND THEORY FROM WWI TO WWII
ARTH 490: MUSEUM INTERNSHIP
o Students are able to complete an internship off-campus (150 hours) in return for
academic credit (paper, journal, recommendation from host institution).
SELECTED TOPICS IN ART AND ARCHITECTURE
o These classes are in upper level (300) or seminar form (400), in which selected
topics are instructed usually through a visiting lecturer. Past selected topics have
included Museum Studies, the Medieval Ruin, Visual Culture of Slavery, and
Landscape in Art.
COMS 200: HISTORY OF COMMUNICATION
COMS 300: MEDIA AND MODERNITY IN 20TH CENTURY
COMS 310: MEDIA AND FEMINIST STUDIES
COMS 410: CULTURES IN VISUALIZATION
The Art History Students Association (AHSA):
We are a young organization, which means there is plenty of opportunity for new students
to get involved. Since we all study art, we are all able to share our love for art outside the
classroom.
Many of our events are focused on enjoying the Montreal art scene.
o movie nights
o gallery crawls
o museum visits
o art trips
o wine and cheeses
We have a lot of fun, so check out our website for more information: www.ahsamcgill.ca.
The undergraduate art history journal, CANVAS, is a place for students to get published,
and also is a great resource for the art scene in Montreal.
Fridge Door Gallery is a young team of curators committed to exhibiting the best of McGill
student art. Its a great place to get some fieldwork practice, or even to exhibit some of
your own art.
We welcome students from Communication Studies!

Career Options:
In Art History, popular careers include occupations in museums, galleries, auction houses,
art organizations, journalism, academia, publishing, and library science. By the end of your
undergraduate at McGill, you wont be left thinking , What am I supposed to do with a BA
in Art History?
Our department provides information sessions on graduate studies led by professors and
graduate students that really do help decide what is best for you!
A minor in Communication Studies is a perfect complement to any major

Questions? Contact Us!

ARTS AND SCIENCES

Brought to you by the Bachelor of Arts and Science integrative Council

Getting a Bachelor of Arts and Science at McGill:

The BASc is for students who would rather not leave Newton or Nietzsche out of their
intellectual pursuits at McGill. This program is a unique opportunity to think critically in both
scientific and humanistic dimensions, fostering a creative and integrative skill set. The spectrum of
combinations of majors has included Philosophy and Physics, Economics and Math, English and
Biology, Political Science and Environment, and many more. As one free-spirited BASc student
once said, we swing both ways, and this intellectual versatility is a distinctive asset in todays
competitive working world (and at cocktail parties!).
Besides the academic benefits of being part of two faculties, the BASc lets you meet both
arts and science students, get involved with diverse student initiatives, and grants you access to
both faculties facilities. If youre a well-rounded individual whos looking for a dynamic
undergraduate experience, this is the program for you!
Classes and Professors:
There is only one class exclusive to this program: BASC 201. A course specifically
designed with the BASc student in mind, BASC201 integrates course material from a wide
spectrum of topics; its the only course at McGill where you can learn about everything from ant war
tactics, to the physiology of dance, to conservation efforts in Africa. The professors and speakers
come from an array of academic backgrounds, and many are mentioned as notable professors
within their departments of origin.
Beyond that, the flexibility of the BASc program allows students to pursue most majors offered in
the Faculty of Arts. So any and all of the outstanding courses and professors listed by the
departments in this handbooks are available to you as a BASc student!

The Bachelor of Arts and Science Integrative Council:

The BASiC is the representative body for all undergraduate students in the BASc program
here at McGill. We are an energetic and driven group of students intent on providing you with
academic resources and a lively social outlet, not to mention as much free food as we can afford!
This year the BASiC will be bringing you a variety of social events, movie showings, volunteering
opportunities, cultural excursions to break out of the McGill bubble, career-planning seminars, a
scintillating conference on integrative thought, BASiC clothing, and the second edition of our
outstanding academic journal, Ampersand. The BASiC also represents its students on various
councils and committees, so please come to us with any qualms you have about student life! We
hope to be a resource for your every inquiry whether it regards academic concerns, student
representation on campus, getting involved or just life in Montreal. For more information on our
initiatives and events, or -better yet- to get involved with the BASiC, please visit
www.mcgillbasic.com or stop by our office in room 114b in Leacock!

Career Options:
You have, no doubt, noticed the emphasis on well-roundedness out there in the real
world. A university level education in both the arts and the sciences opens many doors. BASc
students may choose further their studies in graduate school* or professional fields including Law,
Medicine and Education. Alternatively, you may decide to apply your unique skill set in a job that is
integrative by nature, such as: scientific journalism, governmental health policy, consulting for
pharmaceuticals, health or human rights work with an NGO, and the list goes on! The BASiC
offers yearly seminars with professors and academic advisors on career planning, to help you find
the right path for you.

*One note of warning: while the Arts and Science program allows considerable breadth and
diversity in your studies, the sharing of your course load between Arts and Science concentrations
puts limits on the extent of your studies in either field, and may not provide you with the depth
needed for graduate studies in some fields such as Psychology. These restrictions may be
avoided, however, by choosing your electives wisely to concentrate further in one field, and
consulting with an Academic advisor.
CANADIAN STUDIES
Brought to you by the Canadian Studies Association of Undergraduate Students

Canadian Studies at McGill (student perspective):

Canadian Studies is a multidisciplinary program whose goal is to promote a better
understanding of Canada through the study of heritage, society, politics, history, literature,
language, economics, geography, amongst other disciplines. It is run by the McGill Institute for the
Study of Canada (MISC) and brings together students and prestigious thinkers from many different
backgrounds to discuss Canada, its diversity and its role in the world. You can do a Major, Minor,
Honours, or Joint Honours in Canadian Studies.

Classes:
Whats great about multidisciplinary programs (and Canadian Studies in particular!) is that
you get to take a wide range of courses in several different departments. Students in the Canadian
Studies program take courses in History, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Philosophy,
Geography, Economics, English, French, Qubec Studies, and Linguistics. The program offers
great flexibility and its easy to cater your courses to your specific interests and needs.
There are also specifically Canadian Studies courses (CANS courses). Some are
introductory level (such as CANS 200 and CANS 202), but most CANS courses are designed for
third and fourth year students and take the form of a seminar. Favourites include Native Issues,
Literary Montreal, Canadian Film and Television, Sports in Canada, Immigration and
Multiculturalism, and Health Care in Canada (these arent always listed in the McGill course
calendar, so check the listings on Minerva!). These classes tend to be quite small (ranging from 5
to 30 studentsdont be intimidated, everyones nice!), so youll find it easy to get to know your
classmates and professors.

Professors:
In addition to its core faculty, the MISC invites new professors to hold various chairs and
positions each year. Some of these professors come from within the McGill community, others from
Montreal, Qubec, Canada, or even internationally. The program, thus, is very dynamic!

In addition to the core courses that MISC offers, a number of Special Topics courses are
offered each semester. They are courses that are designed especially for the Canadian Studies
program and often have to do with current issues and events in Canada. For instance, in 2006-
2007, the MISC welcomed Prof. James Kelly, whose research focuses on the implications of the
Charter of Rights and Freedoms in Canada (as it was the 25 th anniversary of the Charter that year).

The Canadian Studies Association of Undergraduate Students:

The Canadian Studies Association of Undergraduate Students (CSAUS) represents the
undergraduate students to both the MISC and to the AUS. Were an informal and flexible group and
were always looking for people to join us, so if youve got ideas or questions, get in touch with us
(our email is below).
Our various events include:
Trivia nights at Gerts (Canadian Studies held THE original Trivia night in fall
2005!)
Curling bonspiels
 Hockey nights
Canadian wine tasting evenings
Trips to the Cabane Sucre (the Sugar Shack!)

What to do with a Canadian Studies Degree:

Canadian Studies is of value to any student considering a career in education, law,
business, government, journalism, and graduate work in the social sciences and humanities.
Interdisciplinary programs such as Canadian Studies have become more popular both within
academia and in the real world. This program is an asset to any academic or professional
application. The MISC is a well-respected institution in the academic world.

Furthermore, because of the diversity of backgrounds professors and staff at the MISC
have, students are exposed to an assortment of people who can inspire and guide them towards
the various options. The MISC conferences (see the next paragraph) offer a great opportunity to
meet and greet interesting people.

Another Thing MISC does is Conferences:

Throughout the academic year, the MISC organizes seminars on various topics related to
the study of Canada. Students are encouraged to attend these seminars, which have in past
included such speakers as Bob Rae, Roch Carrier, Romo Dallaire, Michael Ignatieff, John
Gomery and U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins.

The MISC also organizes a major annual conference on a topic of relevance to Canadians,
which students are encouraged to attend (and sometimes even work for!). In February 2008, the
MISC held its thirteenth annual conference entitled Are We American? Guest speakers included
Gilberto Gil (musician and Brazil's Minister of Culture), Jian Ghomeshi (host of Q on CBC Radio
One), Kenneth Whyte (Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Macleans magazine), Carlos Monsivis
(Mexico's leading cultural critic), just to name a few.

Questions? Contact us!

If you have any questions about Canadian Studies, or if youre interesting in joining the Student
Association, email us at: mcgill.csaus@gmail.com

If you have specific questions about the programs or certain CANS classes, you can always email
the student advisor, Ian Rae at: ian.rae@mcgill.ca

You can also visit the Institutes website at www.misc-iecm.mcgill.ca for information about
upcoming classes, visiting professors, seminars, conferences, and anything else the Institute is
involved in.

Our start of the year meet-and-greet will be held at the end of August. E-mail for information!

Nous sommes une institution bilingue!

CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES AND
HISPANIC STUDIES
Brought to you by the Caribbean and Latin American Studies and Hispanic Studies Association

Caribbean and Latin American Studies and Hispanic Studies at McGill (Student
Perspective):

Do you have a Latin lover? Want one? Unfortunately, pimping is still illegal, but we can
give you the knowledge and skills to woo your own!

CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES:

Latin American and Caribbean studies is an interdisciplinary program started in 1971. It
offers a multidisciplinary approach to studying our favourite area of the world. But why do students
choose to do a LACS degree? We have found that this broad based, interdisciplinary approach
facilitated by the LACS program is ideal for studying an area with so many aspects. Through the
lenses of history, literature, language, politics, anthropology and geography students are able to
construct a self-reinforcing knowledge base that will prove useful for years to come!

HISPANIC STUDIES:
Want to be able to say more than Una cerveza por favor? next time you escape the Montreal
winter to the Caribbean? Then the Hispanic Studies program is for you! The program may be small
but its filled with interesting students, courses and professors. The program focuses on literature,
conceptual history and civilization of Spain and Hispanic America. Students can also focus on
Spanish and Portuguese languages (note Portuguese is not currently taught at McGill but you can
take it at UQAM and have the credits transferred). It provides a solid liberal arts background,
enriching students communication and critical thinking skills. Be advised that if you decide to
involve yourself in a program that includes literature courses, you will be required to express
yourself in Spanish.

Tips from the pros:

We recommend that all students consider taking HISP 225 and 226. The Hispanic
civilization courses offer a truly interdisciplinary approach to the study of Latin America and Spain.
The courses are taught in historical sequence and focus on art, language, history and culture.
These courses also offer a brief introduction to the core courses of the program; specifically HIST
309 and 360 (Latin American History) and POLI 319 (Politics of Latin America) and we found that
taking civilization before these courses was helpful to students.
We have also found it helpful to take HISP 244 BEFORE HISP 243. The reason? People
in the 1600s wrote strangely, and HISP 244 is far easier to digest for those coming out of their
intermediate Spanish course.
Speaking of Spanish, students must complete both beginners and intermediate Spanish,
only 6 credits of which may count for the degree (12 if youre doing honours.) Many students have
found the jump from intermediate Spanish to literature difficult, and we recommend a course of
individual study before taking the literature courses. This can be accomplished in a variety of
ways: over the Internet, reading Spanish language newspapers, watching telenovelas, and
attending Spanish language exchange programs in the community (or through SALSA and
CLASHSA, who regularly organize such events. Come out and practice!) Just make sure you look
into it, because teaching you beginners and intermediate Spanish is McGills job, its yours to learn
how to speak and write effectively and meaningfully.
Many students find that an internship or an exchange in a Spanish speaking country really
helps to round out their degree. We recommend looking around, these opportunities are
everywhere (see the arts internship office and the McGill exchange program). It is not much harder
to create an exchange yourself rather than using one of McGills programs, and occasionally much
cheaper! However we stress that you MAKE SURE your credits will count! Nothing sucks harder
than coming back to McGill to find out you didnt earn any credits!

Notable profs:
Phil Oxhorn: A professor of political science and the director of the Centre for Developing
Area Studies, professor Oxhorn is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in his field. His
lectures are interesting and very dense, so bring a few notebooks and be prepared to learn!
Daviken Studnicki-Gizbert: The professor whose experience is as extensive as his name!
He specializes in the Atlantic world including the slave trade and colonial Latin America. His world
historical approach is awesome!
Catherine LeGrande: McGills internationally renowned Latin American historian. Her field
research was on rural Colombia, but she is extremely knowledgeable about all of 20 th century Latin
America and often gives focused history courses on regions or current themes in Latin America.
Jose Jouve-Martin: A passionate literature teacher (with great Spanish accent). Look for
his literature courses!
Fernanda Macchi: Cute, smart and passionate about literature. She demands thought
from her students, but you will learn a tonne in her classes! She is also extremely sweet and
approachable. If you're having any difficulty use her as a resource, she will do EVERYTHING in her
possibility to help you out. Truly a gem.
Nicole Couture: An anthropology prof whose class is always interesting, she integrates her
extensive field experience and quirky anecdotes (did you know many Andean cultures used
hallucinogens in ritual activities?) for a truly immersive experience!

Notable Profs:
Jos Jouve-Martin
Fernanda Macchi
Jess Prez-Magalln
Anny Guimont

Popular courses:
HISP 225 and 226 Hispanic Civilization (see above)
ANTH 30X Nicole Couture usually offers at least one class each year on Andean
prehistory and the Incan empire. Look for it on Minerva!
POLI 227 Developing Areas. Taught by the ever-loveable Rex Brynen, this course is a
first year staple, and also super interesting!
Keep a look out for special topics courses in history, political science, anthropology etc. If
you think a class will count for LACS chances are that it will! (Just ask first)
 HEADS UP! Because of the diversity of our program, many courses in the course
catalogue arent offered frequently. Make sure to check if that course you want to take still
exists!

The Caribbean and Latin American Studies and Hispanic Studies Association
(CLASHSA):
CLASHSA, The Caribbean and Latin American Studies and Hispanic Studies Association
is a dedicated group of undergrads who work hard to bring you the best LACS has to offer. We
offer activities and services that are academically and socially nourishing (and sometimes literally
nourishing, keep a heads up for our annual wine and cheese!) We also collaborate with SALSA,
the South And Latin-American Students Association for language exchanges and other cultural
activities (Youd love to learn salsa, wouldnt you?) So if you are interested in joining us or want to
voice your concerns (see Jewish studies: kvetch) about our program, keep a heads up for us on
your list-serve!

Tips From CLASHSA:

Just a heads up: you cannot use AP credits towards the minor language requirement. If you pass
out of the language courses, you will have to take literature courses to fill up the credits.

This is a great program for study abroad opportunities! McGill has bilateral agreements with
schools in Spain and Mexico. Not where you want to go? Its easy to plan your own study abroad
program and may end up being cheaper. Just speak to a Hispanic Studies advisor and the Study
Abroad office before you go! Be aware that since McGill does not have an advanced Spanish
language course you cannot have advanced Spanish language credits counted toward your
degree.

Thinking the jump from Intermediate Spanish to literature may be hard? Dont worry, there are
plenty of students in the same situation. The department understands that many students want to
continue practicing their Spanish in the literature courses so their expectations take this into
account. Studying abroad first is an excellent way to improve your Spanish communication, as is
studying independently over the internet, reading Spanish language newspapers, watching
telenovelas, and attending Spanish language exchange programs in the community (or through
SALSA or CLASHSA, who regularly organize such events. Come out and practice!). Contact your
advisor or CLASHSA for recommendations.

Questions? Contact Us!

CLASSICS
Brought to you by the Classics Students Association

Classics at McGill (Student Perspective):

 Classics refers to the history, literature, arts and culture of the Ancient Mediterranean. The
Programme offers classes in Latin, Ancient Greek and Modern Greek language, mythology, ancient
Roman and Greek history, and classical literature. At McGill, Classics exists under the auspices of
the Department of History; however, Classics students are not limited to courses within the
department and have a greater freedom than most when choosing their coursework. A typical
Classics major might include courses related to the ancient world from diverse departments
including Art History, English, Philosophy, Anthropology, Political Science and more. Students may
structure their major or minor around two of the three streams in the Programme: Latin, Ancient
Greek, and Civilization. The language requirements of the first two should not be a deterrent to
any would-be Classicist: McGill offers beginning through advanced levels of Latin & Greek. These
language courses can be a great compliment to your 500-person Intro Psychology lecture too
they are smaller, more intimate and provide a unique opportunity to meet new people and interact
with your professors.

Popular Classes:
CLAS 210 Introductory Latin
CLAS 220 Introductory Ancient Greek
Beginning Latin and Ancient Greek classes are a hit among new Classics inductees.
Wouldnt you like to be able to read Homer in the original too?
CLAS 203 Greek Mythology
One of the most popular and entertaining undergraduate courses at McGill.
CLAS 300 Greek Drama and the Theatre
CLAS 330 Women in Greek Drama

These courses are always a big draw and relevant for students interested in literature and
drama outside of Classics too. The selected plays are read in English translation.

Notable Profs:
Classics has seen a flurry of new hires within the past three years. Professor Wade
Richardson is a Programme veteran whose great intellect, accent and dry sense of humour make
his Latin courses (in such authors as Caesar, Ovid, Catullus, Martial, etc.) and his Greek & Roman
Novel course (in English translation) exceptional. The Programmes newest additions teach and
delight with singular enthusiasm: Professors Michael Fronda (Latin language and Ancient Roman
History), Hans Beck (Ancient Greek history) and Renaud Gagn (Ancient Greek language and
literature). As well, Classics has an outstanding group of sessional lecturers and professors
emeriti.

Classics Students Association (CSA):

The Classics Students Association was reestablished so that students who love the
Ancient Mediterranean World and all its facets (languages, history, art, philosophy, etc) may come
together to further the study of Classics. This group hopes to make Classics more visible and
accessible at McGill and to offer activities and events that are both fun and academic.

What Can I do with a Classics Degree?:

A degree in Classics is often the departing point for an advanced degree in any of the
humanistic fields as well as other professional fields such as Education, Law and Medicine. In fact,
the company which administers the GRE reports that Classics majors score higher on the GRE
Verbal section than students in any other field.

Notable Alumni
Canadian poet Anne Carson is a former McGill Classics professor.
John Cleese did not go to McGill, but if had, he would have been in Classics.

ECONOMICS
Brought to you by the Economics Students' Association

Economics at McGill (Student Perspective):

Economics is a tremendously varied and powerful field. At its core, Economics develops
and employs analytical and intuitive tools to explain a huge array of historical and contemporary
phenomena, like trade and unemployment. Economics gives you the ability to sort out the root
causes of issues that are hot topics in the news, and gives you a leg up in the heated discussions
of Arts students everywhere.

The Economics Students' Association (The ESA):

The ESA is dedicated to improving the student experience of being in Economics. We do
this in a few ways. We publish the McGill Journal of Political Economy allows students to get their
work published and out there in the McGill community. Our class reps answer your questions and
concerns. We organize faculty lectures on hot topics in economics, ranging from greenhouse gas
emissions to bad mortgages! Battle of the Profs definitely takes the cake, though. It is an annual
year end debate that gives students a chance to see a few lucky profs in a whole new forum, and
we work with CAPS to help you get a head start on a career once your time at McGill is up. Plus,
our wine and cheeses, movie pub, and trivia nights, and other outstanding social events to help
relieve the pressure of life, the universe, and everything!

Popular Classes:
ECON 208/209 - Micro- and Macroeconomics: Essential introductory courses that will get
you on your way to the really interesting stuff, like:
ECON 347 - Economics of Climate Change: Brace yourselves, this is way deeper than the
inconvenient truth.
ECON 313/314 - Economic Development: Popular classes essential for any student of
development issues
ECON 316 - The Underground Economy: Prof. Naylor will rock your world, underground
style.

Career Options:
Public Policy
Business
Law
Banking
Insurance
 Civil society/NGO careers
Many more!

Notable Profs:
Prof. C. Green: Our aptly named climate change expert.
Prof. K. Mackenzie: Bagpipe (and statistics) expert.
Prof. C. Ragan: Macroeconomic superstar.
Prof. T. Velk: Simply unforgettable.

ENGLISH
Brought to you by the Department of English Students Association

English at McGill (Student Perspective):

McGills English Department is divided into three sub-categories of specialization (called
streams). All students declaring a major or minor in English must also declare a specialization in
either Literature, Cultural Studies, or Drama and Theatre. Choosing a stream by no means limits
the classes one can take within the department. All classes have the same registration heading
(ENGL), and students are encouraged to take classes focused in other streams. The Literature
program has a fairly classic structure that encourages historical breadth. The Cultural Studies
program uses a broader definition of a text, and while many perceive the program to be film-based,
students can fulfill their Cultural Studies degree with a focus in literature if they prefer. A Drama and
Theatre specialization can be focused in theatre history and theory, or be largely performance-
based, with the opportunity to take costuming and technical theatre classes, along with acting and
directing. Students in the Honours program further specialize by writing a focused honours essay in
their fourth year with the aid of a faculty supervisor, and taking 500-level seminar classes.
In Drama and Theatre and Cultural Studies, students may take classes outside of the
department to fulfill requirements, giving your English degree the potential to be quite
interdisciplinary. Classes such as PHIL 304 (Chomsky), CLAS 370 (Women in Greek Drama), and
FREN 311 (Histoire du Cinma Franais 2) are all eligible replacements. ARTS 155 has complete
lists of acceptable classes. Come visit us at Arts 155, or online at http://arts.mcgill.ca/english/.

Popular Classes:
ENGL 275 Intro to Cultural Studies An exploration of the basic theories (of semiotics,
aesthetics, psychology, genre, and popular culture, for example) used within the field of
Cultural Studies. A huge class, but the lectures are really interesting and the assignments
are a lot of fun. Required for all Cultural Studies majors and minors.
ENGL 314 20th Century Drama A great overview of a half-dozen or so essential
European and American 20th century plays.
ENGL 316 Milton Some of the religious tracts are a bit dull, but Professor Kilgour is a
great lecturer, and doesnt it feel good to say youve read ALL of Paradise Lost?
ENGL 329 19th C Novel Focused in the first half of the 19th century, this class gives a
good survey of a few essential Realist tomes.
ENGL 346 Sociology and Materiality of Text Probably the most interesting of the
available theory classes (one theory class is required for all English majors and minors).
 This course is interested in the text as a physical object in all of its various forms, and how
production and distribution of a text can affect its place within the literary canon.
ENGL 356 Middle English This class is great for those interested in the history of the
English language. Its a lot of fun, and not as hard as it sounds.
ENGL 421 African Lit One of the few literature options that allows you to get outside
the prescribed English Lit canon.
ENGL 496 Individual Reading Course Students with an intense interest in a particular
author or subject may propose an individual reading course, to be done in conjunction with
a willing professor. Individual Reading Courses are a great opportunity for a student to
specialize and work closely with a professor.

Notable Profs:
Prof. Brian Trehearne He works so hard to help students improve their writing, and is a
great lecturer and student advocate. If you have to take Poetics (ENGL 311) take it with
him!
o Teaching Focus: Canadian Lit.
Prof. Wes Folkerth Prof. Folkerth is one of the most approachable, fun lecturers.
o Teaching Focus: Shakespeare.
Prof. Tabitha Sparks A fantastic lecturer with a very dry sense of humour.
o Teaching Focus: 19th century novel, literary theory.
Prof. Tom Mole Prof. Mole is extremely personable, and his innovative class topics and
always draw a lot of students.
o Teaching Focus: 19th century celebrity culture, 19th century poetry.
Prof. Derek Nystrom Its pretty hard not to enjoy Prof. Nystroms lectures, and his class
topics are fantastic.
o Teaching Focus: Film Theory, general Cultural Studies.
Prof. Sean Carney Prof. Carneys passion for theatre studies is contagious, and he is
very involved in theatre at McGill.
o Teaching Focus: Theatre studies, both as literature and performance.
And many, many more!

The Department of English Students Association (DESA):

The Department of English Students Association (DESA) is made up of undergraduates
from all three streams, and is always looking for new members. DESA represents English students
to AUS council, and to the faculty by sitting on hiring, curriculum, and nominating committees within
the department. DESA financially supports several journals and theatre groups run out of McGill.
DESA runs a mentoring program for new students and funds an undergraduate panel at the McGill
Graduate Conference on Language and Literature, as well as an Honours Symposium for
graduating students. DESA also organizes:
Beer and Scrabble nights
Tea and Poetry readings
Two Wine and Cheese events a year
Beer and Film nights

Students with questions about the department or a desire to get involved should contact
desamcgill@gmail.com.
What Can I do with an English Degree?
Stereotypically, those who major in English pursue careers as teachers, journalists, editors,
unemployed poets, or lawyers. Four years of intense paper writing and leaves students with the
ability to think critically, read closely, and write concisely, skills valued far beyond the classroom.
You will also be able to make excellent cocktail party conversation.

GEOGRAPHY
Brought to you by the McGill Undergraduate Geography Society

Geography at McGill (Student Perspective):

Are you interested in cities and urban development? The environment and sustainability?
How about maps? Looking for a career outside of an office park? If any of these areas interest
you, you might want to think about a degree in Geography. Geography is the study of the
relationship between humans and our world; while history looks at events through time, geography
looks at things through space. With two main strands of study, physical and human, geography
offers students the opportunity to focus on areas of study suited to their own interests. Courses are
wide ranging in topics, from Geography of the World Economy (216) to Running Water
Environments (372) to Health Geography (303). Students in Geography have many program
options, including Urban Systems, a multidisciplinary programme that allows students to take
courses in Architecture and Urban Planning. Students may also choose to minor in Geographic
Information Systems, the fastest growing field in Geography.

Popular Classes:
URBP 201 Planning the 21st Century City
o A comparison of urban planning in the developed and the developing world
o Interesting case studies and group projects promote interaction among students
GEOG 272 Earths Changing Surface
o This course will make you want to be a geomorphologist. Seriously.
o Dont know what a geomorphologist is? Take this course.
GEOG 303 Health Geography
o Cutting edge research from a renowned expert in her field
o Youll get the most out of this class if you take statistics first
GEOG 307 Socio-Economic Applications of GIS
o Real hands on work with ArcGIS; this course has a social focus and a lot of
freedom to explore your interests
o Encouraging and enthusiastic professor
GEOG 316 Political Geography
o Strong focus on gerrymandering and political redistricting, nationalism, and Post-
Soviet transitions
GEOG 496 Regional Geographic Excursion: BARBADOS
o Reading week in Barbados, 3 credits. Need we say more?

Notable Profs:
Benjamin Forest, the jokester
 Wayne Pollard, the glacier climber
Nancy Ross, on the cutting edge
Raja Sengupta, the enthusiast
Sarah Turner, the Kiwi
And many, many more!

The McGill Undergraduate Geography Society (MUGS):

The McGill Undergraduate Geography Society (MUGS), the two-time winner of Arts
Undergraduate Society (AUS) department of the year, is the representative body for all
undergraduate students in Geography both in Arts and in Science. We maintain a fabulous lounge
in Burnside 305, and organize a cornucopia of events throughout the year (excursions, movie
nights, apartment crawls, and our famous Sugar Shack trip!). U1 representatives are chosen in the
fall of each year by council, so if you want to get involved, just stop by the lounge. We seek to be
an extremely active departmental association and are always open to new activities and projects!

What Can I do with a Geography Degree?:

Since everything exists in space, everyone needs geographers! There are many
employment opportunities available in planning, health policy, natural resource management,
environmental planning and conservation, GIS analysis and development, and urban planning.

Notable Alumni:
Roger Tomlinson, The Modern Father of GIS

HISTORY
Brought to you by the History Students Association

History at McGill (Student Perspective):

The history department and the study of the past are flourishing at McGill. History classes
cover a variety of topics at the 200, 300, and 400 levels ranging from the survey courses of the
major regions to detailed courses at the higher levels in wide variety of topics. If you have an
interest in history, developing an understanding of the past, writing cogently, and reading and
developing research and argumentation abilities this is for you. The Honours, Major, and Minor
programs offer different credit requirements based on your level of interest. There is no downside
to studying history; the skills and knowledge you acquire here will benefit you throughout your life.

Popular Classes:
All history classes are great but the following are personal favorites of a number of
students:
Second World War (HIST 388)
o A must-take history class, the Second World War is both informative and enriching.
While providing an in-depth analysis of the events from the Treaty of Versailles to
the beginning of the Cold War era, this class explores more than just the military
side, it also details the political, cultural, social and economic factors that
 contributed and developed as a result of the war. Its a great class to help students
understand how our world has evolved in the second half of the 20 th Century.
History of Montreal (HIST 353/QCST 300)
o Taught by the eminent Prof. Jarrett Rudy, History of Montreal provides a
fascinating look at the history of the city in which we all live and study. Being able
to learn about the history of Montreal and then leave the lecture hall and step onto
the very streets youve been discussing is fascinating and makes learning history
a very real and tangible experience. The projects involved in the course make you
hit the streets to complete presentations and papers, giving it a nifty field
component. As well, this is one of the less intimidating classes due to the relatively
small lecture setting of roughly 50 students.
Twentieth Century Britain (HIST 386)
o If this course is decidedly traditional in its presentation and approach to history, it's
the summit of what that tradition can achieve. The course follows a very
established chronology from 1900 to 2000, but nothing about it is staid or boring:
the course manages to touch upon everything from politics, economics, culture,
and social history, making what appears to be a rather dry topic into something
vibrant and incredibly complex. The readings are incredibly interesting and very
detailed. If you've ever wondered what makes the British so "British," how
Churchill and Orwell are comparable, or if you are just looking for a refreshed
perspective on a nation seemingly characterized by a Queen and a big ol' clock
tower, check this course out.
Modern European History (HIST 215)
o This is a great beginner level history class which covers Europe from the early
modern era to the end of the Cold War and beyond. Besides educating students
on the important events and ideas of Western Europe, this course goes beyond
and gives a good introduction into the history of Central and Eastern Europe. This
class is perfect for history and non-history students who wish to get a good
summary and understanding of Europes history and modern evolution.

Notable Professors:
The History Department is lucky to have such fantastic profs. The following are absolute
standouts that are recommended:
Prof. Leonard Moore
Prof. Hans Beck
Prof. Yimin Zhang
Prof. Brian Cowan
And many, many more!

The History Students Association (HSA):

The History Students Association is a student run group that organizes events and
represents students enrolled in undergraduate history classes at McGill. Our group also represents
the history department within the Arts Undergraduate Society, and runs entertaining and interesting
activities throughout the year. We also offer a peer tutoring/mentoring program, allowing older
students to help younger ones navigate the history department with ease, so if you have any
questions, comments, concerns or simply want to meet some other history students please come
and visit us! The HSA is always looking for new participants and we offer tons of opportunities to
get involved, so if you want to help run an event, join a committee or just come see what's going
on, check out our meetings or our office in Leacock 629.

The HSAs Fun and Exciting Activities:

WINE AND CHEESE NIGHTS
TRIVIA NIGHTS
MOVIE NIGHTS
GUEST SPEAKERS
HISTORICAL DISCOURSES UNDERGRAD JOURNAL
HISTORY RETREAT

Career Options:
Typically those who major in History pursue careers as:
Lawyers
Journalists
Academics
Teachers
Business Professionals
.and many more exciting careers!

HUMANISTIC STUDIES
Brought to you by the Humanistic Studies Students Association

Humanistic Studies at McGill (Student Perspective):

Humanistic Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program which offers students a broad
liberal arts education while exploring and working toward an answer to the question of what it
means to be human. This unique program helps students develop the analytical, critical, and
contextual thinking skills necessary for creating, expressing and sharing ideas, while also
instructing them as to the interconnectedness of human knowledge and experience.
Students can link various subjects for example, literature, philosophy, religion, music,
psychology, political science and history, along with natural and other social science courses in
their attempt to understand the continuity and changes in human thinking and activity from a multi-
faceted perspective. Humanistic Studies students also focus on their own individual
interdisciplinary concentration, in which they more deeply explore one of the core aspects of what it
means to be human.
Humanistic Studies is for those students who find they would like a more comprehensive,
panoptic approach to their studies and education. If youd prefer a broader, less rigidly defined
degree program that allows you to explore the defining aspects of humanity and the human race,
Humanistic Studies is definitely the program for you!

The Humanistic Studies Students Association (HSSA):

The HSSA is the representative student body for Humanistic Studies students. We serve
as a go-between for students and the university, which are often two very separate and distinct
worlds. Any grievances a student might have, either with a professor, a grade, an exam, or just
some aspect of university life in general that we might be able to help out with, can be directed to
the HSSA for assistance.
Thats not to say we only deal with problems and boring technical issues we also run and
participate in lots of chill events, like Beer and Pizzas and other Humanistic Studies student mixers,
Charity Fairs, samosa and bake sales, Wine and Cheese nights, Trivia nights, and the biggest
event of all, the annual Human Rights Awareness Month. We also ask for submissions for and
publish a Humanistic Studies journal on an annual basis. As a Humanistic Studies student, you are
invited to attend and participate in all of these activities!

What Can I do with a Humanistics Degree?

The broadness of a Humanistic Studies degree allows for an infinite number of possibilities
to graduates from this program. Humanistic Studies students go on to pursue careers in the areas
of sociology, politics, education, law, the arts the possibilities are endless.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Brought to you by the Industrial Relations Students Society

Industrial Relations at McGill (Student Perspective):

What really is Industrial Relations? To answer that simply, its the People -side of
Business for the Arts student. Although, this 54-credit interdisciplinary faculty program varies in
its classes with a mix of economics, sociology and labour-management relations courses in the
Faculty of Management. Industrial Relations is often overlooked, our program has many benefits,
including an intimate environment where teachers know each student's name this may or may not
be due to the smaller class sizes. Its really quite nice!!! Also, the program does not require
students to complete a minor, since it is already a 54-credit major. That said, students in Industrial
Relations may choose either to 1) take more of their own electives or 2) they may also decide to
persue completing a minor. The CHOICE is up to the INDIVIDUAL STUDENT!
IR is the most practical degree in the Faculty of Arts, because you can actually get a job
once you graduate. Were a tight little community and youll get to know your classmates and your
teachers on a first-name basis. If youre interested in labour, business, unions and human
resources, then IR is the program for you! We like to refer to Industrial Relations as "The Art of
Business," because really its the ONLY WAY to get around the quite instituted faculty of
Managementyet through the far greater Faculty of Arts [thankfully! =)]

Fun Classes:
INDR-294: Intro to Industrial Relations (U1)
ECON-227: Economic Statistics (U2)
SOCI-420: Organizations (U2)
MGCR-320: Managing Human Resource (U2)
INDR-494: Labour Law (U2)
INDR-496: Collective Bargaining (U3)

Notable Profs:
Professor Mackenzie
 Professor Westgate
Professor Hebdon
Devrim
And many, many more!
Thanks to the small size of our program, you may be "lucky" enough to have the same
great teachers over and over again!

What does the Industrial Relations Student Society Do?

Great Student Involvement
Gerts Annual Beer Night Social
Nachos and sangria events
Alumni dinner
Career panels to attend, with guest speakers

Career Options:
Law
MBA
Occupational Health & Safety
Human Resource Management
Consultant

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Brought to you by the International Development Studies Students Association

International Development Studies at McGill (Student Perspective):

Since its modest beginnings as a Minor program in 1992, IDS has become one of the most
popular programs at McGill, boasting over 800 Majors and Honours students. As an
interdisciplinary program, it attracts some of the best and brightest students who want to study the
issue of development from many perspectives. As an IDS student, whether you are interested in a
particular developing area or in spending time in the field, you can tailor your studies to fit your
interests. From Political Science to History, Geography to Arabic or Spanish, there are
development-related courses offered by many Arts disciplines; IDS students get to take advantage
of this wealth.

Popular Classes:
The awesome thing about being an IDS student is that you can take many of the best
classes from a variety of departments! Here are some stellar development classes around McGill:
POLI 227 Developing Areas Introduction
o Probably the biggest class you'll take at McGill, but worth every minute of sitting in
Leacock 132.
o "I actually look forward to this class."
ANTH 227 Medical Anthropology
o A fantastic topic and lots of interesting reading.
HIST 396 Disease in Africa Since 1960
 o Study diseases and the response of the international community to them.
ECON 411 Economic Development: A World Area
o If you like ECON 313/314, you might want to give a higher-level class a try!
SWRK 400 Policy and Practice with Refugees
o A straightforward overview of refugee issues. The Social Work perspective is more
practical than a lot of Arts disciplines, making the class very valuable.
GEOG 390 Managing Field Research
o Great course to get you thinking about the variety of issues you'll face if you do
field work.
POLI 450 Peacebuilding
o "Crucial for any IDS major!"
o For many IDS students with a Poli Sci interest, this class is the highlight of their
degree.
INTD 499 Internship: International Development Studies
o Get field experience. Trust us, just do it.

Notable Profs:
While IDS rarely hires its own profs, we make up for it by seeking out the best profs in
development-related courses in all departments:
Prof. Rex Brynen
o Sexy Rexy is articulate, organized and entertaining. We love him.
Prof. Sonia Laszlo
o She is well-organized and cares about what she teaches. Plus, extra points for
being an Econ prof who is female and under 40!
Prof. Myron Frankman
o He's been part of IDS at McGill forever. Take a class with the man who is an IDS-
McGill institution.
Prof. Khalid Medani
o An unassuming man who knows his stuff. Great personal perspective and
anecdotes.

And many, many more!

The International Development Studies Students Association (IDSSA):

The IDSSA is a student-run organization that targets the needs of Honours, Major, and
Minor students enrolled in McGills International Development Studies program. As a student
collective we serve as an outlet for student expression on development issues and academic
concerns with the IDS program. The IDSSA is your representative to the Arts Undergraduate
Society (AUS) and an active body on the McGill Campus. To find out more about us, please
browse through our page (www.mcgill.ca/ids/idssa) or email (idssamcgill@yahoo.ca) with any
questions. Our organization is non-hierarchical and all IDS students are invited to participate in our
meetings and activities. The positions on the IDSSA are:
VP Academic
 VP Communications
VP Internal
VP External
VP Finance
VP Publications
U1, U2 and U3 Representatives
Members at Large

Over the years, the IDSSA has expanded its membership and activities to match the
growing number of students enrolled in the program. The IDSSA attracts students who make a
difference both within the program and on McGills campus. Our most successful event last year
was "Get Personal With Your Profs", a chance to meet informally with some of the best IDS profs at
McGill. From fund-raisers for natural disasters in the developing world, to academic peer advising,
to Sangria and Nachos Night there is abundant opportunity to get involved!

What Can I do with an International Development Degree?:

Some possible careers for graduates with a B.A. in IDS include:
International Aid Worker
Public Service Worker with Canadian Government
Development Worker for an NGO
Lawyer in Human Rights, International Law or Environmental Law

Other fields:
Immigration
Medicine and health care
Eco-tourism
Teaching
Media
Research, etc.

Honourary Notable Alumni:

Kofi Annan
Nelson Mandela
Bono
Mother Teresa
Angelina Jolie

JEWISH STUDIES
Brought to you by the Jewish Studies Students Association
Jewish Studies at McGill (Student Perspective):
Jewish Studies is one of McGills most unique departments. It brings together the study of
the Jewish religion with Yiddishkeit (Jewish culture), history, philosophy, literature and languages.
Ever wanted to learn Yiddish? To compare the experience of Jews and Blacks in film? To find out
about the Holocaust? Jewish Studies is the place to be! No matter where your interests lie, there is
something in Jewish Studies just for you!

Popular Classes:
JWST 240 The Holocaust
JWST 366 History of Zionism
JWST 306 The American Jewish Community
JWST 309 Jews in Film
JWST 217 Jewish History 1000-2000

Notable Profs:
In Jewish Studies, we are lucky enough to have a small group of amazing professors who
will go to great lengths to help us succeed. Our profs always find time to sit and talk about classes
or just about anything else!

The Jewish Studies Students Association (JSSA):

The JSSA is the group of undergraduates that represents all students taking a major or
minor in Jewish Studies. The JSSA is made up of students from first year to fourth year and theres
always room for more people to get involved. Every year we publish the Jewish Studies
Undergraduate Journal at the end-of-year Wine and Cheese, where we also present an award to
the best professor in Jewish Studies.
Come out to one of our events, or email us at jssamcgill@gmail.com!

What can I do with a Jewish Studies Degree?:

The great thing about Jewish Studies is that it touches on so many different areas!
Because of this, students in Jewish Studies have a lot of choice as to what they want to do after
their undergrad. From law school to a Masters degree, the door is wide open!

Notable Alumni:
Eric Stein Founder of Klezmer group Beyond the Pale

LINGUISTICS
Brought to you by the Society of Linguistic Undergraduates at McGill

Linguistics at McGill (Student Perspective):

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. Theoretical linguists strive to
understand the symbolic constraints imposed on the production and interpretation of language.
One central goal of linguistic inquiry is to create a model of Universal Grammar (UG) by
discovering exactly what all human languages have in common and the extent to which languages
differ from one another; many diverse theoretical frameworks exist to account for the variation in
languages. Another goal is to determine what it is that native speakers know when they know a
language and how this knowledge is acquired. As linguistics is a relatively new science,
opportunities to contribute to the field are plentiful even at the undergraduate level.

Theoretical Linguistics can be broken down into six main subfields:

Phonetics: the study of the physical properties of human speech sounds, i.e., how human
speech sounds are produced and perceived
Phonology: the study of how speech sounds systematically combine in language and how
different languages constrain/determine these patterns
Morphology: the study of the smallest meaningful combinations of speech sounds and
how these meaningful chunks combine to form words
Syntax: the study of the internal structure of sentences and how words combine into
grammatical phrases and sentences
Semantics: the study of word meaning and how these denotations combine into
meaningful phrases and sentences
Pragmatics: the study of the practical interpretation of language in context and the rules
governing language use
Other topics in linguistics include Sociolinguistics, Language Acquisition, Historical Linguistics,
Neurolinguistics, and topics created by the overlap of various subfields. In Sociolinguistics, the
study of the interaction between society and language, students discuss and conduct field research
on aspects of language variation that reflect social and regional differences within speech
communities. Courses in Language Acquisition explore the different theories and constructs used
to explain how language is acquired in various circumstances, including in first language
acquisition, second language acquisition, and bilingualism. Historical linguistics is concerned with
language families, proto-languages, and language change. Neurolinguistics looks at how language
is processed in the brain.

Popular Complementary Majors/Minors:

Psychology, Computer Science, Math, Neuroscience, and Anthropology

Who Should Study Linguistics?

Anyone who secretly loved grammar lessons in grade school
People who enjoy or have a knack for learning languages, but are more interested in the
language itself than the literary side of the language
People who are curious about how language functions in the brain
Anyone interested in pursuing a career in language and technology
People who want to become speech therapists/pathologists
People who are good at math but dislike all those annoying numbers

Recommended Classes:
LING 331 Phonology 1
LING 371 Syntax 1
LING 390 Neuroscience of Language
LING 410 Structure of a Specific Language
LING 415 Field Methods of Linguistics
LING 451 Acquisition of Phonology
LING 520 Sociolinguistics 2
 LING 555 Language Acquisition 2

Professors & Their Main Interests:

Charles Boberg (Sociolinguistics & Dialectology)
Brendan Gillon (Semantics & Philosophy of Language)
Heather Goad (Phonology & Language Acquisition)
Andrea Gualmini (Semantics & Language Acquisition)
Yosef Grodzinsky (Neurolinguistics & Syntax)
Jon Nissenbaum (Syntax & the Syntax/Semantics Interface)
Mire Noonan (Syntax & Morphology)
Glyne Piggott (Phonology & Morphology)
Bernard Schwarz (Semantics & the Syntax/Semantics Interface)
Junko Shimoyama (Syntax & the Syntax/Semantics Interface)
Lisa deMena Travis (Syntax & Austronesian Languages)
Lydia White (Second Language Acquisition)

Society of Linguistic Undergraduates of McGill (SLUM):

SLUM represents students enrolled in the Major, Honours, Joint Honours, and Minor
programs in Linguistics at McGill. SLUM strives to instill and maintain a sense of community among
the undergraduate students in the department, while bringing faculty, graduate students, and
undergrads together on a regular basis. Along with providing tutoring services for linguistics
undergraduates, we encourage undergraduate participation in the department and getting
involved in SLUM is a great way to do so! We host a number of events throughout the year,
including:
Beer and Pizzas
SLUMpkin carving party
SLUMber party
Peer advising
Library info sessions
End-of-the-year Thompson House student/professor party
McGills Canadian Conference for Linguistics Undergraduates (McCCLU)
T-Shirt design contest and sales

Career Options:
Linguistics Professor & Researcher
Lawyer
Editor
Advertiser
Writer
Language Planner
Speech Pathologist
Speech and Language Technologist
Translator
Teacher of Foreign Languages
Computer Scientist

Notable Alumni:
 Lydia White Second Language Acquisition researcher
Samuel Ichiye Hayakawa American Senator and Semanticist
Joe Pater Phonologist

Websites to Check Out:

For info about SLUM and the latest SLUM news: http://slum.ausmcgill.com/blog/
For courses and syllabi: http://www.mcgill.ca/linguistics/courses/
For a fun introduction to linguistics through pop culture: www.languagelog.com

MATHEMATICS
Academic Options:
The math department offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
Students pursuing a BA have the following options:
Math Honours
o Honours in Mathematics
o Honours in Applied Mathematics
o Honours in Probability and Statistics
Joint Honours
o Joint Honours in Computer Science and Math
o Joint Honours with any other Arts Honours degree
o If youre considering doing Honours Economics, doing the Joint Honours
Econ/Math instead will prepare you well for courses like Econometrics and
Advanced Economic Theory
Majors Concentration
o Smaller than a full degree (at 36 credits), the majors concentration allows you to
combine this with another minor or concentration from a different department
Minor in Mathematics or Minor in Statistics

Popular Classes:
Some basic requirements:
Calculus: If youre in U0, we strongly recommend taking Calculus A and B (MATH
150 and 151). If youre in U1 and exempt from Calculus 1 and 2, take Calculus 3
(MATH 222).
Linear Algebra (MATH 133)
Once U0 is completed, students usually choose to get a good base in Math by taking the
core classes of Algebra I (MATH 235), Analysis I (MATH 242) and Ordinary Differential Equations
(MATH 315).
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES DO WE RECOMMEND TAKING MORE THAN THREE
MATH COURSES IN YOUR FIRST SEMESTER. Even if youre 100% certain that math is what you
want to do, take a semester to get used to it. The assignments require a lot of work.
Further course selections depend on your interests. Interesting complementary math
courses include basic courses in logic (MATH 318) or history (History and Philosophy of
Mathematics, MATH 338), as these are accessible to first year students.
 If you are interested in probability, statistics or finance, you should consider these
introductory-level courses: Principles of Statistics (MATH 203), Principles of Statistics 2 (MATH
204), Introduction to Probability (MATH 323) and Theory of Interest (MATH 329).
For more specific guidelines regarding students geared towards such domains as
Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Teaching, Business, Industry or Government, we suggest
checking out the department recommendations in the Arts section of your course calendar, under
Major Concentration in Mathematics. Standard advice is, always talk to an advisor when in
doubt, or come visit the friendly math students in our lounge 1B20.
As well, be sure to check out the SUMS Undergraduate Survival Guide for more
information.

Notable Professors:
These are some names that were on our minds. Theyre not necessarily easy graders, but
youll learn a lot and you wont be bored!
Prof. Henri Darmon
Prof. Charles Roth
Prof. Russell Steele
Prof. David Wolfson
Prof. Dmitry Jakobson

The Society of Undergraduate Math Students (SUMS):

We rent lockers in Burnside Hall, and have an uber-cool lounge in the basement (1B20).
Our council arranges student outings, math book sales, movie nights, and wild math parties. Each
year, we organize a successful lecture series on various mathematically-oriented topics (which
have included The Mathematics of Juggling, Survival Analysis Uncensored, and Mathematics and
Architecture).
If youre interested in getting involved, come down to our lively lounge in 1B20 in the
glamorous basement of Burnside Hall! There are a lot of ways to participate in the math
community, whether youre interested in getting or giving tutoring, organizing events, going to
parties, picking up a copy of the Delta Epsilon (our in-house math journal ripe with fresh student
research) or just sitting around and watching nerdy videos on YouTube.
Our website has some valuable resources, including a copy of our official Undergraduate
Survival Guide, which elaborates on everything youve read here. In addition, you can sign up for
the mailing list, and be informed about our events, scholarships and other opportunities. Visit it at
sums.mcgill.ca.

What can I do with a Math degree?:

A mathematics degree can prepare you for graduate work in mathematics or other related
disciplines, such as economics, computer science and actuarial science. A core competency in
mathematics is highly sought after in the financial services industry.

MCGILL SCHOOL OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Brought to you by the McGill School of the Environment Student Society

School of the Environment at McGill (Student Perspective):

 Protecting the environment is not just for Captain Planet and Smoky the Bear anymore.
The power is yours! Environmental problems do not have simple solutions. Beyond the physical
and biological aspects, every environmental issue has cultural, economic and ethical dimensions. A
BA in Environment, through the McGill School of Environment (MSE) can teach you to do more
than just prevent forest fires.

The BA in Environment currently offers three domain options:

Ecological Determinants of Health in Society
Economics and the Earth's Environment
Environment and Development

These domains cover a variety of topics at the 200, 300, and 400 levels. All Environment
Programs include core courses which begin with four 200 level wide-range courses and end with
two 400 level in-depth philosophical and research courses. These core courses, as well as some
complementary courses, are offered at both the downtown and Macdonald (Mac) campuses. The
class dynamics tend to differ between the two campuses. Mac classes are usually smaller and
there is sometimes more discussion and student-professor contact. Downtown classes are
composed of students from a wider variety of disciplines including arts, science, engineering and
management.

Popular Classes:
All MSE classes are great but the following are personal favorites of select Arts students:

ECON 225 Economics of the Environment: This course has a professor that actually
knows how to make economics fun with his daring examples.
EAPR 250 Research Essay and Rhetoric: This is a great course for one-on-one learning
with a great professor.
POLI 227 Introduction to Developing Areas: The professor of this course is funny and
dynamic and offers groundbreaking methods to the study of developing countries.
GEOG 380 Adaptive Environmental Management: This course combines ecological
theory with environmental management practices and speaks to students looking for a
more intuitive approach to the study of socio-ecological interactions. Course highlights
include reviewing environmental projects at McGill, understanding different worldviews on
nature, and generally a lot of opportunity for in-class participation.
MGPO 440 Strategies for Sustainability: This is a management course, but dont be
discouraged by this fact. This course really brings to light the opportunities and constraints
of sustainable development in the business world. Plus, its always good to ensure that
environment students knowledge enters into this talk, as well.
PARA 410 Environment and Infection: Only offered at MacDonald Campus in the winter,
but it is gorgeous when that campus is covered in snow, and youll definitely have lots of
gross AND interesting infections to think about on the bus ride back to downtown. This
class is well worth the commute and makes you think twice about what you eat and why
more and more diseases are spreading around the world.
ENVR 401 Environmental Research: If you still have your doubts about majoring in
environmental studies, just think about this class for a moment. This required course
includes no lectures, but instead involves working with other students on a real-world
research project for an entire semester. Dont think this means it will be easy, but having a
 real client who is interested in the results of your research at an undergraduate level, is
pretty exciting stuff.

Some courses are presently not in the repertoire of complementary MSE courses but come
highly recommended. Environment and Culture (Anthropology) is quite enlightening and very
relevant to environmental and societal issues. Large Scale Ecology (BIOL 310) provides a global
perspective on how to assess and protect ecosystems and environmental ranges. Similarly,
Environmental Geology, and Atmospheric and Oceanic Science courses are well-liked.

Notable Profs:
The MSE is lucky to have many fantastic Profs that are often joint-appointed with other
departments throughout McGill. The following are absolute standouts that we recommend:

Prof. Colin Chapman: (Joint-Appointed MSE and Anthropology) (aka the monkey man).
He is very dedicated to being an educator, as well as a researcher, and brings this
enthusiasm to his class lectures and discussions. He is also very attentive to student
questions and requests and is very accessible outside of class to talk with students about
both course-related and peripheral matters and to find out what really goes on in the world
of conservation biology. His research and his teaching are stellar.
Prof. Joan Marshall: (Joint-Appointed MSE and Geography). Joan is very open and
encouraging of student ideas and alternative approaches to learning in the classroom.
She supports critical thinking in class discussions and assignments. One of her courses,
Socio-Cultural Issues in Water (NRSC 540) encourages students to view water not only as
a vital physical resource but to understand its symbolic and sociological importance.
Prof. Christopher Buddle: (Natural Resource Science). Not an MSE Prof, but he is an
amazingly engaging and enthusiastic professor who undertakes to learn everyones name
in his 135 person ecology course (this is rare). He manages to teach about the science
behind ecology as well as its application to todays environmental crises.
Prof. Madhav Badami: (School of Urban Planning and McGill School of Environment) He is
very passionate about sustainability in the urban environment. He is also always available
for student questions and discussions outside of the classroom.
Prof. Peter Brown and Prof. Greg Mikkelson: These two also take what can be considered
radical approaches to environmental thought, philosophy and economics. Their courses
differ greatly in content but are both highly recommended.
And many, many more

The McGill Environment Students Society (MESS):

The McGill Environment Student Society is the representative student body within the
McGill School of Environment. In fact, it is MESS that put this section together! We encourage
strong student participation, so if you are interested in getting involved in environmentalism at
McGill in anyway, please get in touch! (mess@planet-save.com). MESS deals with matters such as
course offerings, professor hiring, and student grievances within the MSE. We also run several
events which as a student of Environmental Studies you will be invited to attend. These included,
but are not limited to:
ENVIROFEST Beginning of the year environment activities to raise awareness
COOKIES AND HOT CHOCOLATE once a week between classes
MEET THE PROFS once each semester to hear about the research of MSE profs
 SUGAR SHACK bus trip every winter to eat lots of maple sugar together

If youre passionate about the environment at all, for whatever reason, consider taking this
opportunity to look more in-depth into the social, political and economic dimensions of todays
environmental problems. If you dont find the answers you were looking for, keep asking, at least
youll be able to identify that long worm pulled out of your leg on your next trip to the tropics.
Lastly, most of the young profs in environment are just like you and are very passionate about
protecting the environment and are working on several interesting projects towards this end. So
take their classes and before you know it, maybe some new internship opportunity or graduate
project will grab your interest.

MIDDLE EAST STUDIES

PHILOSOPHY
Brought to you by the Philosophy Students Association

Philosophy at McGill (Student Perspective):

Not all philosophers are intellectual snobs, coffee-house beatniks, or tormented recluses...
a lot of us like to party. In all sincerity, the McGill philosophy department is full of always interesting
(if not always comprehendible) students and professors who are more than happy to lead you on a
path to enlightenment and/or confusion (it depends on what you study). Here are just a few pieces
of advice to get you started. If you want to know more, explore the ninth floor of Leacock and try to
find someone in the office, student lounge, and most importantly, contact student advising at
Dawson Hall.

Popular Classes:
These are some classes which many students would recommend:
PHIL 242-Introduction to Feminist Theory
PHIL 343-Biomedical ethics
PHIL 375-Existentialism
PHIL 436-Aesthetics 2
PHIL 474-Phenomenology

Notable Profs:
Prof. Margaret Deslaurier
Prof. David Davies
Prof. Hasana Sharp
Prof. Andrew Reisner
Prof. Sarah Stroud
Prof. Alia Al-Saji
And many, many more!

The Philosophy Students Association (PSA):

 The Philosophy Student Association (PSA) is the representative body for all philosophy
students (minor, major, and honours). Elections are conducted annually by democratic vote of
students (who attend the election) for positions such as President, VP, secretary, fundraising,
student faculty liaison, as well as a handful of other distinguished positions. The PSA is responsible
for publishing two undergraduate philosophical journals: Fragments (a McGill exclusive journal)
and Pensees (a journal for philosophy undergrads across Canada). These journals are organized,
edited, and contributed to by undergrads. In association with the McGill philosophy faculty, the PSA
deals with professor hiring and student grievances. Events hosted or aided by the PSA include:
Fundraising parties
Journal Launches
Movie/discussion Nights
Wine and Cheese nights
Colloquiums
End of semester student/faculty parties
Field trips

The PSA holds weekly meetings and all undergrads are invited to stop by.

What Can I do with a Philosophy Degree?:

Typically those who graduate from philosophy go on to be:
Professors
Journalists
Intelligence officers
Lawyers
Diplomats
Advisors (ethical/business/political)
Editors
Researchers

POLITICAL SCIENCE
Brought to you by the Political Science Students Association

Political Science at McGill (student perspective):

Political Science is the study of politics both in theory and in practice. Political scientists
use both humanistic and scientific skills to examine the political systems of the world. The range of
subject areas offered at McGill fall into four broad sections: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics
(the study of governments within countries), International Relations (the interactions that exist
between countries), and Political Theory (a more philosophical approach to politics).

Popular Classes:
POLI-221 and POLI-222: For a great introduction to an understanding of Canadian
Government and politics.
POLI-227: Animated and interesting introduction to developing areas; a very popular class.
 POLI-244: Its pretty much a pre-req for everything. Fun introduction to International
relations.
POLI-231: Political Theory! Everyone wants some!
POLI-450: Take this course! Peacebuilding! Interesting, fun, and a gem here at McGill

What Can I do with a Political Science Degree?:

Although graduates of a BA program in political science are typically thought to go to either
law school or grad school right after graduation, a host of options are available for political science
graduates. Careers in the Foreign Service, in business, and in research analysis are also open to
students with political science degrees.

The Political Science Students Association (PSSA):

The McGill Political Science Students Association is meant to serve the interests of
Political Science Students at McGill University. We serve as an intermediary between professors
and students, and we are always prepared to give advice on issues pertaining to both the faculty
(such as how to appeal a grade) as well as less directly academic ones such as which courses are
fun to take. The Women-in-House program (allowing about 30 young women to job-shadow MPs
and Senators for two days in Ottawa) also falls under our umbrella. Each year, we publish the
McGill Journal of Political Studies. We also run various events such as trivia nights, monthly movie
nights, and wine and cheeses.

Notable Alumni:
Ian Brodie Conservative Govt Chief of Staff
Eddie Goldenberg Former Liberal Govt Chief of Staff
Jack Layton Current Leader of the NDP

PSYCHOLOGY
Brought to you by the McGill Psychology Students Association

Psychology at McGill (Student Perspective):

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. It is both a social and a
biological science. The courses offered by the department are eclectic, interesting and challenging.
They range from Social psychology and Cognition at the 200 level to Abnormal Psychology at the
300 level and Memory and the Brain at the 400 level to International Health Psychology at the 500
level. If you want to be a counselor, a neuropsychologist or a human resources person and like
being taught by affable profs then this dept is for you.

Popular Classes:
The classes offered by the department are many and highly interesting. However, some of
the most popular classes tend to be:
PSYC 215: Social Psychology (mandatory for graduation)
PSYC 317:Genes and Behavior
PSYC 342: Hormones and Behaviour
PSYC 471: Human Motivation
 PSYC 403: History of Psychology in a Modern Perspective

Notable Profs:
Prof. Rhonda Amsel
Prof. Sonia Lupien
Prof. Jeffrey Mogil
Prof. Don Taylor
Prof. Vouloumanos
And many, many more

The McGill Psychology Students Association (MPSA):

Housed in Stewart Bio room N7/8 (behind purple doors) the MPSA represents the voice of
students in the Psychology Department. We work in tandem with the department with regards to
course offerings, peer advising, student concerns amongst other things and strive to bring about
active interactions between the departments and the students. Our mandate is to serve the
interests of the psych student. We work hard throughout the year to provide a gamut of services
and to organize a mix of educational and entertaining events. Some of the services we provide and
the events that we organize are:

Services;
NTCs
Psychology Apparel
Peer Advising (in the near future)

Events;
Bagel & Breakfast
How did you get here? Lecture Series
Psych of Love

What Can I do with a Psychology Degree?:

Some of the career options followed by Psychology Graduates:
Counseling Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Industrial Psychologist
Sports Psychologist
Social Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Human Resource Managers

Famous Alumni:
Alison Gopnik
Marcel Just
Steven Pinker
Phillip D. Zelazo
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Brought to you by the Religious Studies Undergraduate Society

Religious Studies at McGill (Student Perspective):

So, youre in Religious Studies does that mean youre going to be a priest? This is a
question that Religious Studies undergraduate students encounter rather frequently. The fact is our
small but amazing faculty is greatly misunderstood. Are you ready for some clarifications?

Religious Studies is the academic study of religion in its textual and practiced forms. So,
no, we're not all going to be ministers/priests/religious leaders! Academic study of religion is very
different from what you may have experienced in Sunday school- in Religious Studies, we examine
religious traditions, through a combination of historical, anthropological, psychological, and
philosophical lenses (among others). Religion underlines almost every facet of life, and its effects
cannot be denied. Classes, therefore, are generally focused around the beliefs and practices of
various religious groups, how belief systems play out in the reality of different cultures, and theories
of religion. With courses such as "The Meaning of Life", "Feminist Theology", and "Religious Ethics
and the Environment", one can begin to understand that there is a wide spectrum of interests that
can be included in Religious Studies. Religious Studies is far from the dusty old books you
imagined!

The Faculty of Religious Studies, which conducts the RELG classes for all Religious
Studies BA students, is smaller faculty. Because of this, we're a smaller, close-knit group of
students, and we have a great relationship with our grad students as well as our remarkable
professors. We have our own building, the beautiful and historical Birks Building located on
University Street above the Milton gates, where Religious Studies students are always guaranteed
to run into a friendly face. In Birks we have our own lounge (the Junior Common Room, room 115)
and a gorgeous and cozy library (the Birks Reading Room), both of which are open to all students.
Taking a Religious Studies course can enlighten you (ha, ha) to the goings-on of this fantastic
faculty, and can open your eyes to a new framework for understanding the world.

Popular Classes:
More and more students take Religious Studies classes as electives. These intro classes
are what we consider to be some of the best intros around!

RELG 207The Study of World Religions 1: When we say World Religions, we really
mean World Religions! This class is a really excellent introduction to many of the major
world religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity,
Islam and Primal Religions.
RELG 252Hinduism and Buddhism: Youve heard of karma and yoganow its time to
learn what these words really mean (you mean, yoga is a religious practice? Get out of
town! They teach yoga at my gym!). This class provides a great introduction to the basic
principles of Hinduism and Buddhism in India.
RELG 253Religions of East Asia: This class examines the history and practice of
religions in China, Japan, and Korea. Are you curious about Buddhism, Taoism,
Confucianism, and Shinto? Then this is the class for you.
RELG 271Sex Ethics: Dude, this class has SEX in the title! What more do you want?
Student-Professor Relations:
The professors of Religious Studies are a part of what makes the program so amazing.
The professors often teach in very small, intimate settings (imagine a 5 person class! It is possible,
you dreamers!), making it possible to build an actual academic relationship. Also important is that
the Religious Studies faculty is composed of some of the leading scholars in their field and are a
part of a long tradition of famous scholars.

The Religious Studies Undergraduate Society (RSUS):

The Religious Studies Undergraduate Society is pretty amazing (if I do say so myself). The
RSUS includes all undergraduate students in a Religious Studies program in the Faculty of Arts.
The RSUS executive board serves as a liaison between Religious Studies undergrads and the
Faculty of Religious Studies and the Arts Undergraduate Society and acts to foster a sense of
community within Religious Studies. So, thats our official shtik. But, we also hold a number of
really fun/awe inspiring/ creative/ amazing events. Some events weve held in the past have been:
BYOBanana: You bring a banana, we provide the ice cream and toppings. mmmmm
toppings.
Coffee House: For the creative Religious Studies students to express their
musical/poetical/etc. talents.
Tea with a Professor: Enjoy tea and tasty snacks while some of your favorite professors
explain what it is they really do.
Final Ball: We have our own really special final ball at the end of the year. This Ball is hip-
hop-happenin. Last year, our theme was Apocalypse (Get it it was the FINAL ball!).

The RSUS is a great way to meet other students in Religious Studies. Get involved (it looks good
on your resume, too!), plan events, work with professorscheck us out!

What Can I do with a Religious Studies Degree?:

While there is no one particular career path that Religious Studies students enter,
Religious Studies will provide you with a number of surprisingly useful skills. Religion is a
component of essentially every culture-- and Religious Studies is a gateway into studying the world
outside of your own personal experiences.

Careers that some Religious Studies students have entered include:

Academia
Law
Communications
Business
Community Action
Social Work

SOCIOLOGY
Brought to you by the Sociology Students Association
Sociology at McGill (Student Perspective):
Sociology is the study of the history, growth, and development of the human condition and
society. A vast variety of topics are covered at the 200, 300, and 400 levels, and seminars offered
at the 500 level. There are four substantive area of sociology at McGill: 1) Politics and Social
Change, 2) Work, Organizations, and the Economy, 3) Social Stratification: Class, Ethnicity, and
Gender, 4) Institution, Deviance, and Culture. Sociology covers an array of topics allowing you
either focus your attention on a specific aspect of society, or become acquainted with the many
facets of society and its development throughout history. If you are interested in gaining a deeper
understanding of the society we live in and how it has developed to its present stage, then
sociology has a lot to offer you!

Popular Classes:
Different strokes for different folks, but based on a very unscientific poll, these classes
seem to rise above as student favourites. If you cant get into these, dont worry, there are plenty
more good ones!

200 Level
o SOCI 225 Medicine and Health in Modern Society
o SOCI 265 War, States, and Social Change
300 Level
o SOCI 309 Health and Illness
o SOCI 370 Sociology: Gender and Development
o SOCI 388 Crime
400 Level
o SOCI 424 Networks and Social Structures
o SOCI 455 Post-Socialist Societies

The Sociology Students Association (SSA):

is here for you! If you are interested in getting more involved within the sociology
department, consider contributing to or joining the Sociology Students Association! As the
representative body within the department, the SSA exists to ease your lives as sociology students;
among other responsibilities, the association hosts a series of events and undertakes several
projects each year. These include:

Events:
Periodic meet-and-greet and other informal get-togethers, including:
o Beer and pizza (and sometimes Chow Mein!)
o Wine and cheese nights
o Nachos and Sangria
Annual Sociology Symposium
o Addresses anxiety about careers and your future!
o For students interesting in continuing their sociology studies after undergrad
Various charitable events and fundraisers
Projects:
Monthly e-Newsletter
 o Includes a feature article written by a student, an interview with a professor, and a
Q&A section with Karl Marx himself!
Verstehen, the student sociological journal
o Your chance to be reviewed by your peers and get published!
Sociology clothing line

What Can I do with a Sociology Degree?:

Typically those who major in Sociology pursue careers as:

Social Researcher
Market Researcher
Social Policy Analyst
Interviewer/Pollster
Actuary
Mediator
Labour Relations Specialist

WOMENS STUDIES
Womens Studies (Student Perspective)

To start with, lets address some common concerns:

1. Womens Studies is only about studying women.

Wrong! The topics covered in Womens Studies (see below) are extremely diverse. Gender
has a large influence on everyones liveswomen, men and people who dont fit into either of
those categoriesso there is something here for everyone.
2 . Womens Studies is full of lesbians.
WrWait There are a lot of interesting ways to analyze why this might be a concern, but
well save that for class. The Womens Studies program aims to create a safe environment
that welcomes people of all genders and sexualities.
3. Womens Studies students eat men for breakfast.
Wrong! Womens Studies students eat granola for breakfast.

The Program

Womens Studies invites students to engage with feminist theory and consider the roles of gender,
race, sexuality, ability, class, and other parts of identity as they relate within a complex social
system. Womens Studies allows students to think critically about a world of inequalities, and this
spurs many students to participate in activism and self-education outside the classroom. Whether
you like to think about women in popular culture, the unrecognized contributions of women in
history, queer theory, feminist movements and theory, or the interaction between gender and work
and health, there is something here for you!
Womens Studies is an interdisciplinary program, offering both courses with a specific Womens
Studies course code and a selection of courses from other departments, such as English,
Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, and Religious Studies. For more info, be sure to check out
the website of the McGill Centre for Research and Teaching on Women: www.mcgill.ca/mcrtw.

Popular Classes

WMST 200: Introduction to Womens Studiesfor many students, this class provides the
foundation for their Womens Studies degree; it draws from a wide variety of material and is a great
entry point into the program.
PHIL 242: Introduction to Feminist Theoryknown as a must take in Womens Studies, and
usually taught by Marguerite Deslauriers, the Director of the McGill Centre for Research and
Teaching on Women. You may find your world turned upside down before youre through!
SDST 250: Introduction to Sexual Diversity Studiesa snappy introduction to queer theory,
looking at the ways our understandings of sex and sexuality are shaped through language, the
media and social rules. Also counts for the Sexual Diversity Studies minor.
WMST topics courses: These change from year to year, so you have to check the course list, but
popular topics include Feminisms and Sexualities and Transnational Feminisms.

Womens Studies Students Association (WSSA)

The WSSA was re-invigorated (well, re-started) during the 2007-2008 school year after a year or
so hiatus. The WSSA attempts to represent student concerns and put together events that reflect
the diverse interests of students and the political nature of the discipline. To this end, the WSSA
conducted a wide survey of Womens Studies student attitudes about the program in 2007-2008.
Another priority for the WSSA is to foster a sense of community among Womens Studies students,
since interdisciplinarity can at times be alienating, with students in a wide selection of classes
across several departments. The WSSA attempts to run in a non-hierarchical, approachable, and
student-centred manner. The WSSA can be reached at wssa.mcgill@gmail.com.

What Can I do with a Womens Studies Degree?

When people ask me what I will do with a Womens Studies degree, I respond, What wont I do?!
Womens Studies helps students develop critical thinking and lends itself to any number of practical
applications: social work, law, teaching, writing, and work in the not-for-profit sector. But these
specific careers aside, the skills of writing, analysis, and personal engagement honed in Womens
Studies will certainly be an asset in any chosen profession.

Final Word

Dont be shy! If you are interested, ring up the WSSA (wssa.mcgill@gmail.com) or check out the
McGill Centre for Research and Teaching on Women at 3487 Peel, 2 nd floor.
- list of advisors
- drop in advising hours
- freshman program
- arts legacy
- French freshman program
- Getting AP credits approved
- Getting transfer credits approved
- Studying abroad
- Arts internship office internships
-