The Faculty of Arts acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our actions toward reconciliation take place through our research, teaching, learning, and community events, with guidance from the University’s Indigenous Initiatives Office.
Winter 2021 course theme: Pandemic
The Global Engagement Seminar is a senior undergraduate course that brings together students from across the University with experts and mentors to develop solutions for contemporary global problems.
The Winter 2021 seminar (ARTS 490) theme is Pandemic. Third- and fourth-year students from any faculty are invited to enroll.
The course instructors are Dr. Shana MacDonald (Department of Communication Arts) and Dr. Shannon Majowicz (School of Public Health and Health Systems). Under their leadership, the Seminar will examine the theme of pandemic from multiple perspectives – from public health to media to equity issues, and more. At the end of the term, the seminar will host a public online Summit, which will feature contributions by experts and presentation of student team projects.
The Jarislowsky Fellows play a key role in the Seminar. They are distinguished individuals with records of exceptional intellectual and social leadership on matters related to the theme of the course. The 2021 Jarislowsky Fellows include Dr. Pam Palmater, Indigenous scholar and lawyer, Dr. Tim O'Shea, infectious diseases expert, and Dr. Joan Donovan, Harvard expert in internet and technology studies. Additional Fellows will be announced soon.
Are you the right fit?
Interested in engaging with eminent experts, faculty and students from across campus on a real-world project tackling a major global issue? We're looking for:
- Students who want to tackle real world problem-solving alongside activists, advocates, and practitioners.
- Students who work well in small groups, are team builders, and who are also self-directed.
The course is open to University of Waterloo students who are in their 3A, 3B, 4A, or 4B terms.
Contact us
For more information, please contact Rebecca Zehr, Global Engagement Program Coordinator.
News
- Nov. 24, 2020Drs. Joan Donovan and Tim O’Shea to be 2021 Jarislowsky Fellows
We are delighted to announce the appointment of two additional Jarislowsky Fellows for the winter term’s ARTS 490 Pandemic. Dr. Joan Donovan and Dr. Tim O’Shea will each participate in the course on separate weeks during the term, providing mentorship and expertise as students develop their final projects.
- Oct. 15, 2020Dr. Pamela Palmater to be a 2021 Jarislowsky Fellow
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Pamela D. Palmater as a Jarislowsky Fellow for the 2021 ARTS 490 seminar focused on the global pandemic. Dr. Palmater will deliver a guest lecture to our students and provide mentorship as they develop their final projects for the end-of-term Global Engagement Summit event.
- July 14, 2020Announcing ARTS 490 2021 topic: Pandemic
Led by Katherine Acheson, Program Director, the Global Engagement Program gives outstanding senior undergraduate students from all across the University of Waterloo a chance to turn their education and abilities to questions of pressing global concern in a capstone seminar program.