Grebel Courses

Taking a Grebel course is one of the easiest ways to get to know other students.

Beyond your residence floor, Grebel's small, discussion-based classes offer a chance to connect with students from different programs and years, while getting to know professors you'll see around Grebel.

Grebel Faculty teach courses in Music; Peace and Conflict Studies; History; and Religion, Culture, and Spirituality. These courses count for UWaterloo credits. Students can also participate in choirs and instrumental ensembles for credit. You don’t need to be an Arts student to take these courses, and first year students can take 100 and 200 level courses. Grebel courses can complement your degree by introducing perspectives and questions you may not encounter in your program.

Whether you're looking to meet new people, explore a new topic, or learn a new skill, there's a Grebel course for you.

5 students in a classroom, sitting in a row

Pick up practical skills:

Understand the world we live in:

Make the world a better place:

See how the past shapes the present:

  • MUSIC 250
    European Music History I: Middle Ages to Classical
  • MUSIC 261
    Opera and Music Theatre
  • HIST 232 / PACS 203
    A History of Peace Movements
  • HIST 110
    A History of the Western World 1
  • RCS 110
    Religions of the West | Judaism, Christianity, Islam 

Make music, no matter what you study:

  • ARTS 160-04 (or 160-05)
    Inquiry and Knowledge Creation - "Music Jam"
  • MUSIC 116
    Music ensembles:
    • Jazz Ensemble
    • Chapel Choir
    • Chamber Choir
    • University Choir
    • Balinese Percussion Ensemble
    • Orchestra
    • Instrumental Music Ensembles
    • Vocal Technique

Learn more about Music Ensembles.

Next steps

See all Grebel courses offered this year. Visit the Academic Calendar for full course descriptions. For times and enrolment numbers, visit Waterloo's Schedule of Undergraduate Classes.

Tips for getting into Grebel courses

How do I register for a Grebel course?

  • Arts or Math students in 1a should use the course approval form via UWaterloo
  • All other students register through Quest.

Every Grebel course is a University of Waterloo course!

What if the Grebel course I want is full?

  1. Keep trying to enroll, spaces do become available.
  2. Email us in Student Services at grebelstudentservices@uwaterloo.ca.
    We will do our best to help you get into the course.

As a first year, can I take a 200 level Grebel course?

Yes! Unless stated otherwise, all 100 & 200 level courses listed on the course sheet are open to first-year students.

What if my Grebel course is scheduled over Community Supper (5:30-6:30 on Wednesdays)?

  • Grebel courses are not usually scheduled over Community Supper
  • If your non-Grebel course is scheduled over Community Supper you can:
    • look to see if there are multiple sections in the course, then try to switch into a new section
    • email the prof and ask to switch into the new section
    • if it is not a required course, then drop it and choose another course

If it is not possible to carve out space to attend Community Supper, speak with someone in Student Services.

What if I have no electives this term?

There are plenty of interesting Grebel courses offered each term, so when your schedule allows it, you’ll always have the opportunity to take a Grebel course! Keep in mind that choirs and ensembles can be taken for credit or no credit.

More questions?

Reach out to Grebel Student Services.