Minor programs offered through Renison University College
Renison offers classes for undergraduate students who choose to minor in Applied Language Studies, East Asian Studies, or Studies in Islam. We also have courses that count towards a major or minor in Social Development Studies and Religious Studies. This means that you'll focus a portion of your workload on one of these areas, giving you a level of specialized knowledge that will help shape your career skill set.
Social Development Studies minor
Did you know that Social Development Studies (SDS) can be taken as a major or a minor? SDS is a multi-faceted Bachelor of Arts program that gives you a well-rounded background in psychology, sociology, social work, and a set of unique SDS courses. You'll learn how physical and mental health, socioeconomic realities, education, and emotional support affect the well-being of individuals and communities - locally, nationally, and internationally.
Applied Language Studies
Are you fascinated by learning languages and the complexities of communicating in a second language? You can earn a minor in Applied Language Studies (APPLS). APPLS is the application of second language learning theories to the practice of learning and teaching second (or additional) languages. You will learn major theories of second language acquisition, concepts of culture and identity in relation to language learning, and methodologies used for language teaching and assessment. APPLS is an excellent fit for students interested in learning other languages, teaching a language to speakers of other languages, pursuing teacher's college, or studying Applied Linguistics at the graduate level.
East Asian Studies
Are you interested in exploring East Asian cultures? Does studying abroad sound like a fantastic learning experience? You can earn a minor in East Asian Studies (EAS), which offers you the opportunity to take part in engaging, interactive, and challenging courses while enhancing your understanding of East Asian cultures and languages (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). Build your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal relations, and leadership by examining real-world issues.
Religious Studies
Renison courses in Religious Studies (RS) can be counted toward a major or minor in RS. Some knowledge of world religion(s) is essential for professionals who work within the Canadian multicultural complex, and for anyone who wishes to participate in the global economy. The study of religion(s) helps us to understand cultural values and respond to the diversity that is found in our communities, Canadian public life, and international relations.
Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures
Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures is an interdisciplinary academic minor that introduces students to the diversity of Islam and Muslims through courses on contemporary issues, Arabic language, Islamic civilization and culture, art, history, and much more. It introduces students to a culture shared by more than 1.6 billion people worldwide. The goal of this program is to help you discover the Golden Age of Islam, during with much of our common heritage was developed in art, science, technology, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics.
Language programs at Renison
Take the time to master another language, whether it's Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, or fine-tune your English skills as a non-native speaker. In a global community that continues to get smaller, communication across many cultures is becoming increasingly important. Adding a language component to your degree will not only help you connect, but will also make you stand out.
Arabic
Arabic is one of the six most populous languages of the world, native tongue of over 300 million people, and used as a second or foreign language by over 1.6 billion people. Our Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures program offers a variety of options for students interested in learning Arabic for personal, professional, or academic reasons.
Chinese
Classes in our Chinese language program focus on the Mandarin language, plus lectures on topics including Chinese history, literature, religion, political and economical systems, and comparisons between Chinese and Western cultures. With a fully immersive teaching environment and small class sizes that don't exceed 30, our Chinese courses will help anyone build a solid language base.
English Language Studies
More than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students from across six faculties enroll in English for Multilingual Speakers (EMLS) credit courses each year. If you are a University of Waterloo student who doesn't speak English as a first language, you can register for an EMLS course offered at Renison. These classes focus on pronunciation, phonetics, presentation skills, reading and listening comprehension, undergraduate essay writing, and graduate thesis/article composition. These classes were formerly known as English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
Japanese
Even if you've never spoken a word of Japanese, you can build a solid language base in our interactive lectures through our Japanese language program. The small tutorial classes will help to develop your communication skills with various in-class activities. Group projects with other students will provide opportunities to integrate each of the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
Korean
Students in our Korean language program learn the language from the bottom-up, starting with the Korean alphabet and continuing on until you're able to listen, speak, read, and write. Our courses utilize curriculum that we have specifically created for beginners in a university setting, and all the materials used in class are based on the philosophy that learning Korean should be "easy to understand and easy to acquire".