Bachelor of Arts - Year 1

Get a start on your Bachelor of Arts with first-year courses you can take close to home.

TRU Williams Lake offers year 1 of the Bachelor of Arts degree (BA). The BA degree offers a variety of majors and minors while ensuring a comprehensive foundation in the liberal arts. Flexible, innovative programs include opportunities for undergraduate research, co-op, field schools and study abroad. Cultivate skills like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership, and apply your knowledge in real-world settings. Courses in anthropology, archaeology, English, history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology are offered on an annual basis. These courses can accumulate credits towards various programs while you choose the path best for you.

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Journalism
  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Bachelor of Business Administration

Possible BA paths

Majors (main concentration)

Communications, Economics, Economic and Political Studies, English, Geography and Environmental Studies, History, Mathematics, Mathematics and Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Theatre Arts

Minors (secondary optional concentration

Archaeology and Geology, Creative Writing, Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development, Geography, Language and Global Studies, Management, Political Studies, Visual Arts

Careers

Graduates can enter into a wide range of positions spanning private and public sectors, non-profit organizations and self-employment. Positions include:

  • Project coordinator
  • Researcher
  • Public relations specialist
  • Teacher
  • Counsellor

Application requirements

  • Grade 12 (or equivalent) or Mature Student Status
  • English 12/English 12 First Peoples 73% (B)
  • Recommended: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or higher is strongly recommended for students pursuing Education or a major in Geography and Environmental Studies, Sociology or Psychology

Don't meet the requirements? We offer several Adult Basic Education courses to help you upgrade.

Program Information Package
Winter 2022 Courses
These courses are typically offered by TRU Williams Lake. Availability is subject to change.
ANTH 1210
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3,0,0)

ANTH 1210 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students will learn about Cultural Anthropology as the branch of Anthropology concerned with the holistic study of human societies and of how humans use culture to organize themselves, make sense of things, and meet their basic survival needs. Students will examine how anthropological approaches increase their understanding of global and local issues in diverse cultural contexts. Students will be challenged to engage multiple and coexisting ways of knowing and being on equal footing through culturally relative cross-cultural comparative analysis and method. Through increased intercultural awareness students will examine a range of topics including the effects of race and racism and colonialism, cultural diversity in expressions of gender and sexuality, social inequalities, religion and cosmology, economics and modes of exchange, and the organization of power through political systems and polities.
For more information, search for this course here.

ANTH 2250
Sex, Gender and Culture (2,1,0)

ANTH 2250 Sex, Gender and Culture (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

A cross cultural survey of the different ways in which a biological condition (sex) is transformed into a cultural status. A central issue concerns the question whether there are 'natural' male and female behaviours that are expressed regardless of local cultural influences.
Prerequisite: ARCH 1110/ANTH 1210 recommended but not required.
For more information, search for this course here.

ANTH 2600
Minorities in the Modern World (2,1,0)

ANTH 2600 Minorities in the Modern World (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

An introduction to the anthropological study of minorities, with special reference to the present position of indigenous peoples around the world. Case studies from North America, Europe, Asia, Russia and Oceania illuminate the concepts of genocide, ethnocide, pluralism and multiculturalism.
Prerequisite: ARCH 1110/ANTH 1210 recommended but not required.
For more information, search for this course here.

ARCH 1110
Human Origins (2,1,0)

ARCH 1110 Human Origins (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

An introduction to the anthropological study of human origins. The course addresses the distinction between mythical and scientific explanations of the emergence of animal and human life. It outlines the basic principles of evolution and reviews the major stages of human prehistory. Although some attention is paid to the interplay between biology and culture, the course is designed for social science students who may lack extensive knowledge of biology.
Prerequisite: None.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for ARCH 1110 and ANTH 1110
For more information, search for this course here.

ARCH 2010
Introduction to Archaeology (2,1,0)

ARCH 2010 Introduction to Archaeology (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

An introduction to the discipline of archaeology, including the ways in which archaeologists reconstruct past cultures and lifeways, the development and major discoveries of archaeology, and the relationships between human material remains and human behavior. Students will gain an appreciation of what the past was like, what archaeological data are, and how archaeology is used to answer questions about the human condition.
Prerequisite: None.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of ARCH 2010, ARCH 1190 and ANTH 1190
For more information, search for this course here.

ARCH 2230
Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia (2,1,0)

ARCH 2230 Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

A survey of the traditional Indigenous cultures of British Columbia as known through ethnography and archaeology. Topics will include regional variation and adaptation in economy, technology, language, religion, art, medicine, kinship, and social organization. The contemporary social problems of the native peoples are not part of this course.
Prerequisite: An intro course in Anthropology is recommended
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both ARCH 2230 and ANTH 2230
For more information, search for this course here.

BIOL 1592
Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology 1 (3,0,0)

BIOL 1592 Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology 1 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is intended primarily for students taking the Nursing and Respiratory Therapy programs. However, space is also available for Academic students. Students examine the anatomy and physiology of human organ systems over the course of two semesters, while focusing on the relationship between structure and function.
Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology 12 with a minimum grade of C+ or BIOL 0600 and Chemistry 11 or CHEM 0500.
Note: Students do not receive credit for more than one of BIOL 1592, BIOL 1590, BIOL 1593 or BIOL 3540.
For more information, search for this course here.

BIOL 1594
Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 1 (0,0,2)(L)

BIOL 1594 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 1 (0,0,2)(L)

Credits:
Delivery: Campus

This course covers the first half of the laboratory component of anatomy and physiology. Students are introduced to the structure and function of the human body, beginning with an orientation of the body and continuing with the functions of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems (including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems). As well, the healthy functioning of the body and consideration of how each system contributes to overall health and maintenance of homeostasis will be covered.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1592 or BIOL 1593
Corequisite: BIOL 1592
Note: Students cannot get credit for more than one of BIOL 1594, BIOL 1595.
For more information, search for this course here.

BIOL 1692
Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology 2 (3,0,0)

BIOL 1692 Human Biology: Anatomy and Physiology 2 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students examine the anatomy and physiology of the human organ systems over the course of two semesters, while focusing on the relationship between structure and function.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1592 or BIOL 1593
Note: Students do not receive credit for more than one of BIOL 1692, BIOL 1693 or BIOL 3550
For more information, search for this course here.

BIOL 1694
Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 2 (0,0,2)(L)

BIOL 1694 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory 2 (0,0,2)(L)

Credits:
Delivery: Campus

This course is the second half laboratory course in anatomy and physiology. Students in the course will learn about the nervous system and the senses as well as the endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems.
Prerequisite: BIOL 1692 or BIOL 1693
Corequisite: BIOL 1692
Note: Students may only receive credit for one of BIOL 1694 and BIOL 1695
For more information, search for this course here.

CMNS 2290
Technical Communication (3,0,0)

CMNS 2290 Technical Communication (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students study a variety of technical communications used to document professional activity, including proposals, technical and formal reports, policies and procedures, technical descriptions and definitions, and instructions. Students learn the importance of documentation and accountability as part of professional due diligence, applicable across many fields including journalism, business, government, public service, consulting and research institutes. Students develop skills in assessing communication needs in a scenario, identifying communication goals, audience need and relevant media. Finally, students learn skills in research and synthesis to ensure professional engagement and presentation of research material. Prerequisites: CMNS 1291 OR CMNS 1290 OR ENGL 1100 OR ENGL 1101 OR CMNS 1810
Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of CMNS 2290, ENGL 2290 AND CMNS 2291
For more information, search for this course here.

ENGL 1100
Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0)

ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore the practices of reading and writing in scholarly contexts by investigating a chosen topic or issue. Students read, critically analyze, and synthesize information and ideas found in appropriate secondary sources and coming from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds. They also develop their abilities to communicate knowledge by composing in the genres and sub-genres of scholarly writing, including the incorporation of research and documentation while using a clear, persuasive, grammatically-correct style.
Prerequisite: English Studies 12 /English First Peoples 12 with a minimum 73% or equivalent
Note: students cannot receive credit for both ENGL 1100 and ENGL 1101
For more information, search for this course here.

ENGL 1110
Critical Reading and Writing (3,0,0)

ENGL 1110 Critical Reading and Writing (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students develop skills in close critical reading comprehension, written composition, and argumentation through the exploration and evaluation of a variety of creative narrative texts. Students learn critically and creatively to articulate complexities of various perspectives, techniques and rhetorical strategies, and assumptions employed by writers to convey a given subject matter or social issue. They also practice critical reflection and clear, persuasive, and grammatically-correct communication by building on scholarly writing and documentation skills. Students develop critical reading and writing skills, which are keys to success in any academic discipline and transfer directly to the workplace.
Prerequisite: English Studies 12 /English First Peoples 12 with a minimum 73% or equivalent
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both ENGL 1110 and ENGL 1001.
For more information, search for this course here.

ENGL 1150
ENGL 2020
Writing and Critical Thinking: Research (3,0,0)

ENGL 2020 Writing and Critical Thinking: Research (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students continue to explore the theory and practice of academic reading and writing through a variety of topics or issues. Students perform close critical readings of scholarly texts to identify, analyze, and communicate the stylistic strategies and characteristics of academic sources. While investigating a topic, students use various research methods to assess, organize, and synthesize those scholarly sources in their own writing. They gain extensive practice in research writing, and apply the theories and practices of academic writing, with a focus on the research genres, including critical summaries, research proposals and research papers, and reinforced attention on documentation and grammatically-correct style. Students also practice communication strategies for professional discourse through group feedback on writing.
Prerequisite: 6 credits of first-year English ( with the exception of ENGL 1150) or equivalent or permission of instructor or department Chair.
For more information, search for this course here.

ENGL 2180
Studies in Literature and Culture (3,0,0)

ENGL 2180 Studies in Literature and Culture (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students continue to develop skills in close critical reading comprehension and written composition through exploration and evaluation of the relationship between literature and cultural contexts. The approach of the course varies, sometimes focusing on a specific literary and cultural theme in a variety of genres and time periods, sometimes focusing on a specific cultural period, place, or movement and the literary texts and issues that emerge from it. Students critically and creatively evaluate a variety of texts, interpret and analyze a range of rhetorical strategies, and apply diverse critical perspectives. Whatever the focus, students learn to reflect critically and creatively and to articulate complexities and assumptions of various literary texts, considering their historical, political, and cultural contexts. Students investigate a topic, using scholarly writing that illustrates grammatically-correct style and appropriate documentation skills.
Prerequisite: 6 credits of first-year English (with the exception of ENGL 1150) or equivalent OR permission of instructor or department chair
For more information, search for this course here.

ENGL 2200
Studies in Literature 1 (3,0,0)

ENGL 2200 Studies in Literature 1 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students continue to develop skills in close critical reading comprehension and written composition through exploration and evaluation of literary topics, themes, or issues within the discipline. Students critically and creatively evaluate a variety of interrelated literary texts, interpret and analyze a range of techniques and rhetorical strategies, and apply diverse critical perspectives. While course topics vary depending on faculty and student interest and current developments in the field, students learn to reflect critically and creatively and to articulate complexities and assumptions of various literary texts, considering their historical, political, and cultural contexts. Students investigate a topic, using scholarly writing that illustrates grammatically-correct style and appropriate documentation skills.
Prerequisite: 6 credits of first-year English (with the exception of ENGL 1150) or equivalent OR permission of instructor or department Chair
For more information, search for this course here.

ENGL 2410
Indigenous Narratives in Canada (3,0,0)

ENGL 2410 Indigenous Narratives in Canada (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students continue to develop skills in close critical reading comprehension and written composition through evaluation of the contemporary application of narrative structure that shapes the literature of Indigenous cultures. Students critically and creatively explore Indigenous experiences through narrative structure, including local Secwepemc narratives, oral culture, and relationships between land and identity. They investigate and interpret modern and contemporary poetry, drama, short stories, novels, and essays, relating principles of Indigenous knowledges and ways. Students also critically and personally reflect on and articulate the complexities and multiplicities of Indigenous writing and the Indigenous experience of systemic marginalization, discrimination, and cultural oppression within Canada. Students explore a topic, using scholarly writing that illustrates grammatically-correct style and appropriate documentation skills.
Prerequisite: 6 credits of first-year English (with the exception of ENGL 1150) or equivalent OR permission of instructor or department Chair.
For more information, search for this course here.

FNLG 1000
Introduction to First Nations Language 1 (3,0,0)

FNLG 1000 Introduction to First Nations Language 1 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course will introduce students to the First Nations language. Emphasis will be placed on developing listening and speaking skills, conversational ability, and knowledge of grammatical structures. Little or no prior knowledge of the language is the expected entry level for this course.
Prerequisite: Admission to the DSTC program or Admission to TRU
Corequisite: FNLG 1010 recommended
For more information, search for this course here.

FNLG 2010
First Nations Language Immersion 3 (3,0,0)

FNLG 2010 First Nations Language Immersion 3 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course will, through continued Immersion, permit students to build on their abilities developed in Year 1 to gain an enhanced understanding of grammatical structures, while continuing to expand their vocabulary of the First Nations language.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 1 of the DSTC program or permission of the instructor and Program Coordinator
Corequisite: FNLG 2000
For more information, search for this course here.

GEOL 2050
Historical Geology:Global Change Through Time (3,0,3)(L)

GEOL 2050 Historical Geology:Global Change Through Time (3,0,3)(L)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this course students explore the evolution of Earth, the continents, oceans, atmosphere, climate, and biosphere over geologic time. Students learn about the scientific principles, evidence, techniques and technologies for addressing fundamental inquires such as how oxygen was added to the atmosphere, how and why climates have changed throughout time and the significance to current climate change; how water and salts were added to the oceans, and causes of sea level change; the formation and erosion of mountains; causes and effects of glaciations; theories for the origin of life, and the timing and causes of major extinctions; and the recent importance of humans as geologic agents.
Prerequisite: GEOL 1110 or GEOG 1111 or GEOG 1000 or consent of the instructor
Note: Students cannot get credit for more than one of GEOL 2050, GEOL 2051
For more information, search for this course here.

HIST 1120
An Introduction to Canadian History (2,1,0)

HIST 1120 An Introduction to Canadian History (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students examine the development of Canada to 1867. An emphasis is placed on Indigenous-European relations, the history of New France, military conflicts, the political and economic development of British North America, social and cultural history, and the project of Confederation.
For more information, search for this course here.

HIST 2020
Indigenous peoples' History of Canada (2,1,0)

HIST 2020 Indigenous peoples' History of Canada (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore the history of the Indigenous peoples of what is now Canada. The course begins with pre-contact perspectives, however, emphasis is on the social, cultural, political, economic and military interactions between Indigenous peoples and newcomers. Examples are drawn from all regions to reveal the breadth and variety of Indigenous culture, history, and experience. Topics include Indigenous involvement in the fur trade and later economic developments, the treaty-making process, and Indigenous responses to government policy.
For more information, search for this course here.

HIST 2700
The History of Women in Canadian Society (2,1,0)

HIST 2700 The History of Women in Canadian Society (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are introduced to the history of women in Canada. Organized chronologically and thematically, this course surveys women's history from the era of Indigenous-European contact through to the postwar years. Topics include the family, the workplace, sexuality, education, and politics. An emphasis is placed on the diversity of women's experiences.
For more information, search for this course here.

PHIL 1110
Introduction to Critical Thinking (3,0,0)

PHIL 1110 Introduction to Critical Thinking (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students access the basic blocks of knowledge building through an exploration of logical analysis. Students use the philosophical methodology of argument analysis to navigate issues presented in natural language and to resolve real world problems. Students examine the meaning of logical terms and philosophically investigate their contribution to arguments. Students give considerable attention to representing the logical structure of arguments and discovering their validity or invalidity.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of PHIL 1110, PHIL 1111.
For more information, search for this course here.

PNUR 1300
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (48 hours)

PNUR 1300 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (48 hours)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course provides an overview of the structure and function of body systems, and encourages various health promotion strategies that work towards optimum functioning of these systems.
Prerequisite: Biology 12 , BIOL 0600
For more information, search for this course here.

PSYC 1210
Introduction to Psychology 2 (3,0,0)

PSYC 1210 Introduction to Psychology 2 (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore selected topics in contemporary psychology, including intelligence, development, personality, social psychology, emotion, motivation, and psychopathology.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for more than one of PSYC 1210 , PSYC 1211.
For more information, search for this course here.

PSYC 2130
Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (2,1,0)

PSYC 2130 Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students explore the developmental process from conception to adolescence. Theoretical perspectives and research data are examined as they relate to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1110 or PSYC 1111 and PSYC 1210 or PSYC 1211 or permission of the instructor.
Note: Students may only receive credit for one of PSYC 2130 or PSYC 2131.
For more information, search for this course here.

PSYC 2230
Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (2,1,0)

PSYC 2230 Introduction to Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (2,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is an inquiry into the developmental changes from adolescence onwards with an emphasis on adolescent adjustment, adult maturity and growth, middle age, retirement, old age, dying and death. Current research is examined as it relates to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
Note: Students may only receive credit for one of PSYC 2230 or PSYC 3461.
For more information, search for this course here.

SOCI 1110
Introduction to Sociology I (3,0,0)

SOCI 1110 Introduction to Sociology I (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students learn the core concepts of the discipline of sociology by examining key topics (such as culture, socialization, social interaction, social roles, and social structure) that allow us to locate ourselves within society. Students also explore theoretical perspectives within sociology and the fundamentals of the sociological research methods.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both SOCI 1110 and SOCI 1111.
For more information, search for this course here.

SOCI 1210
Introduction to Sociology II (3,0,0)

SOCI 1210 Introduction to Sociology II (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students critically examine social stratification and inequalities based on dimensions of class, race, gender, and sexuality in both the Canadian and global contexts. In this second introductory course, students apply a sociological analysis to the study of major social institutions including: education, work, politics, media, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. Students investigate questions and debates concerning our modern world, in particular, those around consumer culture, globalization, and the role of social media.
Note: Students cannot receive credit for both SOCI 1210 and SOCI 1211.
For more information, search for this course here.

Inquiries and Advising

Phone: 250-392-8000
Email: wlmain@tru.ca

Admissions

Phone: 250-392-8020
Email: wladmissions@tru.ca