Honours Bachelor of Arts - Indigenous Learning and Philosophy

Indigenous Learning is an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural department open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Borrowing from subjects including history, geography, anthropology and sociology, this program will examine societal structures and the ways the Indigenous population relates to mainstream populations in Canada.

Lakehead University aims to enhance students' awareness of Aboriginal life experiences, culture and political issues. The university focuses on the current reality of Aboriginal Peoples as opposed to the traditional, anthropological approach. While history is a component of their Indigenous Learning studies, it will be within the context of lived implications in order to challenge assumptions and mistaken understandings about Aboriginal Peoples.

Students will learn: • Archival research • Census data analysis • Cultural awareness • Government record analysis • Critical thinking skills • Written and oral testimony and communications

By studying philosophy, students will learn about the intellectual foundations of the society, but they will also develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that will enable them to re-examine society with an inquisitive mind and a discerning lens.

Students will explore fundamental philosophical concepts, from Ancient Greek to the modern era, in order to understand contemporary thinking about ethics and justice in context. Lakehead University programs emphasize reasoning skills, oral debate, and writing proficiency with the balance of coursework dedicated to such philosophical topics as • Gender • Popular Culture • Paranormal • Love • Biomedical Ethics • Existentialism • Environmental

Students will graduate from the program with the ability to: • Analyze and interpret arguments • Justify beliefs with reference to standards of proof • Describe major philosophical trends • Apply a historical understanding to key philosophical questions • Identify theoretical assumptions • Plan and conduct research that is accurate, thorough, and broadly based