Entrance Requirement
In order to be admitted to a program leading to a Diploma of College Studies (DEC), candidates must possess a Quebec Secondary School Diploma or have completed a level of education that is deemed equivalent by the College. Students who wish to enter the Commerce Option, World Studies with Math or students who wish to take advanced Mathematics courses (Calculus I, Calculus II or Linear Algebra) must have the appropriate high school pre-requisite (Math SN 5 or Math TS 5). Students who do not have these prerequisites may register for the equivalent non-credit course(s) at Champlain, if space is available.
For more information, please refer to our website at
www.champlainonline.com under Admissions.
Program Overview
A major objective of the Social Science program is to provide a progression of courses (Level I “Introductory” courses followed by Level II “in-depth” courses) that help students to understand the social sciences as an integrated body of knowledge.
By acquiring the basic concepts that are fundamental to a full understanding of the social sciences, students are prepared to undertake a wide range of university programs.
The Social Science program provides students with the tools to address the challenges in life and to achieve a better understanding of the cultures and environment of the world in which we live.
Upon completion of the Social Science program, students can pursue their university studies in the following fields:
Administration Anthropology Civil Service Computer Science Commerce Communications Economics Education English Finance Geography Foreign Affairs History Industrial Resources Journalism Law Marketing Mgmt. Info. Systems Philosophy Physical Education Political Science Psychology Public Affairs Religion Social Work Sociology Specialized Writing Graduate Profile
The graduate exit profile indicates what students are expected to achieve by the time the program is completed. It outlines three main areas of expertise: knowledge, thinking and learning in the social sciences. At Champlain these major areas and their related abilities are as follows: Knowledge of disciplinary content means that students
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identify the main disciplinary-specific and transdisciplinary facts, notions, terms, principles, concepts and questions and apply this knowledge appropriately•
explain the major disciplinary-specific and transdisciplinary theories, laws, models, approaches and schools of thought in relation to their authors and concrete situations Knowledge of social science methods means thatstudents
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use empirical evidence to support their conclusions•
apply their knowledge of the scientific approach to empirical data•
demonstrate a knowledge and application of qualitative and quantitative research methods Thinking like a social scientist means•
demonstrating qualities associated with a scientific mind and critical thinking•
recognizing the utility as well as the limitations of theory•
selecting appropriate theoretical frameworks to explain social issues•
situating various issues related to informed, responsible participation in a world-wide context•
understanding ethical issues across the disciplines•
drawing connections between different disciplines•
drawing connections between knowledge in social science courses and everyday life that ultimately lead to an understanding of people, groups and cultures•
integrating learning acquired throughout the program by identifying key concepts, theories and methods from diverse disciplines and using these to analyze social issuesSocial Science Program (300.A0)
Successful students in the social sciences
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use learning strategies that allow them to reach their short- term and long-term goals and serve as a solid foundation for future studies•
recognize main thesis and/or author’s purpose, supporting details and the relationships among ideas in different texts•
communicate ideas clearly in written format•
communicate ideas orally in a clear and coherent fashion•
work effectively as a member of a group•
integrate their learning throughout the program•
use appropriate self-assessment techniques to reflect on their own learning•
use appropriate information-processing technologies•
demonstrate awareness of the need to develop lifestyle habits conducive to good physical, emotional and intellectual healthIntegrative Activity
Social Science students must demonstrate that they have integrated knowledge from their Social Science courses. Although the integration of concepts, theories and research methods occurs throughout the program it is the main focus of the Integration Seminar in the Social Sciences (ISSS) course offered in the graduating semester. In this course, students evaluate their learning approach and review key concepts, theories and issues they have dealt with in their Social Science courses. The focal point of the course is the Integrated Interdisciplinary Paper, in which students examine a social issue from the perspective of at least two social sciences disciplines and one theoretical framework. Students present their major findings orally and critically assess their final paper. This integrative activity prepares the students for university studies and meets the requirement of the Comprehensive Assessment.
Comprehensive Assessment
According to the Exit Profile for the Social Science program, successful students graduate with an understanding of human phenomena from a social scientific perspective. They acquire a thorough knowledge of disciplinary content and research methods in the social sciences and extend their ability to think, communicate and learn effectively. The elements of the Exit Profile are practiced throughout the various social science courses and especially in the final course, the Integration Seminar in the Social Sciences (see above). The successful Integrated Interdisciplinary Paper that students write in this course signals that the student has met the criteria for the program’s Comprehensive Assessment.