General Arts and Science - Diploma Option

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Career Discovery
CDEV1840

Description: This course focuses on career exploration and decision making. Students will evaluate their interests, values, skills and abilities through assessment tools and explore the labour market to identify employment trends aligned to their strengths. Effective communication strategies to aid success in the workplace will be covered. By the end of this course, students will have created a personalized development plan to support their future career goals.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

College Reading & Writing Across Contexts
COMM1085

Description:

This course explores the intersections of reading, writing, and critical thinking with an emphasis on academic and workplace competencies for the 21st century. Through regular reading, writing, and discussion, students will develop the ability to analyze texts, construct well-supported arguments, and express their ideas effectively by learning to meet the expectations of selected audiences, purposes, and contexts. The course also provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of research, information literacy, and ethical communication in relation to various contemporary social and cultural issues.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Computer Use in the Modern World
COMP1618

Description: Students will use Microsoft Office to create reports, electronic presentations, brochures, flyers, posters and create budgets. In addition, they will be using computer applications in the contexts of online platforms, online collaboration tools and social media. As students use their research skills in online environments, they will learn how to conduct searches in order to decipher accurate from inaccurate information.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at ��vlog��Ʒ. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Student Success for Higher Learning
LIBS1540

Description: This course enables students to employ strategies and take advantage of resources and opportunities that will support their success in post-secondary environments. Students will identify their unique learning styles and develop strategies for achieving their academic, career and personal goals for reaching personal satisfaction. It provides a structured and supportive learning environment to help students define and develop the academic habits and skills for a successful transition to a Canadian post-secondary culture. The course will address the diverse issues facing students who are beginning their academic path in post-secondary studies.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Critical Thinking
PHIL1000

Description: This course examines the essential elements of both critical and design thinking, through problem solving. Students will explore the nature of evidence, sound arguments and valid conclusions, faulty reasoning, convergent and divergent thinking, and the creative process. The concepts of critical and creative thinking are then applied to problem solving frameworks where students will engage in the discussion of ideas and the presentation of information to an audience.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Level 2

Course details

Foundations in Presentation Skills
COMM1665

Description: This course will provide students an opportunity to develop and hone their presentation skills through a variety of practical scenarios. Students will begin to produce materials that will contribute to their personal portfolios. Both individual and group work will be utilized in the development of visual and verbal presentations

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Research and Writing
COMM2210

Description: This course examines both the essentials of academic research and the general principles for effective writing of a research paper, along with the further development of communication and presentation skills. In practice-oriented activities, students will be guided through the incremental process of design and accomplishment of a research project. This includes selecting a research topic from the area of student’s academic and professional interests, drafting a literature review, formulating research questions and hypotheses, collecting data from diverse primary and secondary sources, basically analyzing and creatively interpreting data, and considering ethical issues. The rule of equal thirds, which are thinking, writing, and revising, will be implemented as an effective time management strategy. The course will culminate into the presentation of the research paper.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $24.50

Our Domain: Geography and Human Populations
LIBS1560

Description: Through scientific inquiry, students will study the world’s geographic landscape, the global processes that shape planet earth, and their relationship to the location of climates and the natural resources required to sustain healthy societies. Challenges and opportunities related to demands for natural resources, energy, agricultural and economic productivity will be explored along with the ever increasing impact our accelerating population growth is having on shaping our planets future and the life that inhabits it.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
SOC1200

Description:

Conflict is a natural part of meaningful relationships, workplaces, and groups. While often seen negatively, it can strengthen bonds, boost self-awareness, and promote growth. This course explores theoretical frameworks for understanding and resolving conflict while taking a closer look at various societal experiences of conflict. Participants will delve into factors behind interpersonal, intrapersonal, and group conflicts and develop practical skills for effective conflict management, including how to engage in meaningful conversations to resolve disputes.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Electives: Program option
Student must pass one course, selected in the from available course options.

View Program Option Electives

Please note that all courses may not be offered in all semesters. Go to your student portal for full timetabling details under "My Courses".

General Arts & Science Program Exemption
GASPO1001

Description: Program Exemption for GAS program 0791 & 0090

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated resource cost: No resources required

General Arts & Science Program Exemption
GASPO1002

Description: Program Exemption for GAS program 0791 & 0090

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated resource cost: No resources required

General Arts & Science Program Exemption
GASPO1006

Description: Program Exemption for GAS program 0791 & 0090

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated resource cost: No resources required

General Arts & Science Program Exemption
GASPO1007

Description: Program Exemption for GAS program 0791 & 0090

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated resource cost: No resources required

Foundations in Math
MATH1095

Description: Students will learn and apply strategies, skills, concepts, procedures, and representational methods to solve problems in pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry/trigonometry relevant to a broad range of careers.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated resource cost: No resources required

Understanding Science
SCIE1060

Description:

This introductory course examines the fundamental principles and practices of science. Students will explore the scientific method as a systematic approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to differentiate between science and pseudoscience and critically evaluate scientific claims. The course covers key subdisciplines within the natural sciences, including biology and geology. Students will explore the materials and the processes that shape the Earth. Biology will introduce students to the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. Additionally, the course addresses the ethical principles and standards that guide scientific research and practice, ensuring students understand the importance of integrity in science.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated resource cost: No resources required

Level 3

Course details

Career Design Studio
CDEV1255

Description:

Welcome to the Career Design Studio, where design thinking meets career and educational development. In this course, you'll use design thinking principles to explore and reflect on your career interests, educational goals, and work philosophy. Engaging in interactive lessons and real-world applications, you'll create a personalized plan for your next steps with clarity and confidence. The core of the course is the pathway project, guiding you to develop a tailored career and educational plan -culminating in a comprehensive portfolio. During this process, you'll develop your networking skills and gain insights into the Canadian Labour Market and Canadian Labour Laws, enhancing your understanding of your pathway.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Interpersonal And Group Dynamics
COMM1030

Description: In this introductory level course, students learn to apply knowledge from interpersonal relations and group dynamics to working in a team. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing effective communication skills with individuals and groups. Group cohesiveness and group decision-making will be discussed.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Ethics in the Real World
PHIL2005

Description:

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to a variety of approaches to discerning what morality demands. Throughout the course, students will practice their critical thinking skills as they reflect upon a selection of ethical issues – such as capital punishment, euthanasia, social justice, war, terrorism. By the end of the course, students should be able to clearly express and defend their own moral values and approaches to both contemporary and enduring ethical issues.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Introduction to The Social Sciences
SOC1527

Description: This course provides students with the opportunity to meet the Civic Life (Theme 2) component of the general education requirements for programs of instruction for Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology. In order to live responsibly and to reach one's potential as an individual, and as a citizen of society, there is a need to understand the patterns of human relationships that underlie the orderly interactions of a society’s various structural units. Informed people have knowledge of the meaning of civic life in relation to diverse communities at the local, national and global level. This course will teach the basic principles and vocabulary of the social science disciplines: economics, sociology, and politics. It will introduce students to the intellectual frameworks of these disciplines and will emphasize the development of critical thinking by focusing on inequalities in contemporary Canadian society. Students will be provided with an understanding of the meaning of freedoms, rights, and participation in community and public life, in addition to a working knowledge of the structure and function of various levels of governments in Canada. The course will contribute to the development of citizens who are conscious of the diversity, complexity, and richness of the human experience, who are able to establish meaning through this consciousness, and, who, as a result, are able to contribute thoughtfully, creatively, and positively to the society in which they live and work.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Electives: General Education
Student must pass one course, selected in the from available course options.

Level 4

Course details

Intercultural Communication Skills
LIBS1670

Description:

Introduces the learner to the nature of intercultural communication, its history and its various applications in today's work environment. The course builds theory supported by data and examples. Profiles of various regions are analyzed to develop transferable skills appropriate to working interculturally in various businesses, industries, and professions. The focus is on building strong applied intercultural skills.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Psychology: Basic Processes Of Behaviour
PSYC1010

Description: This course introduces the student to scholarly and scientific research concerning the nature of the mind and its various types of consciousness, biophysical features of the brain and the processes involved in learning and motivation. The course begins with a brief history of psychology and its emergence as a science. Topics include: scientific methodology, physiological bases of behaviour, learning, states of consciousness, motivation and emotion, personality and psychological disorders. Students explore the research process and apply psychological concepts to their own experiences.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Natural Sciences in Everyday Life
SCIE2000

Description:

In this course, students will develop an understanding of the approaches to the natural sciences and emphasize the methods of thinking, approaching and solving problems in the sciences. This will be done through examination of research methods, and communication in science. The course will explore the natural sciences by examining the field of chemistry, physics, and astronomy. In chemistry, students will apply fundamental concepts of chemistry to the current model of the atom, its applications in chemical equations, and radioactivity. Physics will explore concepts including motion, energy, and waves. In the astronomy section, students will acquire a basic understanding of the universe, its origins and composition, and the inter-relationships between galaxies, stars and planets.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Electives: General Education
Student must pass one course, selected in the from available course options.

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

Question cultural norms in order to develop a personal world view in relation to others, including in the workplace.
Describe the development of western thought in a global context to categorize behaviours and relationships in the modern world.
Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to communicate required by business and industry.
Utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques through logical experiences, mathematical practices, and laboratory applications.
Develop personal and professional abilities, drawing from the subject areas of Health, Business, Engineering or Information Technology, in order to contribute to success in the workplace
Develop interpersonal skills and implement strategies to enhance self-satisfaction and employability

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