Arts 1100– Section 13: Experiencing the Arts

Theme: Canada and its Peoples

Course:
Instructor: Dr. Valérie Vézina

Email: [Link]@[Link] Student Hours: Fridays, 9-10am, on

BigBlueButton, or by
appointment (through Microsoft
Teams)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Students will explore a broad and compelling theme through the lens of different Arts
disciplines. The theme will change each semester. The course will be run by an instructor who is
passionate about the theme, with class sessions taught by visiting instructors from areas such
as History, Psychology, Geography, Fine Arts, Political Science, and other fields. This will help
students realize how different fields within Arts are connected, as well as suggest directions for
further study. They will learn to view their world through multiple, and sometimes contrasting,
perspectives and develop intellectual skills which are essential for learning in various disciplines
and for continued learning in life beyond the University.
LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this course, we will explore various aspects of what makes Canada and Canadians who they
are. We will examine the various peoples of Canada (Indigenous, settlers of British and French
ancestry, settlers of more recent immigration), their languages, their music and arts and how
they perceive the world through the lens of various Arts discipline (political science, criminology,
psychology, music, geography, etc). This interdisciplinary course is primarily designed for
International students who want to know more about Canada.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

All required readings will be made available through the course page on Moodle.

DETAILED SUMMARY OF EVALUATION SCHEME

Reflective summary (10 x 3%) 30%

Critical comparative analysis (4 x 10%)r 40%
 Final reflective paper 20%
Participation 10 %
TOTAL 100%

The details (evaluation, content, grading) of each evaluation is provided to students through the
Moodle course page.

No extra assignments

There would not be extra credit assignments or 'do-overs' for students who do poorly or not to
their level of satisfaction. It is the responsibility of students to submit the assignments on time,
to follow instructions and, more importantly, to talk to their professor if any difficult arises.

GRADES

Grade Grade Conversion Scale Definition

Points (%)
A+ 4.33 90 - 100 Exceptional Achievement
A 4.00 85 - 89 Outstanding Achievement
A- 3.67 80 - 84 Excellent Achievement
B+ 3.33 76 - 79 Very Good Achievement
B 3.00 72 - 75 Good Achievement
B- 2.67 68 - 71 Good Achievement
C+ 2.33 64 - 67 Satisfactory Achievement
C 2.00 60 - 63 Satisfactory Achievement
C- 1.67 56 - 59 Marginal Achievement. This grade does not
permit student to pursue another course for
which the graded course was a prerequisite.
D 1.00 50 - 55 Minimal achievement. This grade does not
permit student to pursue another course for
which the graded course was a prerequisite.
F 0.00 0 - 49 Unsatisfactory achievement. Student did not
meet minimum course requirements.

INSTRUCTOR/CLASSROOM POLICIES
The instructor’s policies are based on three important principles: fairness, respect and
compassion.

Moodle. This course has a Moodle page associated with it. It contains a copy of this syllabus, the
PowerPoint presentations from class lectures, some of the assigned readings and any other
relevant information.
People with Disabilities. KPU is committed to facilitating and promoting an accessible, inclusive,
and mutually respectful learning environment. Students requiring special accommodations
are asked to communicate with Accessibility services at: [Link]

ESL Students. The Learning Centres at KPU offer various forms of support to students who would
like to improve their English, their writing. It provides tutorials among others.

Political Science Website. The website offers information about upcoming courses, degree
requirements, etc. Please consult: [Link]

Precarity & Basic Needs. If you are having difficulty accessing food or any other basic needs, such
as a safe and stable place to live, and it is negatively affecting your ability to carry out your
coursework, I encourage you to contact the following : the Counseling Services
([Link] and Student life services ([Link]
students/student-life). If you are comfortable sharing this information with me (please, do
not be shy!), I will do my best and help you access university resources. We will also work
together to devise a strategy for the course work.

Email policy. The instructor will answer any email within 48 hours of receiving them. Hence, be
advised that last minute questions or requests would not be considered. Do make sure to
allow the instructor enough time to reply to any of your emails.

Furthermore, proper use of language, including greetings, is necessary. Examples of proper

greetings (which also include how to address your instructor in class) would be: "Hi Professor
Vézina" or "Hi Dr. Vézina" (No "hey" "Val" or "miss") This allows for a respectful relationship.
When contacting the instructor, make sure to state your full name and the class you are in.
Needless to say, but be civil and make sure to use formal language (no slang) and limit your
email to points of information or specific questions.

Respect & safe space. The classroom (and, in broader terms, the University) is a place of learning,
but also one of respect. In class, during discussions, opinions might diverge (which is great!),
make sure to always address your colleagues in a respectful manner. Respect also comes in
the form of creating a safe space, where all feel included. In that regard, if at any point, I
have shown you a lack of respect or if I have misidentified you (name, gender, etc), please
make sure to correct me and tell me (either right away or in any form of communication you
prefer). I want you to feel ‘safe’ at all times. I strongly encourage you to read the online
Etiquette available on the course Moodle page.

No grade grubbing. The many assignments on this syllabus are to ensure your success. Grade
grubbing at the end of the semester is not permitted and emails or requests requesting
grade changes will not receive an answer (except maybe a copy of this paragraph). I do want
you to succeed, hence the design of this course. Please, be assured that I am here to help,
but I am not here to give you free points.
INSTRUCTOR POLICY ON LATE ASSIGNMENTS

Late essays and assignments will be accepted past the due date IF AND ONLY IF permitted
by the instructor. Late submissions will be penalized 5% per day. Note that no assignments
(unless under exceptional circumstances) will be accepted after 7 days (a week) from the
original due date.

KPU POLICIES

All KPU policies can be found at: [Link]/policies

However, the instructor would like to draw your attention on the following policies:

HR15 – Diversity and Inclusiveness Policy and Procedures

KPU endeavors to provide learning and working environments that are inclusive and which
are supportive of fair and equitable treatment of all members within its diverse community,
no matter their social identity, meaning the various attributes or characteristics with which
one strongly identifies and views as integral to their identity.

ST11 – Attendance and Performance in Semester and Other Term Based Courses* Policy
Students are expected to attend every class session, do all the readings before class and
come prepared to discuss them. Furthermore, as stated in the policy (ST11), students are to
be punctual and demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance and rate of progress within
the timelines

ST2 – Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures

From the policy: “The University ascribes to the highest standards of academic integrity.
Adhering to these standards of academic integrity means observing the values on which
good academic work must be founded: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these values.
These standards of academic integrity require Students to not engage in or tolerate
Integrity Violations, including falsification, misrepresentation or deception, as such acts
violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise
the worth of work completed by others.”

Put simply, Academic Integrity Violations include acts such as plagiarizing, cheating, or
forging documents like a doctor’s notes. Academic Integrity Violations will be addressed
according to Procedures attached to Policy ST2.

* Note: Cheating and plagiarizing, in addition to being unfortunate in any class, is

especially unfortunate in a class where the main goal is to read, think, and discuss
YOUR ideas.
 ST7 – Student Conduct (Non-Academic) Policy and Procedure

SR14 – Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy and Procedure

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTs

Student Self-Care: The broader pandemic context has undoubtedly created additional
challenges and stress for many students. If you find yourself struggling in ways that go
beyond academics, KPU offers 24/7 counselling service
([Link] Accessibility Services ([Link]
and possible financial assistance ([Link]

Continuity of Learning: The Faculty of Arts is endeavoring to ensure the best possible
learning experience. In the unlikely event that your instructor is taken ill, we will work to
find coverage.

Here are some important links and resources:

Student Rights and Responsibilities: [Link]

affairs/[Link]
Learning Centre: [Link]
Early Alert: [Link]
Counselling: [Link]
Crisis Centre of BC: [Link] or 1.800.784.2433 or online chat:
[Link]
Services for Students with Disabilities [Link]
Plagiarism Awareness Tutorial: [Link]
TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEGEMENT
[Link]

We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the
unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo,
Tsawwassen, Qayqayt and Kwikwetlem peoples.

SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)

SESSION CONTENT ASSIGNMENTS

Nov. 3 Canada, eh?
Nov. 5 The construction of Colonial Reflective summary 1
Canada
Nov. 10 Who are the peoples of Canada? Reflective summary 2
Indigenous peoples
Nov. 12 Who are the peoples of Canada? Reflective summary 3
The Chinese Head Tax Critical comparative analysis 1
Nov. 17 Who are the peoples of Canada? Reflective summary 4
Iranian immigration
Nov. 19 Who are the peoples of Canada? Reflective summary 5
The experience of immigrant Critical comparative analysis 2
children
Nov. 24 Where do peoples live in Reflective summary 6
Canada? Temporal distribution
of people
Nov. 26 Where do peoples live in Reflective summary 7
Canada? The suburbs. Critical comparative analysis 3

Dec. 1 How do peoples live together? Reflective summary 8

The government of Canada
Dec. 3 How do peoples live together? Reflective summary 9
The rule of law and the Charter Critical comparative analysis 4
of Rights and Freedom
Dec. 8 Which languages peoples speak? Reflective summary 10
The national anthem
Dec. 10 Final words
Dec. 13 Final reflective paper due Final reflective paper