Explores new mental models that foster a strategist perspective required by business practitioners responsible for crafting and executing an organization’s strategy. Students will explore and think critically about the core strategic notions, concepts, tools, models and theories required by managers to manage and lead their organizations in today’s challenging, turbulent ecosystem. The thread throughout the course will be a need for all organizations to reposition themselves to accommodate this new Internet of Everything Industrial Age.
Takes a management-centered approach to thinking about operations by focusing on performance improvement and how operations can support organization strategy. While the course places a particular emphasis upon the lean management approach, key concepts and techniques of operations and supply chain management are discussed in the context of solving operational problems and looking for better ways to deliver customer value.
This course will develop your competence in important financial management concepts to understand that all business decisions involve some type of financial analysis. Coverage of the underlying principles required for an understanding of finance as it applies to business and corporations will be the focus. Key topics include time value of money, capital market theory and capital budgeting.
This course offers a deep exploration of Indigenous worldviews and business practices, highlighting the unique contributions of Indigenous cultures to contemporary business models. Students will examine Indigenous governance, values, and economic systems, and their application in modern business contexts. Key topics include Indigenous entrepreneurship, sustainable resource management, community-led business development, and the role of cultural practices in economic decision-making. Through case studies, guest speakers, and collaborative projects, students will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with Indigenous communities and how to foster meaningful, ethical partnerships that align with Indigenous rights and values. (First available offering starts April 2027.)
This course empowers business leaders to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations and climate action into strategic decision-making. Students will delve into frameworks for assessing and enhancing ESG performance, with a focus on climate risk management, sustainable innovation, and regulatory compliance. The course explores the role of business leaders in driving organisational change towards sustainability and addresses strategies for creating positive social impact while achieving financial goals. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and real-world applications, students will develop the skills to lead effective ESG initiatives and contribute to climate action within their organisations. (First available offering starts April 2027.)
Provides a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding conflict analysis and management as a field of study and practice. Focuses on engaging with conflict, change, and systems specifically related to organizational contexts.
Focuses on organizational change management practices and the fundamentals required for the transformation of organizational culture. Students will gain an enhanced understanding of organizational change processes, from navigating the people side of change to facilitating whole systems change. Consideration will be given to the capabilities required to effectively lead change efforts. Students will apply learning through an experientially-oriented change leadership project.
Explore ways to create a comprehensive change strategy that engages all levels of an organization. Focuses on the multi-dimensional approaches required to inspire and execute positive change, including managing power and influence; facilitating engagement and communication strategies; and building sustainable change-leadership capacity.
Explores tools for facilitating planned changes and personal transitions. Viewing organizations and communities as systems, the course examines the key levers for change and how to integrate these into the change planning process. Using this systems view as a foundational platform, several contemporary models of change will be presented including appreciative inquiry, whole systems change and project management. Students will apply knowledge using case studies, examining why change efforts fail and, more importantly, what roles leaders play in ensuring the successful implementation of change initiatives.
Familiarizes students with the history of the concept of sustainable development and its core principles. Discusses innovations happening on the ground in Canadian communities. Grounded in systems thinking, emphasis will be placed on new models of collaboration, integrated decision-making and planning, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Examines key issues to provide a deep understanding of the complexities of solving and implementing such ‘messy, wicked’ problems. Emphasis will be placed on ‘making a difference through research’, learning and using modern research dissemination tools including social media channels.
Builds on guiding theoretical and practice frameworks (including child rights, child and family welfare, child health, child protection, etc.) used currently, both nationally and by the international community in order to shape interventions to address the challenges that exist for children and youth, with a specific focus on protecting children working with families and communities. Deconstructs colonialist practices, Eurocentric perspectives, using anti-oppression frameworks and Indigenous ways of knowing. Encourages understanding of the community and cultural systems of support for children and families that exist in many ways parallel to the more formal systems of support. Guides students to explore and navigate important tensions (such as the tension between immediate and long-term care; universal and local values; autonomy and safety) through critical reflection and discourse and questions who frames the problem and what impact this has on children, youth, and families.
Introduces students to foundational theories, processes, practices and strategies of social innovation as well as corporate intrapreneurship. Through deep introspection, students will gain knowledge of change strategies that include deploying soft and hard power to advance innovative opportunities, while exploring how to influence without formal authority. Learners will get exposed to the creative strategies and activities of social and institutional entrepreneurs (intrapreneurs), activists, organizations, and social movements. Students will examine individuals and groups who have catalyzed important positive social change through different organizational platforms –in the market, in government, within the nonprofit sector, and increasingly in the space between these three sectors. Throughout the course students will examine social innovation through case studies, best practice analyses, and relevant reading.
Introduces students to a design thinking methodology, including processes and practices which encourage creative thinking and innovation in trying to solve social challenges. Students will apply a human-centered approach to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. Provides students with a better understanding and practice of how to incorporate stakeholder and consumer insights in rapid prototyping, all aimed at getting beyond the assumptions that block effective social innovation solutions.
Focuses on measuring and reporting on social impact and identifying outcomes in relation to the objectives of different stakeholders. Also examines the question of how social innovations can effectively scale their impact to reach individuals and communities that might benefit from their innovations.
Examines the socially constructed relationship between hazards and disasters. Introduces the key stakeholders involved with emergency management, and explores the historic and contemporary principles, policies, and legal frameworks guiding the field of practice. Analyzes different paradigms for conceptualizing the practice of disaster and emergency management in Canadian and international contexts.
Introduces students to foundational theories, processes, practices and strategies of social innovation as well as corporate intrapreneurship. Through deep introspection, students will gain knowledge of change strategies that include deploying soft and hard power to advance innovative opportunities, while exploring how to influence without formal authority. Learners will get exposed to the creative strategies and activities of social and institutional entrepreneurs (intrapreneurs), activists, organizations, and social movements. Students will examine individuals and groups who have catalyzed important positive social change through different organizational platforms –in the market, in government, within the nonprofit sector, and increasingly in the space between these three sectors. Throughout the course students will examine social innovation through case studies, best practice analyses, and relevant reading.
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, businesses and societies are constantly reshaped by digital innovation and disruption. This course offers a deep dive into the dynamic world of emerging technologies, disruptive business models, and the profound impact they have on industries and everyday life. Students will explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the future. Through real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and expert insights, students will gain valuable insights into successful digital transformations and learn from the challenges faced by those who failed to adapt.
Designed to explore the ethical and governance challenges arising from the rapid integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in various sectors of society, this course investigates the ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and governance strategies essential for navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation. Students will gain a deep understanding of the ethical implications of emerging technologies, the importance of responsible data management, and the strategies to ensure ethical decision-making in the digital age. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique ethical and governance issues related to artificial intelligence, including bias, transparency, accountability, and the societal impact of AI systems.
Explores how personal environmental identities, values, beliefs, feelings and attitudes are formed. Considers how environmental education and communication programs approach building a sense of place and wonder; offer direct experience in the environment; help develop responsible environmental behaviours; and build the capacity to implement meaningful environmental actions that resolve environmental problems and issues. Students examine the historic evolution of environmental education and communications, and various theories of environmental learning and literacy.
Explores the intersection of communication and the environment in various mediated and unmediated forms. Introduces a range of significant interpersonal, group/organizational and mass communication theories to environmental communication. Examines those theories from the context of their practical contributions to environmental communications and our understanding of how we form notions about the environment. Highlights the essential role communication has played in getting us to our current environmental situation and the role communication might play in helping us to change course.
Explores the value and implications of engaging in systems thinking for environmental education and communication. Investigates what systems thinking means, and what systems thinking entails through reviewing, engaging with, and applying key concepts and common approaches that are used in systems work. Considers the source and nature of various perspectives on systems, and reveals how different approaches lead to different understanding and thus different action. Distinguishes the opportunities and constraints of acting responsibly in a complex systems world.
Cultivates increasingly sophisticated understanding of learning processes. The search for meaning through the active elaboration of our meaning system – one possible definition of learning – seems to be at the core of being human. As a result of this course, educators will be better able to design effective programs and products. Instructional design will be seen as an intentional process to create learning environments that support effective and efficient learning and instruction appropriate to particular bodies of skill and content and in specific contexts. With support and critique from classmates, students will design or re-design an instructional module they use or plan to use in their environmental education work.
Examines the range of philosophical and ethical stances at work today as expressed in contemporary environmental education and communications. Investigates environmental ethics as they are tested against real-world environmental problems.
Explores the ecological principles governing the dynamic structures and processes of ecosystems and sustainability and how they can be applied to better understand responses to anthropogenic stress.
Explores the applicability of environmental sustainability concepts and principles in developing a sustainable society. Highlights the tensions that exist between our various value systems and how underlying root metaphors influence attitudes towards the environment. Investigates how environmental sustainability concepts and principles inform the development of a sustainable society from the perspectives of community, business, governance, and leadership as well as how they influence the measurement of performance and outcomes will establish the overall philosophical orientation of the program, and helps each student better define for him or herself what sustainable development means, and why it is such an important concept today.
Explores how urban and regional food systems can be transformed through planning, policy, and participatory engagement. Learners examine the components of sustainable food systems, as shaped by multiple governance and knowledge traditions (Indigenous, non-Western, agroecological, diasporic, relational), and apply planning tools to real-world challenges such as land access, food security and sovereignty, and climate resilience. Through case studies and scenario design, students critically evaluate governance frameworks and design collaborative strategies to advance equity, decolonization, and regenerative futures.
Examines basic ecological principles and concepts as they apply to different scales of focus, from individual species to landscapes, and introduces basic tools of environmental management. Demonstrates how ecological principles and managerial tools can be applied to deal with commonly encountered challenges of ecosystem management.
Introduces the latest scientific research of our changing natural earth “system” to create the basis for thinking about and understanding the complex issues created by global climate change and global biodiversity. Addresses challenges with respect to biodiversity, climate change, adaptations and governance from both international and Canadian perspectives. Provides an opportunity to learn and practice debating and scientific conference presentation skills.
Introduces theories, concepts and facts about competing economic paradigms, and develops skills needed to integrate economic and environmental decisions. Examines selected economic instruments from member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and reviews leading practices in the application of these instruments, considering their effectiveness, efficiency, and public acceptability.
Takes students beyond theory to the difficulty of the practice of sustainable development. Introduces the topic historically, and addresses the current debates over the meaning of sustainable development. Explains the longstanding discussions concerning economic growth and common resource allocation and introduces the difficult task of measuring human impacts. Applies theoretical concerns to the issue of climate change in Canada. Gives students the opportunity to reflect on their own lives, and on the practices of sustainable development in their own communities.
Examines environmental accounting and reporting methods to improve business decisions and performance, including: identifying internal environmental costs (both direct and indirect), identifying external environmental costs (especially those costs which the firm may be accountable for in the future), applying activity based costing (total cost assessment, life cycle assessment, and full cost accounting to business operations), developing environmental performance measures and indicators, and reporting on environmental performance.
Provides an overview of current environmental law and policy, including the role of the common law, legislation, regulation and policy and how it evolves over time. Explains how the constitutional division of powers is relevant to environmental management in Canada and examines the role of federal, provincial and local governments, and First Nations in regulating environmental protection. Examines the development and implementation of international environmental legal instruments and explores the use of environmental assessment as a tool to prevent unwanted impacts.
Focuses on assessment and remediation of contaminants. Addresses anthropogenic activities which may introduce physical and chemical contaminants into the surrounding air, water or land. Discusses principles of environmental sampling and the application of physical and chemical analytical methodologies to assess the concentration of contaminants in soil, water and sediments. Examines quality assurance and quality control practices as well as strategies for the management of environmental contaminants including pollution prevention and remediation. Explores remedial approaches including physical, chemical, thermal and biological technologies.
Synthesizes the cumulative learning throughout the program of study by enabling the capacity of learners. Develops personal leadership and action plans on the major challenges discussed in the previous residencies and online course work; to see and act sustainably and ethically in a complex multicultural world.
Provides a critical overview and framework for working with environmental and sustainability management systems and tools. Examines various systems of environmental management and tools such as Environmental Impact Assessment and related processes, Environmental Performance Evaluation, and Sustainability Assessment and Risk Assessment. Emphasis will be on the “how-to,” and students are expected to familiarize themselves with the appropriate techniques and methods.
Develops knowledge and key skills necessary for conducting strategic analysis, decision making, and evaluation in the context of a ‘learning organization’ that is engaged in planning for complex social change. With donors and communities expecting results, and social-purpose organizations often working with uncertain long-term funding, competent planning is critical. The course will address how to establish innovative goals and processes, and project an ethical and accurate image of the organization, yet manage expectations that align with limited resources. Participants will be introduced to the processes of performance monitoring and evaluation, enabling them to assess the impact of organizational decision making and operations, and to revise decision making accordingly.
Develops understanding of global communities in their relationships to wider social, cultural, historical, political and economic settings, factors, and ideas. Students connect theories and practices in global community development to the shifting social, political, and economic environments that shape people’s lives in the global North and South. Participants explore the centrality of the concept of globalization and the integration of local and global forces. They develop and apply global literacy in a number of domains: political, economic, cultural, moral, organizational, and spiritual/religious.
Examines community development from a global perspective as it is practiced in different settings in the world. This includes examining global issues and a spectrum of community-development models, ranging from structured external models to grassroots initiatives originating from within a community (e.g., community movements). Students critically analyze the applicability of various models to specific contexts in different geographic locations; as well as apply their evolving understanding of different community development approaches to real-life contexts. Using current global community challenges and real-world challenges in which they themselves are involved, students explore how different community development approaches can work in a complementary fashion to optimize results at the community level.
Examines tensions and conflicts that arise from the multidimensional and intersectional nature of globalized communities. Using a range of examples from different geographic locations, analyzes how political, economic, cultural, moral, organizational and/or spiritual/religious goals can compete with one another. Participants learn to understand contemporary tensions in their historic contexts and how conflicts can be transformed constructively. Through analyses of selected models and strategies applied at the community level, students develop an understanding of community-based approaches to harness tensions and conflicts, and how to engage in relationships with a global leadership perspective.
This course provides you with a critical journey engaging planetary health leadership from transdisciplinary, (for example integral), health equity, Indigenizing perspectives and approaches. The units provide you with an overview of the current realities and the systemic relationships, drivers, and impacts propelling planetary health movements. You will apply case studies, examining complexities and engaging global challenges in different fields of planetary health. You will develop the capacities to convene ethical spaces, centering Indigenous, together with Western science in Two-Eyed Seeing. Your foundational reflexivity and integration will be cultivated through land based and community dialogue in class conversations.
The course places the use and development of artificial intelligence (AI) in a social, political, and global context. Integrating theories, empirical research, and diverse perspectives, the course focuses on key challenges that the adoption and adaptation of AI pose to global leadership in the fourth industrial revolution. The main scope of the course is to build understanding of how ethics, technology, and culture play into social development, adaptation, and change, while considering inequities and asymmetrical relations. The course proposes hands-on innovative approaches to understanding these challenges and finding solutions that are operationally sound in local to global contexts, systems thinking oriented, ethically and politically aware, and culturally sensitive.
Focuses on principles and design of program and policy evaluation to facilitate development, learning and change initiatives in the global context of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Critical are theories and principles of leadership, systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and organizational learning, taking into consideration social, economic, cultural, and geo–political contexts. The course presents different models for using evaluative processes to provide clarity on program goals and operations, generate evidence on outcomes and what is working, and to guide new directions and improve impact. Different system paradigms and evaluation designs are identified in terms of theoretical and practice assumptions and implications.
Focuses on leaders’ capacity to influence change. Examines new and emerging models of leadership and considers their implications for the design and organization of post-secondary educational environments. Introduces systems, leadership and change theories. Considers how to inspire and lead innovation to foster student learning and institution-wide success.
Learn about Canada’s history of colonization and the theoretical background of coloniality. Explore the idea of self-location and determine how you are personally situated within the ongoing colonial project. Establish goals for moving forward with your decolonizing learning journey. Focus is decolonizing the self.
Examines the roles that higher education plays in contributing to society from both Canadian and international perspectives. Considers how international, national and provincial policies shape and define higher education systems. Takes a critical stance on higher educational institutions’ design and organization. Considers issues of governance and institutional culture in various higher educational contexts.
Examines the leader’s role in initiating, supporting, and sustaining innovation and change in higher education environments. Explores leadership and change-oriented models and theories that can be applied to higher education contexts. Considers the important role of organizational culture and how it affects both leadership approaches and organizational change models. Articulates how communication, collaboration and collegiality influence the change process. Engages participants in how to work effectively with disparate stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, government, interest groups, etc.) to promote positive organizational change.
Examines how the finance, marketing, labour relations, and recruitment functions of higher education institutions need to work together to support enrolment growth and institutional development. Considers the implications and opportunities for developing effective collective bargaining processes. Explores the innovative ways that higher education institutions raise funds, market programs, and develop recruiting strategies to support programs and services.
Focuses on the development of effective and practical plans using a results-based and systems-thinking focus. Explores various models and frameworks for developing both strategic and operational plans. Introduces systems thinking models, concepts and tools for examining complex and inter-dependent issues of significant importance to the post-secondary educational leader. Explores the philosophical and historical antecedents that inform current systems thinking models as well as current approaches to educational planning and development. Examines the role of evidence-based decision making and the use of data-driven strategies in support of developing, implementing, and reviewing plans. Investigates institutional management and planning as an inclusive and collaborative process.
Introduces the concept of public accountability and what it means in a post-secondary context. Explores the roles played by quality assurance and accountability systems in supporting organizational effectiveness. Looks at current models of quality assurance. Examines tensions between the concepts of improvement and accountability and considers the interests and perspectives of different internal and external stakeholders towards assuring educational quality.
Introduces the range of models for integrating technology into the higher education learning environment. Examines the impact of introducing online learning into a traditional institution as well as the role of social media in supporting student learning. Explores student service options required in technology-mediated learning environments and the challenges involved in their provision. Considers the needs of students, and the role of staff and faculty professional development programs in supporting students.
Explores the core concepts of Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM). Requires critical analysis of theory and its application in practice; the challenges leaders, practitioners and institutions encounter pertaining to SEM; strategies aligned with the recruitment and retention of students; and the different stakeholders’ perspectives of SEM.
Examines core concepts and theories on culture and cultural competence. Engages students in application of theoretical frameworks in professional and personal settings. Provides students with an opportunity to critically examine their own socio-cultural locations to raise intercultural awareness, assist in intercultural mindset development, and facilitate intercultural competence development. Enables students to apply an intercultural analysis to complex situations involving stakeholders of different cultural backgrounds. (Last offering planned for 26-Jul-2027 till 26-Sep-2027, approximate dates, to be confirmed)
Examines the psychology and behaviour of survivors, responders and leaders in situations of conflict, crisis, and disaster. Analyzes theory and evidence-informed practices that promote individual and collective resilience and recovery. Explores stress, trauma, grief and coping. Analyzes interventions that address the psychosocial needs of individuals and communities.
Examines leadership theory, research, and practices that support resilience and adaptive planning, addressing concerns related to ill-structured, complex, and inter-related problems, and working in a range of threat environments and contexts.
Explores the nature and impacts of conflicts related to environmental and resource management issues in domestic and international contexts. Examines diversity of perspectives and mandates of stakeholders associated with these types of conflicts, and explores strategies for engaging with these issues to support sustainable development and protect basic human rights.
Examines communication needs associated with contexts of heightened concern (e.g., crisis, conflict, disasters). Analyzes theories about perception of risk. Explores theories, principles and practices of risk and crisis communication that support individuals, organizations and communities making effective risk/benefit decisions, managing fear and uncertainty, and responding to crisis.
Develops core skills for professionals working in conflict and change management contexts: reflective practice, use of self, skills, process, and context of application. Examines design and implementation of sustainable and integrative changes at organisational and community levels, as well as in complex multi-stakeholder environments. Builds professional competencies for dealing with resistance and generating buy-in and ownership in change processes.
Evaluates a variety of evocative static and moving images of justice (broadly defined) throughout our social history in photos, videos, literature and other media. Draws on concepts of justice that transect theology, philosophy, sociology, criminal justice, the humanities and even popular culture to deconstruct various societal concepts of justice, fairness, culture, and communication.
Engages students in exploring a systematic approach to the design, development, and evaluation of technology-enhanced learning environments. Enables students to create technology-enhanced learning environments that demonstrate effective and meaningful integration and synthesis of instructional design and technology concepts and principles.
Examines the links between graphic design principles and the planning, design, and creation of effective learning materials in print, online or blended environments. Explores basic principles of graphic design, including layout, typography, and colour theory. Examines the key learning theories underpinning the connections between graphic treatment and learner engagement and cognition.
Explores project management techniques and frameworks in the context of instructional systems design (ISD). Examines the intersections of project management, instructional systems design (ISD), and instructional design (ID). Builds an understanding of the application of project management to address learning needs in a variety of contexts. Exposes students to the importance of teamwork in the application of project management and instructional systems design (ISD).
Examines community, corporate and social responsibility as it pertains to hotel and resort management. The impact of accommodation on destinations, their competitive position, and the manager’s responsibility for sustainable business development will be examined domestically and internationally.
Financial management is essential to any successful business. The theory and practice of financial management tools and analysis are examined, including capital budgeting, investment analysis, financing, firm valuation, risk and return, and financial decision making in relation to hotels, resorts or other specialty aspects of the international hospitality industry.
This course introduces students to social marketing, an approach that uses commercial marketing principles and techniques to generate positive social and behavioural change. Students’ learn to identify and build relationships with stakeholders, to apply social diffusion processes to accelerate adoption of new behaviours, and to critically reflect upon social issues and their impact or reach via various media. Students develop a clear understanding of how we can effectively design, facilitate, and evaluate social marketing programs that address a wide range of societal and community-based issues and goals. Through campaign analysis, planning, and design, students develop the critical mindset needed to analyze and creatively address complex social problems and hands-on, practical skills to implement concepts learned.
Immerses students in discussion of foundations and theoretical frameworks of intercultural communication competence, with an emphasis on applicability in professional and personal settings. Analyzes the recent scholarly work on intercultural communication competence and compares a variety of approaches to the conceptualization of this kind of study. The opportunity to develop research and/or instructional activities raises intercultural awareness, assists in the development of an intercultural mindset, and facilitates the development of intercultural competence.
Offers a holistic survey on current developments in communication studies with emphasis on physical, mental, spiritual, relational, and environmental well being in different communities and cultures. Deepens student understanding of ideas, research and practice related to public health disparities, provider-patient communication, social ecology of illness, health communication, e-health, public discourse and controversy on medicine, health, and environmental issues, and religion and health beliefs.
Examines theoretical discussions on social media and their impact on studies of human interactions and introduces current methodological debates in fields such as digital methods, digital humanities and ’big data’. Presents a variety of contemporary tools and techniques to help students navigate and analyse the emerging data landscape and to equip students with basic skills managing analytical tools, data sampling, basic statistics, network analysis, and data visualisation. Immerses students in the latest discussions on methodological development to take advantage of ‘digital trace data’ and computational tools.
Introduces theories of migration and diaspora, transnationalism, and cosmopolitanism. Emphasis placed on (1) the tension between maintaining connection to the home community and integrating into the host community; (2) the ways in which diaspora communities are maintained across national boundaries through use of media. Focuses on communication aspects of migration and diaspora, especially stereotypes, identity displays, depictions in media, and the use of social media to maintain community over space.
Guides students in exploration of dominant theoretical paradigms currently used in applied social science studies. Draws from theories used in anthropology, communication studies, education, environmental studies, gender studies, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. Places special emphasis on interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary theoretical frameworks and on theories guiding applied research.
Introduces communication strategies designed to enhance clear and effective written discourse at the graduate level across disciplines. Examines the basic principles of successful scholarly writing, including those specific to the students’ own disciplines, and the critical analysis of academic research and discourse. Students will write a critical literature review through a series of research and writing assignments in an interactive online environment.
Introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research methods commonly used in the social sciences. Emphasizes applied research projects designed from interdisciplinary, cross-disciplinary or transdisciplinary perspectives. Covers basic research process, research topics and questions, research design, accessing and evaluating research, common methodologies, data collection, ethics, and analysis interpretation and communication of research results.
Introduces students to Indigenous ways of knowing in a global context by exploring Indigenous worldviews, identities, places and experiences, including colonialism and contemporary challenges. Outlines some key limitations to understanding Indigenous epistemologies, and privileges a decolonial approach that actively seeks to improve respectful relations with Indigenous peoples. Requires students to demonstrate graduate-level skills in reading, writing, and critical analysis.
Introduces students to history and current issues affecting 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and their communities with particular attention to seniors, youth, cultural and linguistic minority groups. Includes discussion of issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, agender, transgender, non-binary, queer and Two-Spirit individuals and communities. Examines ways of creating welcoming and inclusive organizations, public services, and communities and approaches 2SLGBTQI+ issues from human rights and cultural identity perspectives.
This course provides an introduction to Indigenous research methods within an interdisciplinary context. It highlights relational, land-based, and interculturally informed approaches to knowledge creation, translation, and mobilization. It examines how research is shaped by positionality, power, history, and place.
Drawing on emerging work in Indigenous knowledge and research methodologies, the course situates research as an ongoing, relational process grounded in community accountability, application, and impact. Students engage with ethical and creative application of research through multimodal and practice-based methods, including storytelling, visual and media-based research, and community-engaged scholarship, while considering how research can be meaningfully applied and shared across diverse contexts.
*Course pending formal approval by the Curriculum Committee.
Illustrates why misinformation is a particularly wicked problem at this moment in history and helps to situate current misinformation trends within the long history of propaganda, fake news, and information operations. Provides students with strategies to address misinformation in their own lives and communities.
From COVID-19 to the conspiracy theories like QAnon, misinformation is everywhere. This course will help you to understand the problem of misinformation and begin to think about how to combat it. First, you will be introduced to definitions of misinformation and fake news. We’ll investigate misinformation as part of a long history of propaganda, fake news, and information operations, all the way up to the social media fueled misinformation tsunami of our current media environment. This course looks at misinformation from many angles. We’ll consider the ways that influence matters for the spread of misinformation; we’ll look at the role of media and key influencers in spreading misinformation and how social media accelerates the reach and speed of misinformation. Finally, the course will teach you about the individual drivers of misinformation sharing and how to combat them: how to assess the quality of different messages in personal and professional contexts and how to speak with others who are sharing misinformation. INDS545 teaches you strategies to address misinformation in your own personal and professional lives and your communities.
The objective of the course is to engages students in the study of timely, socially relevant topic`s from inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary perspectives. Provides students with insights into emerging topics offered by scholars with topic-specific expertise. Course themes will focus on broad and/or complex issues that draw on a variety of disciplines in an integrated manner. Students learn through scholarship and research, discussion, and an applied project as they explore emerging areas of expertise. Course themes may be related to culture, society, technology, economy, governance, and the environment.
Topic: Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups
Offered Oct 12 till Dec 19, 2027. Instructed by Stéphanie Vieille
This course offers master’s students deeper, practical guidance on collecting data from human subjects. It focuses specifically on three key methods: surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Students will gain applied skills in designing and conducting these methods, from crafting effective survey questions to facilitating interviews and moderating focus groups. Each module provides clear, step-by-step instruction, ethical considerations, and practical tools to support research planning and execution. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to gather qualitative and quantitative data confidently and rigorously—an essential step in conducting meaningful, human-centered research.
This course will inform learners about the expanding Indigenous economy through exposure to Indigenous perspectives that guide economic development, as well as the current business and management tools and practices in use by Indigenous nations and business owners. The course delivers content on business structures, strategic planning – including the application of governance and competitive business analysis concepts – all through an Indigenous cultural lens. Learners will be challenged to assess the existing Indigenous business environment in the context of risk assessment and opportunity development. This course is the first of three courses in the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Economic Development, which includes three integrated 3-credit courses.
The course will explore the key topics and skills Indigenous managers, and others working with Indigenous communities, need to successfully develop and lead Indigenous enterprises and partnerships. Much of the learning in this course is complimented by guest presenters such as Indigenous practitioners, to present a practical perspective on the concepts covered in the course. This course covers concepts and exploring issues and solutions in the fields of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) as a business reporting methodology, Human Resource Management, Environmental Planning and Management, Supply Chain and Procurement and related topics. All topics are underpinned in Indigenous culture and perspectives. Learners will be challenged to assess course concepts through applied analysis of concepts against an Indigenous lens. Learners will develop a prospective Indigenous business opportunity in the context of opportunity development and risk assessment.
This course serves as a capstone course for the Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Economic Development. The course has a focus on negotiations and partnerships in an Indigenous context and provides case-based scenarios and the use of real, practical tools and opportunities for students to develop negotiation skills and explore various models of partnerships for successful engagement with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. Students will examine ways to create new ideas and approaches that go beyond past agreements and thinking to expand the range of possible outcomes and benefits to be developed through successful partnerships. The course also focuses on leadership skills and understandings to support work with Indigenous peoples, communities and enterprises.
The Introduction to Academic Integrity course illustrates academic integrity and plagiarism in real-life scenarios. A clear sense of academic honesty and responsibility is fundamental to good scholarship, and the integrity of university academic work and the degrees conferred by the university is dependent upon the honesty and soundness of the teacher-student learning relationship and of the evaluation process. Therefore, all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism, and other academic offences. The Introduction to Academic Integrity course serves as a helpful, interactive companion to the academic integrity policy and procedures outlined in the Student Policies & Procedures, which contains the policies and procedures that guide academic life at Royal Roads and support our mission as a university. MAISCON completion is a mandatory requirement (pre-requisite) for progression to any consequent course in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program. This mini-course can be completed in approximately 45-60 minutes.
Introduces students to the distinctions between multi and interdisciplinary conceptions of justice and transdisciplinary studies of justice. Traces the origins of transdisciplinary studies and examines the integration of natural and social sciences toward the development of holistic approaches to problems in justice. Provides a critique of current discipline-based approaches to the study of justice-related problems through the development of transdisciplinary models of justice within a democratic context.
Provides an in-depth examination of the complex and evolving conceptions of leadership in extraordinary times. Examines major leadership theories and perspectives in current literatures through an intersectional and social inclusion lens to critically reflect on and understand challenges and opportunities facing today’s leaders. Critical reflection on leadership literature and students’ own worldviews, conceptions, and experiences of leadership will ground students’ studies throughout the program.
Examines key leadership related challenges facing health leaders working in health systems and explores considerations for health systems renewal and transformation in practice. In this course, students with leadership experience and a health professions background explore health systems challenges they are currently experiencing through different perspectives and orientations to identify possibilities for health systems renewal, transformation, or change. Throughout the course, health systems leaders engage with students to share their perspectives and insights about critical facets of health systems renewal and transformation and engage in meaningful dialogue.
Students with leadership experience and a health professions background, explore and address widespread racism and discrimination towards Indigenous and racialized People in healthcare and the direct link to health disparities and outcomes. The course begins by establishing a baseline of knowledge and skills around systemic racism, colonization, and discrimination and creates a supportive container for learning. Draws connection between yourself, your identities, and the land, and considers how you interact with systems. Finally, considers what it means to have an ‘anti-racist or equity stance’ and what attitudes, behaviours, and skills demonstrate both awareness and action.
Examines the complex challenges associated with effective leadership in organizations and explores both individual and collaborative approaches drawn from learners’ experience and the most recent literature and research in order to inform leadership and successful organizational change. Learners will explore dimensions of personal and strategic leadership, the dynamics of personal and organizational change, and their roles as catalysts for change.
Investigates foundational issues underpinning learning technologies. Examines the histories, theories, debates, and contemporary developments of the field. Provides a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of critical issues in learning and technology and their impact on society.
Explores a variety of design models and approaches in creating exemplar learning environments. Analyzes and gains an appreciation of student and stakeholder needs. Investigates effective and ineffective designs. Explores the role of innovation in re-imagining learning environments. Applies a design mindset to solve real-world problems.
Examines aspects of leadership and change as they affect the creation and implementation of digital learning environments. Develops leadership and change management skills. [For more information please visit the MALAT course site.]
Prepares students for a successful launch into their learning journey by creating an opportunity for students to meet and get to know one another in a virtual setting. Offers a fully-online introduction to the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Provides overview of the program and course options and introduces students to the RRU technology platforms. MAISCON completion is a mandatory requirement (pre-requisite) for progression to any consequent course in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program.
Examines the theories, frameworks and tools required to analyze, interpret, predict and respond to the global business environment. Using contemporary examples arising from globalization, students will apply various analytical approaches to interpreting international political and economic relations, as these relate to global management.
Examines new and old mental models to foster a strategist perspective in international business practitioners. Students will explore and think critically about the core strategic international business notions, concepts, tools, models and economic trade theories required by managers to manage and lead their organizations in today’s challenging and turbulent international business ecosystem.
Provides the frameworks and skills required to develop a successful marketing plan for a business, product or service in an international marketplace. Students will study and examine successes and failures of international brands and will apply their learning by developing international marketing plans for business ventures they will form and operate within a highly interactive marketing simulation.
Considers financial tools and performance measurements that are widely used in both the public and private sectors. The course focuses on tools that are required by both experienced and aspiring leaders, providing opportunities for hands-on application of tools and measurements by course participants. In individual and team projects, students will examine the controls used by organizations.
Examines theories, models and practices associated with ethical business practices in an international and intercultural context. Issues are examined involving conducting business across different legal contexts and corporate governance systems that exist across national and cultural boundaries. Focuses on the inter-relationships between ethics and business, different legal systems, and systems of corporate governance. Particular attention is paid to the differences that exist across cultures and jurisdictions, recognizing the difficulties and challenges businesses face when operating internationally. Core competencies and strategies required for navigating through these often conflicting and contradictory systems are examined.
Examines the methods and theories related to production of an organization’s goods and services. Topics include discussion of process layouts, quality, supply-chain management and inventory control, all of which are considered from an international perspective.
Examines theories, models and practices associated with leadership and explores the application of learning to the complexities, challenges and opportunities of managing human resources in a global context. The course deals with recognizing and developing core competencies for leading human resources talent in the complicated and complex global landscape within which organizations operate. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to exercise their leadership in managing individual and team performance, global workforce planning, recruitment and selection, onboarding, training and development, succession planning, and motivating and rewarding staff.
Discusses the overarching importance of change, the realities of making and implementing change decisions, and the potential consequences on organizations, staff, a wide spectrum of internal and external stakeholders, and the ultimate effect on the bottom line. Learners will examine various approaches to change management and appreciate the complexities and challenges of managing change in a global context. Emphasis will be placed on intercultural sensitivity, cross-cultural competencies, and a global mindset.
Focuses on the theoretical underpinnings of organization development and emergent practices for designing future organizational structures. Explores the necessary skills and actions required to build social intelligence, develop relationships, consult in systems, and foster a culture of innovation in organizations. Students will apply learning through an experientially-oriented organization design project.
In this course, you will develop understanding of the development and design of Organizational Design (OD) interventions from a ‘positive approach to change’ perspective. The course is designed to help you experience a number of positive approaches to OD, from scaleable strategies such as Appreciative Inquiry, Positive Deviance and Open Space, to process tools such as mindmapping and affinity charting. To support your ability to analyze and create innovative strategies and approaches for further positive change in client organizations, extensive readings and exercises will expand your knowledge and capability. In the course you will learn to explore the complex processes of effective organization change and introduces practices to support positive systemic engagement. The course provides its students with the skills required to design and deliver customized interventions to assist organizations in leading and implementing positive stakeholder-engaged organization change.
In this course you will learn how to develop knowledge and skills necessary for conducting strategic analysis, decision making, and evaluation in complex organizations with particular focus on organizational health and vitality. Students will be introduced to approaches that assist in discerning intentions, roles and foci for Organization Development (OD) and change processes, and in finding a best fit with the practitioner’s style and capabilities.
OD practitioners have focused on supporting the strategic goals of organizations through various interventions that are designed to create alignment between people and strategy, and to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the realization of goals. OD practitioners are often called upon to support changes that arise from marketplace changes, economic conditions and workforce fluctuations. Increasingly, vibrant, healthy organizations prove to be those that have learned to renew themselves while on the way to realizing their strategies and goals. Addressing organizational health and vitality often starts with an understanding of how these elements relate to performance. “Performance” is typically assessed with “hard” measures, such as what an enterprise delivers to stakeholders in financial and operational terms. Other metrics are also employed, such as net operating profit, return on capital employed, total returns to shareholders, net operating costs, and stock values.
This course will help you to expand your repertoire by exploring various frameworks, approaches and practices OD practitioners can use to craft strategic changes related to organizational health and vitality (alignment, execution and renewal). We will build an understanding of the central concept of organizational health and vitality, by exploring a number of concepts that contribute to it.
Introduces students to communication in the digital landscape. Distinguishes between digital and traditional/analog media and how a strong strategic communication must include elements of both to be effective. Helps students identify the advantages, shortcomings and risks of digital communication, and the significance of evaluating and reporting the impact of digital communication. Includes case studies, discussion forums for collaborative learning, an exercise drawn from the corporate world where students must convince cynical senior management about the need for and value of digital communication, and a team effort to develop a well-rationalized digital communication campaign plant.
Presents an overview of the historical development of theories and approaches to media and cultural studies as they interconnect with communication studies. Considers the meaning and production of culture, the culture industry, and various interpretive practices. Explores how mass media has influenced and been influenced by cultural industries and contextualizes our current digital age in relation to other major advancements in communication history. Drawing on contemporary media and cultural theory, the course investigates how our current digital environment modifies our definitions of privacy and the public, civil society, political participation, and culture through case studies and applied and experiential activities.
Introduces the principles, styles, and strategies that characterize the creation and distribution of research-based media into the public sphere. Students practice the mechanics of combining digital photography, video, sound and text into sequentially based options using various styles and channels. Involves working peer-to-peer and with the instructor to analyze, foster and cultivate audiovisual grammars through creative processes.
Provides a rich exposure to theories and practices of dispute resolution through the eyes of a practicing mediator and empowers the learner to be more effective and secure in responding to conflict. Examines conflict at interpersonal, community, and organizational levels. Concepts of analysis are applied, models of response are learned, and various skills of interpersonal communication are practiced.
Explores effective management of external communication systems and processes in an organizational context. Reference is made to the linkages between all major communication efforts, including engagement, marketing and advertising; however, the emphasis of the course is on public relations, stakeholder relations, and corporate communication. The course focuses on the requisite skill set of corporate communication leaders, including reputation management, crisis management and strategic communication planning. Current trends, such as the use of social media channels, are highlighted. The course is delivered through a combination of case studies, experiential exercises, and interactive lectures designed to provide an opportunity to apply learnings through realistic scenarios and role playing.
Takes as its premise the political and ideological nature of communication, media and culture. Surveys classic and contemporary sources, themes and debates in the academic communication literature as these relate to disciplinary subfields such as policy, political economy, political communication, technology studies, cultural economics, law and ethics, and as they manifest in the interpersonal, print, broadcast, and telecommunications realms. Learners explore topics ranging from trans-national and state-level concerns to civil society; from electoral politics to those of social movements and countercultures; and from major policy documents and regulatory bodies in Canada and abroad to issues like terrorism and propaganda, privacy and surveillance, digital media and intellectual property that test the capacity of policymakers.
Organizational leaders must consider the impact of their design choices not only on business performance, but also on employees, customers, and the communities and societies in which they operate. This course discusses the systematic approach to configuring and aligning structure with strategy and includes an examination of the links between communications, processes, knowledge, metrics, leadership and people practices, with culture and strategic direction in organizations. Using case studies, application of theoretical principles, interactive discussions and activities, students will explore how organizations can be designed for optimal performance and sustainability. Focuses on effective organizational design in both traditional and innovative organizations with special emphasis on innovative organizational forms and knowledge management principles. Team projects include inventing new possibilities for real organizations.
Responds to current and emerging issues or trends in the professional field of communication and communication studies. Offered by local and visiting scholar practitioners with expertise in the relevant topic. Course topics may include: science communication, crisis communication, ‘new’ new media (the second wave of new media that extends beyond websites and email), journalistic shifts, and political discourse.
Past offering: Communication for Decolonization
This course was designed to enhance skills and capacities by exploring advanced concepts in decolonization—both environmental and human—through the lens of communication. By engaging with diverse perspectives and collaborating with others within and beyond this class, you will not only find inspiration but also deepen your self-awareness and understanding of your place in the world.
- Colonization as a Continuing Threat: Colonization continues to impact societies in multiple ways, with far-reaching consequences for both the environment and humanity.
- Decolonization Begins with the Self: The process of decolonization starts with personal and professional reflection.
- Integrating Multiple Ways of Knowing: Different worldviews and ways of knowing can inform how we communicate and relate to the Earth and its Indigenous peoples.
- Environmental, Indigenous, and Arts-Based Approaches: These approaches, either individually or combined, provide powerful tools for improving relationships through communication.
Coursework includes:
- Creative and Reflective Assignments: A variety of assignments that include writing, creative expression, reflection, and sharing within the class community.
- Readings and Engagement: Students will engage with works by leading scholars and thinkers in environmental, Indigenous, and arts-based methodologies.
- Weekly Discussions: Participation in both synchronous and asynchronous discussions to deepen understanding and share insights.
Project managers use specific proven techniques and strategies for achieving outstanding results. Several models have evolved to provide contextual frameworks for integrating projects within an organization’s strategic goals. This course includes and examines the benefits realization approach and the SMART (strategically managed, aligned, regenerative and transitional) model.
Examines the constraints faced by every project manager in any project and timeframe, budget, human resources, specifications, equipment and material-without letting the constraints limit innovation and creativity. The course introduces techniques for work breakdown structure development, estimating, forecasting, evaluating and forecasting, monitoring and reporting costs and interpreting earned-value data.
This course is a foundational introductory, interdisciplinary course about the nature, causes, and impacts of climate change. Resources will include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Canadian and BC government reports as well as significant current journal articles and publications. Impacts covered will include warming, sea level rise, melting of permafrost, and altered distribution and migration patterns as well as impacts on livelihoods and cultures. It will combine perspectives from geology, biology, sociology, and modelling.
Identifies and evaluates best practices in context, processes, skills and resources used in sustainable tourism. Policy, planning, regulations and implementation from government, business and community perspectives are analyzed. Dynamic issues such as global climate change, green tourism planning, environmental impacts of tourism, sustainability goals, performance measurement, capacity building, and funding will be examined and debated through case studies.
Essential stewardship issues of personal and corporate responsibility in a global context are analyzed. Environmental and social stewardship within a global economy for tourism operators, destinations, First Nations protocols and community stakeholders are evaluated. Moral perspectives are debated relative to decision-making, negotiation, and responsible tourism development.
Special events are simultaneously attractions that draw tourists to a destination and recreation opportunities that bring communities together. This course offers a multi-disciplinary examination of concepts and issues unique to special event contexts and will explore how theory translates into practice. Through a combination of lecture, group work and case study students will investigate event experiences, design, management, impacts and outcomes.
Creating and leading organizations, social entrepreneurs strive to advance social and environmental change through innovative business practices. Learners examine how this global phenomenon exists within the non-profit, public and private sectors. Processes of social entrepreneurship assessed in this course include: recognizing opportunities; evaluating feasibility; building effective business models; mobilizing resources; scaling impact and building sustainability. Through case studies and assignments, learners evaluate common strategies and pitfalls encountered when creating stable, sustainable, and successful social ventures in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Considers the need for embedding innovation in both strategy and culture within an organization. Identifies leadership practices necessary to encourage and support innovation. Students will examine models and tools for understanding how workplace culture can be measured and managed, alongside innovative approaches to strategy development.