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Academic Bridging Program

Introduction

The Academic Bridging Program enables mature students who are at least 19 years of age to pursue degree studies at the University of Toronto.  The courses in the program are designed for students who have been away from formal education for some time and are intended to bridge the gap between a student’s prior secondary education and the requirements of first year university courses.  They feature study skills, essay writing skills, library research skills and the methodology of the specific academic discipline involved. Students are admitted by Woodsworth College to one of three Academic Bridging courses: WDW101Y1 (Canadian History), WDW102Y1 (Contemporary Canada), and WDW103Y1 (Introduction to the Study of Literature).  The majority of Academic Bridging students will register part-time and take only one course, but a full-time option is available with Contemporary Canada for students who would benefit from full-time studies.

Enquiries: Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program, Woodsworth College (416-978-7487)

Academic Bridging Program Courses

Only students admitted to the Academic Bridging Program may enrol in these courses.

This course is a survey of Canada's political, social, and economic history from European settlement to the present, featuring Canada's native peoples, Anglophone-Francophone issues, Canada's relations with Britain and the United States, and the growth of national institutions. Other themes include regionalism, immigration and multiculturalism. Students write short essays in and out of class and conduct library research in the preparation of major essays.

This interdisciplinary, foundational course provides an introduction to contemporary Canadian society. The course includes the study of geography, politics, literature and culture through a historical framework of the twentieth century. It also emphasizes particular themes including aboriginal issues, regionalism, French-English conflict, gender/women's issues and immigration/multiculturalism. Students sharpen their academic skills in writing short essays, a book review, a research proposal and a standard research paper.

A writing intensive course that introduces essential rhetorical and critical skills, focusing on how to recognize major literary forms; how to read critically, comprehend more fully, analyze outstanding literary works of drama, poetry and fiction; how to write more clearly and effectively, and how to use the library to do research. This course may not count toward any English program.