Faculty of Arts & Science 2016-2017 Calendar

Academic Bridging Program

Faculty

The Academic Bridging Program allows individuals, who have been away from formal education for some time and are at least 19 years of age, to pursue degree studies at the University of Toronto.  The courses in the program are designed to help ease the transition into first-year university courses in Humanities and Social Sciences after time away from prior education.

Courses 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 four Academic Bridging Program courses: WDW101Y1 (Canadian History), WDW102Y1 (Contemporary Canada), WDW103Y1 (Introduction to the Study of Literature) and WDW104Y1(Introduction to Environmental Studies).  Both part-time and full-time options are available to students.

Students who successfully complete the Academic Bridging Program, earning a grade of 63% or above, are admitted to the Faculty of Arts and Science, at the University of Toronto, with at least one full credit towards their degree for those who complete the part-time Academic Bridging Program.  Students who complete the full-time program may transfer up to two full credits towards their degree.

Program Learning Objectives

Develop Academic Skills:
• students learn clear, mature and reflective spoken and written communication
• students learn critical analytical reading, thinking and writing
• students learn basic information literacy and good academic work habits and study skills

Understand University Culture:
• students learn appropriate classroom protocol
• students learn to use classroom technology
• students learn to access university resources

Enhance Life Skills:
• students learn to assess their personal and academic strengths and weaknesses, and readiness for university
• students learn to develop an appreciation of lifelong learning in and out of the classroom
• students learn to think and act independently and responsibly

The program is offered in the Fall, Winter and Summer sessions.  To find out more about the program please contact the Academic Bridging Program office.  

Enquiries:

Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program
Woodsworth College
119 St. George Street, Room 220
Toronto,  Ontario
M5S 1A9          
t: 416-978-4444
e:  academic.bridging@utoronto.ca 
w:  Academic Bridging Program (http://www.wdw.utoronto.ca)

Academic Bridging Program Courses

Only students admitted to the Academic Bridging Program may enrol in these courses. Credit for courses will be counted toward degree and breadth requirements however credit for these courses cannot be applied to program requirements. 

This introductory, foundational course is a survey of Canada's political, social, and economic history with special attention to its evolution as a diverse, multicultural nation from European roots.  Other themes focus on Canada's native peoples, regionalism, immigration/migration issues, and Canada’s role on the international stage, especially relations with Britain and the United States.  Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

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, Quebec nationalism, gender/women's issues and immigration/multiculturalism. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This discipline based, writing intensive course introduces essential rhetorical and critical skills, focusing on how to recognize major literary forms and how to read and analyze outstanding classic and contemporary literary works of drama, poetry and fiction.  Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

This interdisciplinary course introduces the major issues regarding the sustainability of the global environment in the face of human development by integrating humanities and social science with the fundamental concept of environmental science.  It examines major environmental problems, such as rapid climate change and land degradation as well as the role and impact of government, economics, and ethics on environmental issues.