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  • Courses
  • Specialization in Canadian Studies
  • Internships
  • Study Abroad in Canada

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    Courses

    See the list at left to access the courses listing.

    Specialization in Canadian Studies

    The specialization in Canadian studies, which is administered by the College of Social Science, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University. The specialization should be attractive to students who plan careers with an international orientation focused on inter-American relations involving Canada (e.g., NAFTA issues). With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the specialization may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bacheor's degree. Changes in lists of approved courses for the specialization will be reviewed by the interdepartmental Advisory Council of the Canadian Studies Centre. The Dean of the College of Social Science will confer with the director and associate director of the Canadian Studies Centre in the periodic review of this specialization.

    The Canadian studies specialization is designed for students who wish to increase their understanding of the processes of social, economic, political and cultural change in Canada and Canada's international relations. The specialization provides an opportunity for students to learn how the structure of the contemporary world system influences Canadian affairs, as well as how culture shapes the process of national developement in one of the major world regions. Multidisciplinary in theory and practice, the specialization is based on the methodologies, theories, and literatures of the social sciences and liberal arts and involves faculty from the social sciences, arts, languages, and applied professional fields.

    The academic advisor for Canadian Studies in the College of Social Science's Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science major (IDS) assists the student in planning a program of study that is tailored to the student's interests, disciplinary major, and career objectives. The student's program of study for the specialization must be approved in advance and in writing by the advisor for Canadian studies.

    Upon completion of the requirements for the Canadian Studies specialization as specified by the undergraduate advisor, the student should contact the Associate Dean of the College of Social Science and request certification for the completion of the specialization. After the certification is approved by the Associate Dean of the College of Social Science, the Office of the Registrar will enter on the student's academic record the name of the specialization and the date that it was completed. This certification will appear on the student's transcript.

    Requirements for the Canadian Studies Specialization

    The student must complete a minimum of 18 credits at the 200 level or above, distributed as follows:

    1. 8 credits in the following core courses:
      • ISS 336 Canada: Social Science Perspectives, 4 credits

      • IAH 211C Culture & Literature of Canada, 4 credits

    2. 6 credits from an approved list available from a Canadian Studies advisor. For example:
      • ENG 465 Canadian Literature, 3 credits

      • GEO 330 Geography of the United States and Canada, 3 credits

    3. All students must complete at least 4 credits in connection with one of the following options:
      • A study abroad experience relevant to Canadian Studies. This experience, which must be approved in advance by the advisor for Canadian Studies may include courses required under A and B above.

      • An internship with a public or private sector agency or organization relevant to Canadian Studies. This internship must be approved in advance by the academic advisor for Canadian Studies. To complete this, students may enroll in an internship course as part of B above.

    For more information about the specialization in Canadian Studies at MSU, please call or e-mail:
    Phil Handrick, Acting Director
    (517) 353-9349

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    Internships

    The Center for Integrative Studies in Social Science at Michigan State University offers opportunities for student internships in Canada. The internship will provide the student an opportunity to earn academic credit while working in a Canadian business or governmental agency whose purposes are Canadian-focused.

    Academic Credit

    • Credit is variable but will ordinarily total not less than 4 credits and will usually be completed in one semester

    • Academic credit for internships is offered each semester as SSC 493.

    • The internship may be used as part of the requirements for the fulfillment of the Specialization in Canadian Studies.
    Requirements
    • Completion of a syllabus of readings and activities relevant to the duties and perspectives of the internship is required for full credit.

    • Grades may be based on a variety of criteria including research papers, journals, attendance at seminars, and other requirements specified in the course syllabus.

    • Academic evaluation for SSC 493 will be made by the academic advisor for Canadian Studies in conjunction with supervisors of the agency in which the internship is conducted.

    • The internship is a learning experience. As such, it will ordinarily involve no financial remuneration. However, the student will be responsible for the fulfillment of all duties and obligations specified in the internship agreement.

    • The student is responsible for arranging housing and meals at the location of the internship though the CIS will provide assistance in making those arrangements.
    Eligibility
    • Students will ordinarily be eligible for an internship no sooner than the junior year.

    • A minimum grade point average of 2.5 will be required.

    • It will be assumed that the applicant will have a general understanding of Canadian society. Certain courses relevant to the internship may be expected to have been completed.
    Sample Internship Opportunities
    • Consulate General of Canada, (Detroit and Chicago); State of Michigan, Department of Commerce, Canadian Trade Office, Toronto, Ontario.
      • Duties might include assisting with day-to-day operation of the office; with events such as trade shows, receptions, and seminars; and with research, administration, telephone/receptions, mailings, etc.

    • Canadian Embassy, Washington, D.C
      • Duties might include assisting the Academic Relations officer with the promotion of Canadian Studies in the U.S.; compiling media releases, guest lists, and event publications; coordinating media attendance for press conferences; assisting in the research and production of publications concerning Canadian-American relations, environment, and trade; aiding library staff, including book cataloging, updating information lists, and helping visiting researchers.
    Applications
    • The applicant for a Canadian Studies internship will be interviewed by the academic advisor for Canadian Studies, the Internship Coordinator of the College of Social Science, and other relevant academic personnel.

    • As part of the application process, an oral interview will be conducted and the student will submit a written statement of purpose.

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    Study Abroad in Canada

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    Oh Canada!
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