BCA’s Social Studies of Science is an interdisciplinary minor whose primary purpose is to reconsider science from the perspective of the humanities. Students enrolled in the minor examine science through the lens of anthropology, history, gender, sociology, philosophy and culture. This includes assessing how science was and is practiced, how science shapes and is shaped by the professionals who practice it, how science is represented in the media and other public arenas, and how various technosciences blur the boundaries between nature and society.
The Social Studies of Science minor is especially well suited to Arts students who wish to evaluate the powerful role of science in society, and to Science students who wish to explore more thoroughly how their field of study relates to the broader societal concerns about science. Social Studies of Science minors learn to think critically and creatively about how we define science, the multiple roles of science in society, and how science has become such a convincing way of understanding the world. This program strengthens students’ capacity to pursue careers in public policy, the health sciences, engineering, science journalism, and law.
Declaring a Minor
Current students can declare a minor in this program through their myBCA account.
The minor’s structure consists of 21 semester hours of credit as follows:
a) taking EITHER SSS/History 2220 ‘Science and Society in Historical Perspective’ OR SSS/SocAnth 2660 ‘Science, Culture, and Society’ as a mandatory core course in the program;
b) taking at least one additional SSS course at the 2000-level, with SSS 2220 or SSS 2660 as the prerequisite;
c) taking at least two 3000-level courses, with SSS 2220 or SSS 2660 as the prerequisite;
d) taking at least two 4000-level courses, with at least one 3000-level SSS course as the prerequisite;
e) the remaining course at the 2000- 3000-, or 4000- level.
Below is a preliminary list of courses instructors/departments have agreed to cross list into the minor. (Some additional courses are still in the process of being developed).
- DSJS 4120 - Theories of the Body
- SOC 4120 - Sociology of Health
- SOC/ANTH 2660 - Science, Culture, and Society
- PHIL 2030 - Environmental Philosophy
- PHIL 2040 - Bio-medical Ethics
- PHIL 3010 - Philosophy of Science
- PHIL 3630 - Philosophy of Biology
- HIST 2220 - Science and Society in Historical Perspective
- HIST 3110 - Science, Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult in Premodern Europe
- HIST 3330 - Health Care and North American Society in Historical Perspective
- HIST 4340 - Madness and Society
- ENG 2240 - Science Fiction
- ANTH 4010 - Medical Anthropology
- ANTH 4030 - Cybercultures
Additional courses not on the above list may be applied to the minor with permission of the Program Co-ordinator and the course instructor.
BCA provides a solid education in the liberal arts, committed to rigorous study and inquiry, belief in the value of knowledge, lifelong capacity-building, and the development of the whole person.
High School Graduates
American High School Equivalency Chart
Successful completion of Grade 12 examinations in a University Preparatory Program with an overall average of at least 70% (75% for Quebec Secondary V students) in the following subjects:
- English;
- one Social Studies or Language;
- any 3 other academic courses. Grade 12 math recommended.
Note: Grade 12 Math is a prerequisite for some 1st year Art courses.
Please refer to the BCA Academic Calendar for complete admissions information.
Each year we award over 3,000 scholarships and awards to qualified students. Our comprehensive program—valued at $5.7 million—includes some awards that are full-tuition and renewable!
BCA's undergraduate tuition is the second-lowest in the Atlantic region, and we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards.
Tuition
$6,390 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($639 per 3 credit course).
International students pay $7,470 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.
For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the Faculty of Arts, visit our Tuition and Fees page.
Scholarships and Awards
BCA supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.
Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms.
Celebrating Student Achievement
Including Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards, these awards recognize the academic achievements of all students who meet the eligibility criteria while studying towards their first undergraduate degree.
Visit the Scholarships site for complete information.
