Study a Range of Topics in Centennial College’s Arts Program

“I would describe the General Arts program as fun, interesting, exciting,” says Desiree, a students in the Arts program at Centennial College. “You get to meet new people, your professors are down-to-earth and they help you out a lot. My favourite class was Concepts in Sociology, Psychology, and Humanities. Then you just have your basic courses like your English, which puts you on a different level by helping you out with your writing skills for university [or college].”

This testimonial demonstrates the social and educational benefits of this Arts Program, which is designed to see students study a range of subjects in the humanities and social sciences, as well as communications and learning skills. The length of the program is up to the learner — running from one to four semesters — depending on future goals.

But who should attend? First, students who students don’t possess the academic admission credentials needed to enter a university program of their choice would benefit from upgrading credentials through the Arts program. Also, those wonder if college or university is the right choice for them would find the format of the Arts program beneficial as on-campus experience will allow them to gain insight into how post-secondary programs are structured and what responsibilities they will have as students. Lastly, students who are interested in pursing an education in specialized programs such as: Child Studies, Communication Arts, Community Services or Hospitality and Tourism Administration should consider attending the General Arts program.

Applicants possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have the compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.

Some of courses in the Arts program include: Introductory Research Skills (introduces students to all the component parts of the research process, including the choice of the research topic and research questions, the literature review, ethical concerns, and the choice of paradigm, conceptual framework, approach, design and data collection and analysis); 20th Century History (examines the complex events and forces of the past 100 years. The topics covered include the political, social, economic, cultural, intellectual, and religious movements that created almost constant conflict as well as constant progress); Concepts in Humanities (intended develop several articulate and informed concepts appropriate for observing, participating in and appraising work in the disciplines of the Humanities — history, philosophy, poetry, myth, theatre, fine arts, architecture, music and film); and more.

After one year of study, with at least a 3.0 GPA, students may proceed directly into the first year of a university arts program. Centennial College’s Arts program has articulated programs with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These schools include: Athabasca University, Griffith University, Ryerson University and York University.