Canadian studies is a multidisciplinary program that covers a lot more
than maple syrup and hockey. Students combine courses in the arts and sciences,
such as law, economics, political science, literature, sociology and history
-- all with a focus on Canada.
Students learn about Canadian society from different points of view. Some
students choose to focus their studies. Areas of focus could include Atlantic
Canada, First Nations, different cultural groups, economics, literature or
contemporary issues.
Most undergraduate programs are four years of study. Master's programs,
graduate certificates and PhD programs are also available.
There are more Canadian studies programs available in Canada, but Americans
can find the major without crossing the 49th parallel.
Some American programs offer exchanges, so students can study in Canada
for part of their degree. American students may choose to pair Canadian
studies with studies in international trade or law.
As neighbors and trading partners, Canadians and Americans must learn
about each other. More than a billion dollars in trade crosses the border
each day, Munroe Eagles points out. He is the director of Canadian studies
at the University at Buffalo -- SUNY. It offers a graduate certificate in
Canadian studies.
"Both countries have a great deal to gain from cultivating an appreciation
of the other," says Eagles. He says despite the obvious importance of Canada
to Americans, Canadian studies as a field is surprisingly small.
"This is changing, however, and there is a growing appreciation that the
frictions that will inevitably arise in the close relationship between Canada
and the U.S. will need careful management -- more careful than they have received
in the past."
Eagles says studying another country is a great way to learn about your
own country. It can help to find different solutions to similar problems.
"In this respect, studying Canada in the United States is especially revealing. This
is because the two countries share a great deal, but they also differ in important
ways," he says.
American grads might find a career in the management of cross-border relations.
A background in Canadian studies could help job seekers break into employment
in this area, says Eagles.
"There are lots of job opportunities for Canadian studies students depending
upon their interests, their academic grades, the courses they have selected
during their time at university," says Della Stanley. She is the coordinator
of a Canadian studies program. "The advantage to Canadian studies is its
variety and diversity."
Some teachers, lawyers, journalists, museum and art gallery curators, social
workers and computer game programmers all started their education in Canadian
studies programs.
"High school students who focus on the humanities or the social sciences
should look for opportunities to incorporate Canadian materials in their studies.
Ideally, they will have an opportunity to travel to Canada to explore the
country first-hand," says Eagles.
Stanley suggests that students help to raise money for a charity, organize
student events, participate in heritage fairs, or take a leadership role in
a history club or the student union.
Textbooks are an additional cost. Laptop computers are an advantage. American
students doing exchanges or internships in Canada will have extra costs for
travel.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Social
Scientists, Other
Canadian Studies
A fantastic introduction to Canadian studies
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Get a taste of Canadian culture
Canadian Geographic Kids
Learn some weird facts about Canada
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Get the latest national news
Canadian Atlas Online
Try some games and quizzes to test your knowledge
Association for Canadian Studies in the United States
Improving the understanding of Canada in the U.S.
Canadian Studies in the U.S.
A list of programs from the government of Canada