COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) with Gender and Women’s Studies at Cape Breton University is a four-year interdisciplinary program that examines gender, power, identity, and social structures within contemporary and historical contexts. In the first year, students complete introductory community studies courses along with foundational gender studies subjects such as Introduction to Gender and Women’s Studies, building skills in critical thinking, communication, and social analysis. In the second year, students study key social science topics related to gender, including family structures, culture, politics, and inequality, while developing a stronger understanding of feminist perspectives and the social construction of gender. The third year focuses on more advanced and applied learning, including courses on gender and communication, gender in society, work and women, and feminist theory, alongside community studies courses that emphasize research methods and social issues. In the fourth year, students engage in senior-level seminars, independent research projects, and capstone work that integrate theory with real-world applications, often addressing topics such as gender-based inequality, policy, and social justice. Across all four years, the curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, research, and community engagement, preparing students for careers in public service, human resources, advocacy, education, media, and social development, as well as for further academic study.