Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Canadian-American Studies, BA
What Is the Canadian-American Studies Major?
The Canadian-American Studies major is designed to expand knowledge of Canada and understanding of Canadian-American political, economic and environmental issues and problems. Examples of areas of study include the history of Canada, Canada-US environmental policy, Canadian geography, political ties between Canada and the United States, and Canadian economic relations.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The Canadian-American Studies curriculum prepares students for positions in firms, agencies, and government organizations involved with Canada, and cross-border issues. The 50 credit program combines well to form a double major with other fields, adding depth to international expertise. Examples include combinations with French, Political Science, Economics, History and Environmental Studies.
The interdisciplinary program encourages students to tackle difficult research problems across departmental lines, and think of big-picture solutions. Students emerge with a unique understanding of how different intellectual and institutional traditions function, and how to bridge gaps in understanding between them. The international and interdisciplinary training prepares graduates to take leadership roles in situations involving a complex interplay of different agencies, perspectives, companies, markets, nationalities and intellectual traditions.
Recent Western graduates have found fulfilling careers working for the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, running an international startup business with branches in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, serving as a US Federal government liaison to municipalities for emergency preparedness, and pursuing graduate studies in a variety of fields.
How to Declare:
To declare the major, contact the Center for Canadian-American Studies undergraduate advisor, Chuck Hart.
Advising Tips: A formal program of study is initially designed by the student in consultation with the Canadian-American Studies Department undergraduate advisor, Chuck Hart.
Coursework
Track 1 - Canadian-American studies with French language
- C/AM 200 - Introduction to Canadian Studies
- C/AM 401 - Research Problem Identification and Development
- C/AM 402 - Research Analysis and Writing
- ENG 415 - Special Topics in National Literatures (under advisement)
- FREN 201 - Intermediate French
- FREN 202 - Intermediate French
- FREN 203 - Intermediate French (or equivalent)
- HIST 277 - Canada: A Historical Survey
- PLSC 406 - Canadian Government and Politics
- One course from:
- ENVS 331 - Canada: Society and Environment
- ENVS 430 - Borderlands
- Select additional credits from the following to complete the major:
- ANTH 361 - Native Peoples of North America
- ANTH 411 - Archaeology of Northwestern North America
- ANTH 462 - Native Peoples of the Northwest
- ANTH 476 - Borderlands
- A/HI 490 - Seminar: Exhibition Theory and Practice
- C/AM 400 - Independent Study
- C/AM 410 - Study Canada Summer Institute
- ECON 364 - Topics in Canadian Economic History
- ECON 365 - The Canadian Economy
- ENVS 452 - International Environmental Policy
- FREN 332 - Civilisation Et Culture Du Quebec
- FREN 401 - Elements De Stylistique
- HIST 376 - French Colonial Canada: 1534-1763
- HIST 499 - Historical Research (under advisement)
- JOUR 460 - Special Reporting Project
- PLSC 301 - The British Parliamentary System
- SOC 390 - Global Families
Track 2 (50 credits) - Canadian-American studies with area of concentration
- C/AM 200 - Introduction to Canadian Studies
- C/AM 401 - Research Problem Identification and Development
- C/AM 402 - Research Analysis and Writing
- ENG 415 - Special Topics in National Literatures (under advisement)
- HIST 277 - Canada: A Historical Survey
- PLSC 406 - Canadian Government and Politics
- One course from:
- ENVS 331 - Canada: Society and Environment
- ENVS 430 - Borderlands
- Plus 2 upper-division courses in an area of specialization (in consultation with Canadian-American)
- Select additional credits from the following to complete the major:
- ANTH 361 - Native Peoples of North America
- ANTH 411 - Archaeology of Northwestern North America
- ANTH 462 - Native Peoples of the Northwest
- ANTH 476 - Borderlands
- A/HI 490 - Seminar: Exhibition Theory and Practice
- C/AM 400 - Independent Study
- C/AM 410 - Study Canada Summer Institute
- ECON 364 - Topics in Canadian Economic History
- ENVS 452 - International Environmental Policy
- FREN 101 - Elementary French
- FREN 102 - Elementary French
- FREN 103 - Elementary French
- FREN 201 - Intermediate French
- FREN 202 - Intermediate French
- FREN 203 - Intermediate French
- FREN 332 - Civilisation Et Culture Du Quebec
- FREN 401 - Elements De Stylistique
- HIST 376 - French Colonial Canada: 1534-1763
- HIST 499 - Historical Research
- JOUR 460 - Special Reporting Project
- PLSC 301 - The British Parliamentary System
- SOC 390 - Global Families
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- BCOM: FREN 103, 201
- HUM: FREN 202, 203; HIST 277
- SSC: C/AM 200
- BCGM: ANTH 361
Sample Careers
- International Sales
- Government relations
- Foreign Service Specialist
- International environmental analyst
- Communications officer
- International Finance Analyst
- International Account Executive
- Customs and Border Protection Officer
Department
Contact
Undergraduate Advisor:
Chuck Hart
360-650-3728
Canada House 201
chuck.hart@wwu.edu