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With more than 120 online courses on offer and over 130 of experience in distance learning, Arts and Science Online (ASO) is renowned for its innovative and diverse approaches to education.

Students chose online learning for a variety of reasons, including distance students pursuing a degree, a professional looking to earn a certificate or an on-campus student looking for interesting courses to take during their studies.

“ASO is on the forefront of our Faculty’s strategy to provide inclusive online content that reflects our community’s desire to learn from a variety of diverse perspectives,” says Elliot Chapple, FAS Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Indigenization (EDII). “In particular, ASO succeeds at ensuring that not only the content is inclusive but that the delivery of the material is also inclusive and accessible. EDII isn’t just an addition, it is the lens through which they approach the creation of their materials and overall pedagogy.”

While ASO courses are designed for a wide range of students, the Faculty of Arts and Science is excited to highlight four unique courses: Indigenous Arts and Cultures (FREN 239), which was delivered for the first time in 2021, and Indigenous Perspectives on Water (LLCU 295-004), Indigenous Theatre and Performance (LLCU 295-005), and Indigenous Languages: Expressions of Peoplehood (LLCU 395-004), which are being offered for the first time this year

The courses add to the breadth and depth of Queen’s existing Indigenous Studies academic offerings, as they are open to students in other faculties as electives. Indigenous-focused education and research are growing areas of strength for the university and a priority for continued growth. Recent milestones in this area include Queen’s new Bachelor of Arts (Honours) major and Joint Honours in Indigenous Studies and the Certificate in Indigenous Languages and Cultures.

Indigenous Arts and Cultures explores the world of Canadian Indigenous art, in French. This course is perfect for students who understand the French language and wish to continue learning it, while also learning about Indigenous arts and contexts.

The other three courses are the result of a partnership between Queen’s University and Kenjgewin, an Indigenous-led educational institute at M'Chigeeng First Nation, on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island). The courses focus on Indigenous perspectives on climate change and sustainability practices related to water, Indigenous theatre and performance, and the significance of language in relation to collective and individual identity.

Indigenous Perspectives on Water - explores ways in which global demands, climate change, and access issues with respect to water threaten the well-being of Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Theatre and Performance - introduces Indigenous performance-rooted ways of knowing through theoretical examinations of the history of Indigenous performance, an overview of contemporary Indigenous performance practices, and examination of critical issues relating to indigenous performance.

Indigenous Languages: Expressions of Peoplehood - explores the significance of Indigenous languages in relation to the collective and individual identities of the people. The course considers the nature of the languages, various factors that have led to their erosion, and revitalization strategies.

More information on these courses and all other ASO offerings is available on the Academic Calendar and the ASO website.