Academic Calendar - 2025

Western University Academic Calendar. - 2025

Courses


Course Numbering

0001-0999* Pre-University level introductory courses
1000-1999 Year 1 courses
2000-4999 Senior-level undergraduate courses
5000-5999 Professional Degree courses in Dentistry, Education, Law, Medicine and Theology (MTS, MDiv)
6000-6999 Courses offered by Continuing Studies
9000-9999 Graduate Studies courses

* These courses are equivalent to pre-university introductory courses and may be counted for credit in the student's record, unless these courses were taken in a preliminary year. They may not be counted toward essay or breadth requirements, or used to meet modular admission requirements unless it is explicitly stated in the Senate-approved outline of the module.


Suffixes

no suffix 1.0 course not designated as an essay course
A 0.5 course offered in first term
B 0.5 course offered in second term
A/B 0.5 course offered in first and/or second term
E 1.0 essay course
F 0.5 essay course offered in first term
G 0.5 essay course offered in second term
F/G 0.5 essay course offered in first and/or second term
H 1.0 accelerated course (8 weeks)
J 1.0 accelerated course (6 weeks)
K 0.75 course
L 0.5 graduate course offered in summer term (May - August)
Q/R/S/T 0.25 course offered within a regular session
U 0.25 course offered in other than a regular session
W/X 1.0 accelerated course (full course offered in one term)
Y 0.5 course offered in other than a regular session
Z 0.5 essay course offered in other than a regular session

Glossary


Prerequisite

A course that must be successfully completed prior to registration for credit in the desired course.


Corequisite

A course that must be taken concurrently with (or prior to registration in) the desired course.


Antirequisite

Courses that overlap sufficiently in course content that both cannot be taken for credit.


Essay Courses

Many courses at Western have a significant writing component. To recognize student achievement, a number of such courses have been designated as essay courses and will be identified on the student's record (E essay full course; F/G/Z essay half-course).


Principal Courses

A first year course that is listed by a department offering a module as a requirement for admission to the module. For admission to an Honours Specialization module or Double Major modules in an Honours Bachelor degree, at least 3.0 courses will be considered principal courses.



Campus




Course Level






Course Type




Family Studies and Human Development


This introductory course explains the field of Family Studies and Human Development, examining the factors that shape family life, from individual psychology to group dynamics to social forces such as the workplace, the economy, and the government. Families are considered across the life course, and family diversity is highlighted.


Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Intimate relationships, like those found between marital or dating partners, are examined from a social science perspective, looking at love, mate selection, attachment, loneliness, conflict, relationship dissolution, and factors contributing to successful long-term relationships. Other close relationships also are considered, such as those between friends or parents and children.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
A multi-disciplinary approach to the family as a biological, social, economic, legal and political unit, continually changing and adapting to a variety of pressures. This course provides students with a broad grounding in the family in the current Canadian context, and examines cultural and historical variation.


Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 1.00
More details
Return to top
This course focuses on racialized immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker families, examining challenges and factors that facilitate or hinder them in the process of settlement and integration into Canadian society. Immigration policies, settlement programs and current human service practices with vulnerable immigrant and refugee families will also be discussed.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Using parenting theory and research, this course investigates the topic of parenting in-depth, exploring relevant topics such as infant development, parent-child communication, gender socialization, discipline, and more.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture/tutorial hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course introduces students to the basics of counselling within the context of the study of Family Studies and Human Development. Students will learn about the history of the counselling professions, will gain an understanding of various approaches, skills, and work settings, and will consider the role of counselling among diverse populations, including adolescents, couples, and families. Topics include ethical and legal aspects, assessment, individual and group counselling, and research, use of technology, and multicultural issues having to do with counselling.

Prerequisite(s): Any Family Studies and Human Development 1000-level course or a former Family Studies 1000-level course or permission of the instructor.

Extra Information: 3 hours.

Course Weight: 1.00
More details
Return to top
Topic and course description will be available at time of registration.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human growth and development in a Canadian context. With chronological unfolding of developmental events, students will learn about development from conception to middle childhood in culturally and conceptually meaningful ways.

Antirequisite(s): Psychology 2040A/B, Psychology 2410A/B, Psychology 2480E and the former Psychology 2044.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3.0 hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
An examination of family law and policies affecting individuals and families in Canada. Areas of family law and policies considered include child care, parental leave, income support, tax benefits, and pension arrangements. Course reveals the importance of law and policies for Canadian families and their successful development.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
A course that compares government policies for families in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. Policies for child care, parental leave, income support, pensions and other areas are considered. Course shows how international comparisons can lead to better family policies in Canada and elsewhere.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course investigates adolescence and emerging adulthood, exploring these developmental stages as they intersect with family, society, and cultural contexts.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course investigates the midlife and older adulthood stages of life, topics of great importance to Canadian society given the aging of the population. Areas considered may include psychological adjustment, social networks, career and family changes, health care, care in older adulthood, and adaptation to transition.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Students will become familiar with the primary research methods used by Family Studies and Human Development professionals. Other topics such as research ethics will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture/tutorial hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
An introduction to qualitative research and its application to the study of the family. Topics to be considered include participant observation, interview skills, life histories and methods of analysis.


Prerequisite(s): Family Studies and Human Development 2300F/G or any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Theories and practices associated with planning, implementing, and evaluating family life education programs.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course focuses on managing family resources and family decision making processes using multidisciplinary perspectives. Current real world examples, family diversity, and future challenges are discussed.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course examines the resources and social forces that shape life choices for individuals in a Canadian context. Particular attention is given to the increased opportunity for education and paid employment. How individuals manage resources and balance work, family, and other life domains is considered.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture/tutorial hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course examines the family practices found across the globe today. Due to migration patterns, and new social dynamics in global society, the family constellation is increasingly complex and reflective of cultural background and beliefs. Consideration will be given to these family practices, including how the media portrays them.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course examines contemporary diversity as it impacts individuals and families. Its psychosocial approach enables students to think through their own perspectives on race, ethnicity, religion, ability, sexual and gender identity, and more in preparation for working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture/tutorial hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course explores the topic of family resilience, using a strengths-based perspective to examine how and why some families are able to survive and rebound from adversity, trauma, or persistent challenges over the life course, while others do not.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Violence and trauma in the family are examined from a variety of theoretical perspectives, such as feminist, exchange, and systems. Dating violence, violence in marriage and marriage-like relationships, child abuse, and elder abuse are considered through a strengths-based approach and trauma-informed practice.


Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or enrolment in third or fourth year of the Major in Criminal Justice or Honours Specialization in Community and Criminal Justice modules, or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Topic and course description will be available at time of registration.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
A main focus of this course will be on sexuality throughout the lifespan with an emphasis on diversity of human sexuality using a multi-disciplinary perspective. Areas covered include intimacy and communication, sexual orientation, sexual variety, coercive sexuality and exploitation, sexual health, and ethics, religion and sexuality.

Antirequisite(s): Psychology 2075, Psychology 2076 A/B.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 2000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3.0 hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Students will be introduced to the major theoretical frameworks used by social scientists to explain variation in family life including life span, life course, developmental, social learning, social exchange, social conflict, symbolic interactionist, ecological, family systems and feminist theory perspectives.

Prerequisite(s): Any 0.5 course at the 3000-level or higher from any department in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, the Department of Psychology or the Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Extra Information: 3 lecture hours.

Prerequisite(s): Enrolment restricted to students in third and fourth year Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Anthropology, Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Department of Psychology or Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Supervised field placement in family-focused community organizations. Enrollment limited to third and fourth year Family Studies and Human Development students who are selected by application.

Prerequisite(s): A 3000-level Family Studies and Human Development course or permission of the instructor. Restricted to students in their 3rd or 4th year.

Extra Information: 2 seminar/practicum hours. Note: Enrollment by permission of instructor only. Please see the Family Studies website to submit an application. Enrollment is limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Course Weight: 1.00
More details
Return to top
Students will conduct an independent Family Studies and Human Development research project.


Extra Information: 3 lecture hours. Restricted to students in the following modules: Honours Specialization in Family Studies and Human Development (BSc), Honours Specialization in Family Studies and Human Development (BA), Honours Specialization in Families and Communities (BA), and Honours Specialization in Nutrition and Families (BA).

Course Weight: 1.00
More details
Return to top
Topic and course description will be available at time of registration.

Prerequisite(s): Enrolment restricted to students in third and fourth year Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Anthropology, Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Department of Psychology or Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
Topic and course description will be available at time of registration.

Prerequisite(s): Enrolment restricted to students in third and fourth year Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Anthropology, Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Department of Psychology or Department of Sociology; or permission of the Department.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top
This course is not part of the regular curriculum, and will be offered based on student interests and needs. Students must be enrolled in 3rd or 4th year of Family Studies and Human Development and have the permission of the department.

Prerequisite(s): 1.0 Family Studies and Human Development courses at the 2000 level or permission of instructor.

Extra Information: 3 hours.

Course Weight: 0.50
More details
Return to top