Come the 2019-2020 academic year, the University of Toronto Mississauga will have three new minor programs for students to enroll in.
The Department of Geography will offer a minor program in sustainability that offers students an opportunity to “explore the theory and practice of sustainability and sustainable development,” as well as provide a practical application of sustainability theory through experiential and classroom-based learning.
According to the motion, the minor program “aligns itself with UTM’s commitment to promote sustainability within UTM and beyond, recognizing that environmental awareness should guide our planning and be reflected in our pedagogical and scholarship activities.”
The Department of Geography will also introduce a minor program in Environmental Law and Policy, with a focus on the ethical principles and practices surrounding environmental issues.
According to Geography Professor Barbara Murck, many UTM graduates go on to graduate programs and professions in environmental law, so this minor would provide them with a “competitive edge.”
The final minor program introduced will be in Creative Writing, which will be part of the Department of English and Drama.
The minor comes in response to an external review of the department and its programs that identified a significant demand for more diverse creative writing instruction from UTM students.
UTM will also introduce two certificates, one in Global Perspectives and another in Advanced Economics. The certificates are part of the University of Toronto Global U Framework, a tri-campus initiative aimed at “developing globally-minded citizens across disciplines.”
These changes will take effect September 1, 2019.
