A deeper knowledge of the past helps Selkirk College learners understand the complexities of today and where society might collectively be heading in the future.
One of many disciplines in the School of University Arts & Sciences, students who explore the suite of History courses offered at Selkirk College are able to gain both regional and broader perspective. As part of the exploration in History 215: A History of the West Kootenay, instructor Takaia Larsen and her class visited the Nelson Museum Archives & Gallery (NMAG) to take a peek at some tangible elements of the region’s past.
“I try to teach students not only about the past, but also about the practice of history,” says Larsen, a Selkirk College alumna who went on to earn a Master of Arts in History from the University of Victoria. “How do we know what we think we know about the past? What kinds of sources can we use to piece it together? What are we missing? Whose voices do we hear and who is silenced?”
Led through the museum displays, archive collections and Cold War Bunker by NMAG’s archivist and collections manager Jean-Philippe Stienne, students took a break from the Castlegar Campus classroom to explore a treasure trove of the region’s history. Located in a downtown Nelson building that began construction in 1902, the NMAG field trip helped provide important perspective for students learning about how the region progressed to today.
History 215: A History of the West Kootenay is one of eight History courses offered at Selkirk College throughout the year that are taught by a team of three instructors with vast knowledge and impressive credentials.
Diverse Pathways to Rewarding Careers
The School of University Arts & Sciences provides areas of study that include humanities, social sciences, sciences and applied science. With 28 disciplines that range from Indigenous Studies to Philosophy, Economics to Sociology and Biochemistry to Computer Science, small class sizes and outstanding instructors are educational advantages.
Outcomes for study at Selkirk College include associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, diploma, advanced diploma or certificate. For those looking to transfer credits toward a university degree, British Columbia has one of the best transfer systems in North America with all courses articulated through the BC Transfer Guide.
Graduating high school from Nelson’s LV Rogers Secondary in 2018, Ashley Hall began her studies at the Castlegar Campus intending to further explore her academic interests close to home. Starting with a variety of courses in different disciplines, she quickly turned her attention to History.
“I was unsure of my direction after high school graduation,” says the 22-year-old. “During the first month of History classes with instructors Duff [Sutherland] and Takaia, their energy and approach to teaching captured my imagination. It opened my mind to different possibilities because they made learning so enjoyable.”
After completing her first two years at Selkirk College, Hall transferred to the University of Victoria (UVic) where she chose History as a major. After two more years of study on Vancouver Island, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated with the UVic Class of 2023.
Now in the middle of the 16-month Bachelor of Education post-degree program at UVic, Hall is grateful for the start at Selkirk College.
“I didn’t enter post-secondary with a lot of confidence, but the learning environment at Selkirk College changed all of that,” says Hall, who has her sights set on becoming an elementary school teacher. “Having instructors who truly care about the individuals in their classroom helped me develop as a student. When I arrived to UVic, I was prepared and easily transitioned into my third and fourth year classes.”
Learn more about Selkirk College's School of University Arts & Sciences.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls