"Technology is (finally) transforming education, making it accessible and affordable to people everywhere." — Brad McVittie I have an insatiable curiosity about the world that is nurtured every day at Selkirk College. I trained in evolutionary anthropology and went on to study primates in Central America and Africa, before finding my passion in education. I've worked in post-secondary education
Instructor, Biology "Selkirk College has offered me a wonderful opportunity to pursue both my passion for teaching human biology while continuing to adventure in the mountains. I can also think of no better place in which to raise a family." - James Nicol, Instructor, Biology James describes himself as "a most fortunate member of the Selkirk College family." He strives to accommodate learners from
Gary has worked throughout his career to combine two disciplines of study: Geography and education. He holds a Master of Science in Geography from the University of Calgary where he completed a field-based thesis on the impacts of large avalanches and forestry practices on stream morphology in the Northern Selkirk Mountains. He has worked on fluvial geomorphology and Quaternary geology projects in
RPM Program Coordinator; Instructor, History "As a History instructor, I aim to make an important contribution to my community by increasing local knowledge about our collective past. I want to leave the world a better place than I found it and I hope I can inspire my students to do the same." - Takaia Larsen, History Instructor After graduating with an Arts diploma from Selkirk in 2002, I wasn't
Instructor, English Literature has long been my primary guide to life, and I believe reading and writing can help anyone better understand and articulate their place in the world. It’s a pleasure to work as an English instructor in the province that taught me to pay as close attention to the forests I walk as the sentences I read and create. Just as nature inspires mountain bikers and skiers to
PEAC 202 Leadership for Peace: The Individual and Social Transformation begins with the understanding that leadership for peace is, at its foundations, leadership for human rights and social justice; and with the further insight that social transformation is always joined with inner transformation, to the individual who ''can change the world''. PEAC 202 examines leadership and peace in relation
PEAC 203 Introduction to Restorative Justice: Theory and Practice explores the theory and practice of restorative justice. Themes include retribution, punishment and deterrence; Indigenous approaches to justice; trauma and healing; shame and empathy; community, belonging, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Students will gain familiarity with the process models of victim-offender mediation, family
PEAC 205 Global Perspectives in Peace: An independent Studies Course provides an opportunity for students to learn about peace, justice and related topics from a practical, local to global, and/or cross-cultural perspective through self-initiated travel abroad or self-initiated contact with a peace related NGO. For example, as part of this course, students may participate in one of two
PEAC 216 The Doukhobors offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Doukhobors and their ongoing connection to issues of peace and conflict. Drawing on a variety of perspectives, this course analyzes the Doukhobor experience in light of what social scientists refer to as a social movement. Rooted in the religious turmoil of early modern Europe, that experience has situated this group
PEAC 220 Economics of Happiness will bring together the united insights of a diverse suite of sciences and arts (e.g. biology, ecology, psychology, sociology, economics, poetry, marketing, peace studies) to provide learners with a context-inclusive understanding of human decision-making processes, adaptive behaviours, and economic dynamics. A significant set of readings from the academic
PEAC 224 Current Issues in Peace Studies: Introduction to Islam will introduce students to the Islamic religious tradition and to Muslim communities in Canada. The course begins with self-directed study into how the news media constructs reality. The first part of our group study of Islam will include a discussion of pre-Islamic Arabia and the historical development of Islam, the life of the
PEAC 301 Directed Studies in Restorative Justice is an independent reading course. It allows the student to connect the principles and values of restorative justice to a particular area of interest of the student's own choosing. The goal is to understand how an approach based on dialogue, relationship-building, healing, and social transformation can be applied to further positive social change in
PEAC 303 Restorative Justice Practice is a sequel course to PEAC 301 Directed Studies in Restorative Justice. In this course, the student carries out the proposal developed in PEAC 301 by completing a 90-hour restorative justice practicum or project in the workplace, school or community. (Spring offering only)
PEAC 305 Peace and Justice Skills is an intensive week-long course that provides the student of transformative justice with practical skills in communication, mediation and conflict transformation. The format will be interactive – short lectures, discussions, case studies and role plays. The student will examine the concepts of power, culture, privilege in the context of communication, with a
BLCK 121 Shop Cultures: Safety and Devices will introduce students to shop culture and to safe operating practices for all tools in the shop. Students will be given an overview of the two metal certificates (Blacksmithing and Metal Casting) and will start to develop the skills necessary to proceed into BLCK 123 Fabrication Techniques: Welded Forms.
BLCK 123 In Fabrication Techniques: Welded Forms, students will be introduced to the safe use of the MIG welder, oxygen and acetylene gases, and the plasma cutter. Exercises include samples using each process, accurate layout, and sculptural inflation.
BLCK 125 Design for Fabrication and Blacksmithing provides students with a basic understanding of the design and visual communication skills required to develop and present concepts that may be realized in wrought iron. The course will offer an introduction to essential drawing skills in black and white media and an overview of core design principles ' with context via relevant metal craft history
BLCK 127 Force, Stance, Direction: Primary Hammer Skills, students will develop the ability to manipulate hot steel with hammer and anvil. Following instructor demonstrations and discussion, students will practice a variety of basic smithing techniques. Emphasis is on hammer control, proper and safe tool use and how to apply the knowledge gained to complete simple projects safely and effectively.
BLCK 129 Advanced Techniques: Conceptualize and Create, this component introduces students to a broader range of Blacksmithing skills and techniques. Built on a strong foundation of Blacksmithing fundamentals, students' ability to conceptualize and create advanced forms will be increased through tool making and creative problem solving. Students will make a hammer and punches. Skills include power
BLCK 131 Production Processes has students design, poof and execute a short production run of ornamental metal art. Skills include making and using custom jigs and tooling.