About the Writer and Methodology

All of the articles in these units were written by a Canadian teacher using up-to-date information gathered specifically for this course. The writer selected topics that are generally of interest to Chinese students who enjoy learning about life in other countries. Specific aspects of Canadian life and history that are often little-understood have been emphasized. Details and examples are presented so that students will have a richer and more colorful study experience, as well as an opportunity to draw their own conclusions. Historical background information is supplied so that the student can understand how Canadian society has developed. However, the emphasis is on contemporary issues and trends.

In keeping with the informal and dynamic nature of Canadian society, articles have been written in a contemporary North American style. Students will be introduced to everyday expressions and occasionally terms that are in keeping with modern technological society. Whenever possible, articles are written in such a way as to help the reader understand unfamiliar vocabulary from the context. Pictures (online and CD only) and a brief glossary at the end of each article should also help to make the meanings of terms clear. Students are encouraged to cultivate good reading habits: anticipate what will be discussed based on the title and subtitles, read the article at a brisk pace to get the main ideas, and then reread the article to understand its finer points and to answer questions. Think about the aspects of Canadian life that are similar to or different from your own, and what you can gain from the experiences of others. By analysing and comparing, you will find that the language used is more memorable and meaningful.

To help you understand Canadian culture and people, you will be introduced to seven fictional Canadian characters. Each one is a composite of people from a particular social group and thus representative. At the same time, their individual natures should help the students to appreciate the diversity of Canadian people as well as identify their common features.

Cast of Characters

Following each core text, there will be 4 extension texts. While the core texts are broad in their scope and slightly more objective and academic in style, the extension texts focus on specific topics from a particular viewpoint. The extension texts will be introduced by a fictional character who will present his or her views on a subject. By following these characters, students can gain insight into political and social issues that might otherwise seem abstract. These "personal" views and experiences will also show how Canadians actually view certain matters and what sort of experiences are fairly typical (or at least typically atypical). The information presented is factual; the story format is a learning aid.

Listed geographically from west to east, the 7 characters are: (Click each icon to view details)

How to Complete the Course

Each unit has a list of objectives stated at the outset, followed by some warm-up exercises, texts and a review. The objectives for the unit list the main points to be covered in the core text and extension texts. The exercises will test your reading ability and comprehension of the important points. You will not be expected to memorize all the facts presented, but you should be able to grasp the key issues and link information together to draw conclusions. Along the way, you should improve your understanding of the English language and its links to various aspects of contemporary culture.

Thinking and research points are intended to help you sharpen your research and analysis skills. Keywords that can be used for doing searches on the internet will be listed to help you find relevant information. Some suggestions for sites that feature useful content and are available on the worldwide web may also be listed. You are encouraged to select material that matches your interests and also to explore new areas. Your main purpose should be to gain a broader understanding of Canadian society. Objectively viewing issues in the context of another society may help you to see how changes that are occuring globally may influence your own life.

Admittedly, your time is limited and your primary purpose in study is to pass the course so that you can get your degree. Do not spend too much time on warm-up exercises as they are there primarily to stimulate your interest in the topic. Exercises that appear at the end of the texts and the unit are the most important ones in terms of your final mark. Unit 5 is composed entirely of questions that review the first 4 units. In this course, 60% is a pass while a mark of 85% is considered excellent. If after taking the course you have a sense of what it's like to live in a developed but sparsely settled, northern, multicultural society undergoing changes brought on by globalization and living in the shadow of a superpower then you may have absorbed some practical lessons as well.

Themes and topics for the four units are listed as follows:

Unit 1 will provide historical and geographical background information that will help you understand the formation of Canada as a nation. You will read about Canada's first inhabitants and about the introduction of other ethnic groups that have shaped the development of a multicultural mosaic.

Unit 2 will help you to understand Canada's political system, which has features similar to those of America and Britain. You will also learn about the complexity of political and economic relationships in Canada, and why maintaining unity is a bit of a balancing act.

Unit 3 contains information about everyday issues in life such as education, employment, social problems and the environment. You will find that the Canadian government manages an extensive social welfare system, including provisions for national health insurance and pension plans, and why this system is facing tests.

Unit 4 will discuss Canadian culture and identity and the media that have helped to shape it. The value of protecting culture and the unique aspects of Canadian identity will be considered. Learn about hockey and local humor, key pursuits in Canadian leisure time.

The accompanying flowchart shows what you can expect to find in each unit:

Video introduction by your tutor (Dana) stating the objectives for the unit.

Some questions and a warm-up exercise to get you thinking about the topic.

Core Text providing broad knowledge of the main topic, followed by several exercises. This text is also the Unit's home page.

4 Extension Texts, each with detailed information on a specific topic. Each text is introduced by a Canadian character, and followed by exercises and questions for thought and research.

There will also be 1 Audio and 1 Visual segment, each with an accompanying exercise (online or CD only).

In Unit 5, you will review material from the first 4 units. It is recommended that full-time students finish all units within 4 weeks, and part-time students complete them within 8 weeks. You can use the online tutorial, CD or printed textbook to read articles and questions. If you need help, you can find it in the feedback which follows each exercise, in the online chat-room or in a meeting with your tutor. Be sure to follow the schedule given for handing in your assignments.

Wishing you the best of success!

Dana