What is General Education?General Education (GNED) electives give you the opportunity to explore a topic that interests you. The elective must be outside the vocational outcomes of your program and will provide a general overview of a topic. Choosing electives that interest you will help broaden your sense of self and the world around you, giving you adaptability for the constantly changing, diverse world in which we live. We offer a range of courses that not only align to one of the Ministry themes, but also to our six Graduate Attributes. These attributes are intentional and seek to help you craft your professional identity while at Loyalist to champion Big Things!
What are Graduate Attributes?Our Graduate Attributes enhance your Loyalist experience! Indigenous Understanding; Cross-Cultural Understanding; Citizenship and Global Responsibility; Entrepreneurship and Technology; Health and Wellness; and Ecological Literacy are our areas of focus. Some of these attributes will be acquired through program learning outcomes in accordance with understood teaching and learning principles, while other elements will be realized through co-curricular activities and monitored through a tracking process to encourage student self-reflection. To guide our collective actions, we’re driven by five core values, including inclusive, caring, accountable, creative, and engaging, which we aspire to instill in our students. Some of our GNED courses are mapped to our attributes. While your GNED courses will broaden your understanding, it's really the Loyalist experience that will strengthen and define your character in helping to demonstrate these attributes.
Please note: For all diploma and feeder certificate programs starting in Fall 2023, there's a prescribed GNED course in either semester 1 (Fall) or 2 (Winter). Self-registration is not required for this course as it's been included with your program's core registration block.
*NEW MANDATORY ELECTIVE* GNED 1100: Becoming a Global Changemaker
This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.
Other Examples
Indigenous Understanding
GNED1037 Indigenous Culture and History
GNED1061 Indigenous Approaches to Wellness
GNED1057 Indigenous Storytelling
GNED1056 Indigenous Food Systems
Cross-Cultural Understanding
GNED1024 Diversity
GNED1081 Exploring Deaf Culture
GNED1022 The Art of Human Communication
GNED1077 Modern Discourse and Debate
Citizenship and Global Responsibility
GNED1055 Global Challenges and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
GNED1018 Political Foundations: Governance, Engagement, and Activism
Entrepreneurship and Technology
GNED1052 Technology’s Impact on the Modern World
GNED1049 Gaming Technology
GNED1009 Freelance & Entrepreneurship
Health and Wellness
GNED1026 Health Psychology
GNED1060 Designer DNA: The Age of Genetic Advancement
GNED1076 The Science of Alternative and Integrated Medicine
GNED1023 Wellness
Ecological Literacy
GNED1040 Off Grid Living
GNED1004 Living Green! Practical Ways to Start Today
The Ministry of Colleges and Universities requires all students in diploma and advanced diploma programs to successfully complete a minimum of three GNED electives to graduate. According to the Framework for Programs of Instruction, "General Education strengthens student’s generic skills, such as critical analysis, problem solving, and communication, in the context of an exploration of topics with broad-based personal and/or societal importance” (Framework for Programs of Instruction, Revised July 2009, p. 21).
Each program determines in which semesters the GNED electives are included and students can self-enrol through the GNED Registration Portal on myLoyalist. These electives are included in the tuition fees for the specific semesters and failure to take them according to the program map can result i
Should you neglect to complete three GNED electives during your program of study in the semesters determined by your program you will be required to make these up at an additional cost in order to graduate.
Learning options
Students in a diploma or advanced diploma program must successfully complete three General Education courses to qualify for graduation. Information on when GNED courses should be taken can be found on the program map in each program’s manual.
Additional fees may be charged to students who take General Education courses off cycle with their program map. Please see AOP 233 for further information.
General education courses are delivered in a classroom or online. Please consider the following when making your selections:
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- Online learning requires good time management, adherence to deadlines, minimal interaction with the instructor, and is suitable for those who enjoy independent study.
- For the most part, online learning allows you to study wherever and whenever you choose.
- Traditional delivery in a classroom includes an independent study component the last 4 weeks, which requires good time management, adherence to deadlines, and minimal interaction with the professor.
- Theme - Civic Life
- GNED1036 Canadian Military Aviation
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Canada has a proud legacy in aviation, from the “Flyboys” in WWI to the Avro Arrow, to the impressive deeds at CFB Trenton. This course will elevate students’ understanding of Canada’s love affair with aviation.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1036 Canadian Military Aviation:
• Group Presentation
• Short Paper
• Internet Site Analysis
• Cultural Analysis
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1002 Civic Life - Transfer Credit Option
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credit. Visit your Enrolment Services Officer to see if you qualify.
- GNED1067 Civic Life- Transfer Credit Option 2
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credits. Contact Loyalist Pathways at pathways@loyalistcollege.com to see if you qualify.
- GNED1068 Civic Life- Transfer Credit Option 3
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credits. Contact Loyalist Pathways at pathways@loyalistcollege.com to see if you qualify.
- GNED1055 Global Challenges and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
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Climate change, food insecurity, and social justice issues are only a few of the challenges facing today’s global society. As part Loyalist College’s commitment to align campus initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), you will explore the history of the United Nations and the SDGs and critically examine your own roles and responsibilities in fulfilling these goals. You will develop the essential knowledge and skills required to help promote positive changes locally, nationally and internationally.
- GNED1077 Modern Discourse and Debate
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This course will strengthen your critical thinking and develop your debate skills. We will focus on building, presenting and evaluating arguments. The ability to participate in civil discourse is a valued and important skill in today’s society. This course will teach you to frame your opinions based on facts and evidence and give you the tools to structure your thoughts in a meaningful and effective way.
- GNED1018 Political Foundations: Governance, Engagement, and Activism
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This course is designed to introduce students to the grass-roots components of a community and to civic life. The components include aspects of citizenship and participation, volunteerism and the fabric of both political and cultural organizations at all levels of the municipal, provincial and federal systems.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1018 Community & Civic Life:
• Group Presentation
• Online Discussion Forum
• Report on Approved Current Political Issue
• Individual Reflection
• Professionalism & Participation
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1045 Social Media, Your Voice and Digital Reputations
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Students will understand the affect that all forms of media have on their daily lives and review how they represent themselves digitally. They will learn how they are influenced by media, and the benefits and dangers of a media-intense society. This course is designed to help students develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of an ever-expanding and increasingly dominating mass media – as information sources, as entertainment, and as an industry. Students will also investigate how social media can both support and hinder social activism campaigns, politics, and consumerism.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1045 Social Media, Your Voice and Digital Reputations:
• 3 Assignments – Social media reflection, would you hire yourself and a day without social media
• Quiz
• Discussions and Surveys
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1054 The Power of Celebrity
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We live in a celebrity culture. The impact of celebrity extends to all avenues of society—politics, sports, entertainment, activism, the law. Explore the sociology and power of celebrity to change public attitudes. Examine celebrity influence on such things as consumer behaviour, gender roles, race, and interactions in a pop-culture world.
The following are the types of evaluations used in this course:
• Quizzes
• In-class Discussions
• Reflection Papers
• Short Research Paper
• Group Presentation
• Independent Study Assignment
• Thematic Module
- Theme - Social and Cultural Understanding
- GNED1083 A History of the Health Services in Canada
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This course will introduce students to the history of a variety of the Health Services available in Canada. Students will learn about the evolution of various services, necessary employability skills, how training is conducted and certified (if certified), industry trends and requirements, and employment options. Lectures will be augmented with experiential learning so that students can gain a realistic appreciation of the service, as well as the effects that technological advancements have played in advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of procedures and equipment used by the selected services. Guest speakers will provide students with first-hand insight into their respective professional experiences. Services intended for exploration during this course include, but are not necessarily limited to: Nursing, Social Service Work, Occupational Therapy, Paramedic and Personal Support Work. At the conclusion of the course, students will be required to choose one of the skilled trades as their chosen profession and present the rationale in defence of their choice.
- GNED1082 A History of the Skilled Trades in Canada
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This course will introduce students to the history of a variety of skilled trades in Canada. Students will learn about the evolution of various trades, necessary employability skills, how training is conducted and certified (if certified), industry trends and requirements, and employment options. Lectures will be augmented with experiential learning so that students can gain a realistic appreciation of the trade, as well as the effects that technological advancements have played in advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of equipment and tools used by the selected trades. Guest speakers will provide students with first-hand insight into their respective professional experiences. Trades intended for exploration during this course include, but are not necessarily limited to: Carpentry, Electrical, Automotive, Manufacturing and Welding. At the conclusion of the course, students will be required to choose one of the skilled trades as their chosen profession and present the rationale in defence of their choice.
- GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker
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This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.
- GNED1039 Children's Literature
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Do you remember your favourite story as a child? Has a certain book from your childhood influenced you even now? Why do you think you have such strong memories about reading? This course will explore children's literature, its history and development, as well as its rich variety of forms and techniques. You will discover what makes a "good" children's book, and what may make it controversial. We will examine authors, illustrators, adaptations, multiculturalism, stereotypes, censorship and nonfiction, among other things.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1039 Children’s Literature:
• 8 Reading Assignments
• Group Assignment and Presentation
• Independent Study – Poetry/Short Story Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1024 Diversity
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In this course students critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, students focus on topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students develop a clear understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies of community empowerment.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1024 Diversity:
• In-Class Assignments
• Guided Reflections
• Research Assignment
• Presentation
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1063 Dream Interpretation through a Global Perspective
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In this course, students will be introduced to the science and history of dreaming. From ancient to modern times, students will develop an understanding of how different ideas and beliefs influence dream-work. The course will encourage dream exploration and broaden student understanding of dreamscapes outside today’s western world. Specific topics include but are not limited to Freud, wish-fulfillment, manifest and latent content, Jung, lucid dreaming, REM and NREM sleep, historical dream culture in Asia and Africa, ancient Roman, Greek and Hebrew interpretations, Indigenous perspectives and current dream zeitgeist across continents.
- GNED1046 Fun and Games: Media and Children
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Students will investigate how media engages with and impacts children. Students will explore early-age brand awareness and discuss the ethics of marketing and promoting consumerism to children. Throughout this course students will gain an awareness of how media has been influencing them from an early age.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1046 Fun and Games – Media and Children:
• Profile Assignment – Cartoon
• Comparative Report – Disney
• Timeline – popular toys
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1037 Indigenous Culture & History
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Explore how culture and change have impacted Indigenous people and Canada. Students develop a holistic perspective of issues facing, and contributions by, Indigenous communities from pre-Confederation to modern day with a focus on such topics as residential schooling.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1037 Introduction to Indigenous Studies:
• "Want to Know" Written Assignment
• Residential Schools Reflection
• Contributions Assignment
• Cultural Areas Group Presentation
• Final Reflective Assignment
• In-Class Assignments
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1056 Indigenous Food Systems
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Students will explore various food systems throughout North America in a pre- and post-contact context. Students will examine various topics in Indigenous foods systems including methods and protocols, impacts of modern agriculture, and the commercialization of Indigenous foods.
- GNED1062 Service Learning
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Helping students to grow socially, culturally, and personally by experiencing first-hand the value of helping others. This project will allow students to understand community and the value of helping others and their role as a citizen in a global society.
- GNED1006 Social & Cultural Understanding - Transfer Credit Option
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credit. Visit your Enrolment Services Officer to see if you qualify.
- GNED1069 Social and Cultural Understanding- Transfer Credit Option 2
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credits. Contact Loyalist Pathways at pathways@loyalistcollege.com to see if you qualify.
- GNED1070 Social and Cultural Understanding- Transfer Credit Option 3
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credits. Contact Loyalist Pathways at pathways@loyalistcollege.com to see if you qualify.
- GNED1038 Sport in Canada
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Discover Canada’s role in sport. Students examine players, politics and patriotism, and uncover the ways that sport has defined Canada’s culture and helped forge a nation.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1038 Sport in Canada:
• Discussion Board
• Quizzes
• Group Assignment/ Presentation
• Debate
• Participation
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- Theme - Personal Understanding
- Theme - Science and Technology
- GNED1043 Astronomy
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This is an introduction to astronomy covering constellations, motions of the sky and astronomical objects, and the nature of various celestial bodies. This course will also examine the instruments and facilities used for astronomical observations by professional and amateur astronomers and discuss how astronomers study objects far from the Earth.
- GNED1060 Designer DNA: The Age of Genetic Advancement
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Why don’t snakes have legs? How do we make seedless watermelons? Is violent behaviour genetic? Can we eradicate genetic disease? The answers to these questions lie in the study of genetics. Examples like these will be used to explore how our increasingly sophisticated understanding of genomes and the genetic basis of life have advanced areas such as cloning, genetic engineering, and genetic enhancement. The ethics of modern genetics will also be explored as advancements in this field impact both individual and society.
- GNED1049 Gaming Technology
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This course will explore the technical applications behind game development. From virtual reality to motion capture, students will gain fundamental knowledge about the technical development behind games in entertainment, education, architecture, military and various other disciplines. Students will be introduced to game-based learning, the principles of effective game design, and methods for evaluating and assessing different game genres.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1049 Gaming Technology:
• In-Class Assignments
• Between-Class Assignments
• Group Assignment
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1029 Geology
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Consider the physical forces that have created Earth and journey through millennia to discover materials, fossils, minerals and energy systems. Learners become informed about what constitutes our active and dynamic planet.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1029 Geology:
• Assignments
• Final Exam
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1004 Living Green: Practical Ways to Start Today
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Do you have a genuine concern about the health of our planet? This course will introduce you to practical changes you can make in your everyday life so you can start living in more sustainable and conscientious ways. Understand the impact of your choices and learn how local actions can positively affect broader environmental systems. Together we can make a difference. It’s easy to be green!
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1004 Living Green:
• Class Discussions and Participation
• Quizzes
• Reflections
• Assignments
• Independent Study Assignment
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1040 Off Grid Living
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This course is designed to bring awareness to what it means to live "off the grid." Topics include; electricity, heat, water and sanitation, as well as considerations that need to be made in order to be less dependent on the public utility grid. The demand on the utility grid is increasing every day as the population and density increases. This course will enhance awareness of your dependence on the grid, provide methods to be more independent and thus, more green.
- GNED1034 Science & Technology - Transfer Credit Option
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credit. Visit your Enrolment Services Officer to see if you qualify.
- GNED1073 Science and Technology- Transfer Credit Option 2
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credits. Contact Loyalist Pathways at pathways@loyalistcollege.com to see if you qualify.
- GNED1074 Science and Technology- Transfer Credit Option 3
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You may be eligible to receive transfer credits or exemptions for this General Education theme if you have related post-secondary credits. Contact Loyalist Pathways at pathways@loyalistcollege.com to see if you qualify.
- GNED1052 Technology's Impact on the Modern World
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This course explores new and emerging technologies and their implications for individuals, society and the global community. Students will be introduced to issues like identity performance, environment technology, the gamification of life and artificial versus augmented realities.
The following are the types of evaluations used in GNED 1052 Technology's Impact on the Modern World:
• Discussion Boards
• In-Class Discussions and Activities
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Independent Study Unit
• Canvas Thematic Module
- GNED1076 The Science of Alternative and Integrated Medicine
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Discover many different complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) systems such as Ayurveda, naturopathy, meditation, botanical medicine, acupuncture and more! Learn the art and science behind these therapies and how they can be used in combination with modern, conventional medicine in an integrated manner to optimize health. A growing interest in CAM makes it increasingly important to critically evaluate health related media and to understand the science and research behind these therapies, all of which will be explored in this course.
*Courses subject to change.
What comes next?
Please visit individual program pages for details.
How much will it cost?
Please visit individual program pages for details.
Admission requirements
Please visit individual program pages for details.
Transfer credit and exemption procedure
If you believe you have previous courses that would be applicable for a transfer credit (TC) or an exemption (EX) from one or more GNED electives, please visit the Credit Transfer and Exemptions web page. If you have any questions, please contact pathways@loyalistcollege.com.
You can view a list of previously approved transfer credits from courses taken at external post-secondary institutions (organized by institution name) here. If you have taken one of the classes included on the list, please enter it on the Transfer Credit Application form before submitting the application to the Pathways Coordinator.
For credits that have not been pre-approved, submit the transfer credit form to the Pathways Coordinator for review.
