91原创

University of Waterloo

Muggles 鈥� that鈥檚 a person with no magical abilities in case you didn鈥檛 know 鈥� can immerse themselves in the wizarding world of Harry Potter for a full semester at the University of Waterloo. This English course is a deep dive into the seven Potter novels written by J. K. Rowling.

Having sold millions of copies, been produced into a series of films, inspired theme parks and even several side-stories, the world Rowling created has had a huge impact on its fans and popular culture in general. Students will learn how it is also full of meaning, pulling on traditional elements of children鈥檚 literature and fantasy while also touching on some pretty serious subject matter, like gender and race.

If you prefer more old-school wizards, the university calendar also includes ENGL 108T, or Tolkien: From Book to Film, where you read J.R.R. Tolkien’s 鈥淭he Hobbit鈥� and The Lord of the Rings trilogy and also study the movie adaptations by director Peter Jackson.

CTMP 2313.03: The Vampire: Modernity and the Undead

University of King鈥檚 College

From Bram Stoker鈥檚 novel 鈥淒racula鈥� in the later 1890s, through to Hammer Film Productions movies in the mid-1900s and modern depictions like those in the Twilight or Blade series, vampires have frightened and fascinated us over the centuries.

In this course offered at Halifax鈥檚 University of King鈥檚 College, students learn about the development of vampire lore and symbolism, starting with stories in the late 16th century through to modern depictions by examining folklore, philosophy, fiction, poetry, film and television.

EPHE 156: The Science of Batman

University of Victoria

Holy university course, Batman. The Caped Crusader is at the hearth of this Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education course at the University of Victoria that examines the extreme ways the human body can adapt and its physical limitations.

The course looks at the science of exercising, training and injury, and the potential of the body, all while using the superhero as an example 鈥� whether that be Adam West鈥檚 camp portrayal or Christian Bale鈥檚 gruff-voiced antihero.

MAT 1374: Probability and Games of Chance: Poker 101

University of Ottawa

If you enjoy playing a hand of Texas Hold鈥檈m, chances are you may enjoy this University of Ottawa course that exams game theory and the mathematical underpinning games of chance. The course looks at gaming, including poker, and how the theory of probability can be used to predict everything from how many times dice might roll a certain way to economics and biology.聽

RELS 3812: Religion and Disney Films

Memorial University

With the tagline that this is 鈥渘ot just another Mickey Mouse course,鈥� this program offered at St. John鈥檚 Memorial University looks at the religious themes and issues in Disney鈥檚 animated movies.

Is there deeper meaning to that poisoned apple in 鈥淪now White and the Seven Dwarves鈥� or King Mufasa sacrificing himself for his son in 鈥淭he Lion King鈥�? This course takes an in-depth look at the movies and other Disney products, including the beliefs of company founder Walt Disney.

If you aren鈥檛 a fan of the house of the mouse, Memorial also offers RELS 2022: Jesus at the Movies, which takes an academic look at how Jesus and other Christ-like figures have been depicted on the screen and in popular culture.

AN 120: The Greatest Party in the World

Wilfred Laurier University

Fans of soccer, soap operas and carnival while want to take this anthropology course. Offered at Ontario鈥檚 Wilfred Laurier University, this class offers a deep dive into all things related to Brazil and how popular culture has influenced the country鈥檚 national identify and how it responds to ideas.

So, if you want to talk about the power of the late soccer star Pel茅, the popularity of the 1980s TV soap opera 鈥淩oque Santeiro,鈥� or how Copacabana Beach is the most culturally important strip of sand in the world, then this is the course for you.

CSCC 900 Caring Clown I and CSCC 910 - Caring Clown II

91原创 Metropolitan University

Offered in the winter and spring of 2024, these two 91原创 Metropolitan University courses look at how clowning techniques can be used in therapeutic facilities, like long-term care homes. While the first course focuses on the creation of each student鈥檚 personal clown 鈥� developing spontaneity, physicality and playfulness 鈥� the second looks at how those skills can be used in different settings.

It also delves into the history and ethics of using therapeutic clowns in care facilities, including those relating to aging, dementia and other chronic illnesses. There is also a practicum where students gain experience clowning with individual and small groups of residents in long-term care homes.

MUSC 3281: The Beatles

Mount Allison University

Considered one of 91原创鈥檚 best undergraduate schools, Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B., is home to a well-known music program, which includes this third-year course dedicated to the Fab Four.

It features lectures that examine the musical, social, and cultural issues surrounding the legendary group, and its evolution from its early covers of songs by other artists to its own albums, including Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

SCAR 2QQ3: Cults, Conspiracies and Close Encounters

McMaster University

Whether you are fascinated with all things Scientology or are ready to fall into the rabbit hole of everything conspiracy theory related with. Q-Anon, then you may enjoy this religious studies course offered at McMaster University.

It examines the evolution and impact of cults, conspiracy theories and alien encounters and the historical, cultural, political and religious dynamics that inform them. The course also looks at the role of the media, the effects of brainwashing and the power a charismatic cult leader, like Jim Jones, who led the Peoples Temple between 1955 and the mass suicide of hundreds of its members in 1978, can have over others.

2020F: Philosophy of Humour

University of Prince Edward Island

Chances are you professor may not mind you laughing during their lectures in this class offered at the University of Prince Edward Island. It looks at the overarching question 鈥榃hat is humour?鈥�, examining it philosophically but also through what people find funny 鈥� after all, for many people humour, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

Students will explore the three traditional theories of humour found in the works of philosophers that include Plato, Hobbes, Kant, Schopenhauer, Spencer, and Freud, but also in the stand-up of comedians like Lenny Bruce.