Special Topics in Canadian Studies - How to Change the World: Grassroots Organizations in Canada

Code: CS200
Apply this course towards: Canadian Studies

Course description

Grassroots community organizations are at the heart of much social, environmental and economic change in Canada. They have historically been the “small groups of committed citizens” that “change the world” for the better.

This course explores the history, achievements and possibilities inherent in grassroots organizations in Canada, using provocative examples from across the country (Greenpeace, The Land Conservancy, Our Community Health Initiative, Idle No More) but with a focus on British Columbia movements.

The course will also include a community-engaged component; students will engage with a local community organization, pairing their class learning on the theory, practice and history of grassroots social and environmental justice movements with an on-the-ground opportunity. Working with a community partner, students will learn how to address community needs, deepen their knowledge and gain hands-on practice.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • situate and understand the factors motivating grassroots organizations in Canada
  • analyze the major achievements of contemporary social, political, and environmental grassroots in Canada
  • understand and evaluate Indigenous resurgence and activism in Canada in the context of grassroots organizing
  • describe the basic workings of a grassroots organization local to your community and evaluate your experience volunteering with that organization
  • document your own educational journey in a way that demonstrates an understanding of and engagement with contemporary grassroots organizations, including the values and goals that guide them

Information for Credit Students

Please note that, if you wish to take this course for credit, you will need to register via UVic Online Tools. Additionally, if you are not currently a UVic student and you would like to take this course for credit, you will need to apply to the University of Victoria for admission. Non-credit students can disregard this information and register directly via this page. 

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Info you should know:

Continuing Studies statement on use of educational technology

This course will require the use of Zoom and may use other education technology such as internet-based applications, cloud services, or social media. In order to complete this course you will be required to either consent to the disclosure of your personal information outside of Canada to enable use of these technologies, or work with the Division of Continuing Studies to explore other privacy protective options (such as using an alias or nickname).