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Algoma U launches new Health, Wellness and Addictions minor

Program 'focuses on understanding individual, community and historical perspectives of health, wellness and addictions'
10-30-2018-AlgomaUniversityStockJH02
File photo. James Hopkin/SooToday

Algoma University has announced a new minor program in Health, Wellness and Addictions.

A news release issued today states that the program "focuses on understanding individual, community and historical perspectives of health, wellness and addictions; familiarizing students with the Canadian health care system through critical Indigenous and settler perspectives."

Students must successfully complete six courses in order to obtain the Health, Wellness and Addictions minor.

Full text of the news release follows:

In response to growing community and societal needs, the Algoma University Senate recently approved a minor in Health, Wellness and Addictions. This newly established minor focuses on understanding individual, community and historical perspectives of health, wellness and addictions; familiarizing students with the Canadian health care system through critical Indigenous and settler perspectives.

“With the ever-changing landscape we find ourselves in as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, knowledge about mental health and wellness is more critical now than ever,” shared Dr. Nicola Shaw, professor, Sociology. “This minor option delves into the significance of health and addictions in various contexts, preparing students for the critical thinking and problem solving required to navigate complex issues.”

There are six courses that students need to successfully complete in order to obtain the minor include:
    •    Understanding Society I: Principles and Processes 
    •    Sociology of Health, Wellness and Addictions, Part One, Public Health
    •    Sociology of Health, Wellness and Addictions, Part Two Addictions
    •    Trauma and Social Resilience 
    •    Wellness through an Indigenous Lens
    •    Social Theories of Illness and Addictions

This unique minor has a special focus on the needs of northern Ontario and it was specifically designed to facilitate cross-cultural learning with Indigenous teachings woven throughout the classes and a specific class on indigenous health in the third year. Students need to have completed the first-year classes before they can move on to the upper year classes.

To learn more about this offering and Algoma's many customizable subject combinations visit our website.


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