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Electives

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Elective Courses In Social Sciences

Getting the most of your university experience means using your elective courses to learn something new and expand your horizons.

Our electives give students the opportunity to learn about how societal structures influence people, the effects and impacts of how politics and government are run, how the flow of resources affects economies and countries, or the psychology of social interactions, among hundreds of other options.

Available to students all across McMaster, elective courses are also a great addition to any Social Sciences degree.

An elective is any class that a student is able to enrol in which is not required for the core degree requirements.

As such, what counts as an elective will vary based on the courses required for the program a student is in. In Level II, you will have a list of core required courses and that any course outside of that is considered an elective. You are welcome to take any class that you are able to enrol in as long as it is used in your advisement report either as a core degree requirement or the elective section. It is important to note that there are a maximum number of Level I courses that can be counted towards a degree, check with your advisor if you have questions and want clarification. 

Elective Course Highlights

Electives are more than just credit hours – they’re opportunities to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and gain fresh perspectives on the world around you.

These featured courses offer unique learning experiences that dive into topics like Indigenous relations, constitutional rights, religion, and democracy in Canada. Whether you’re looking to broaden your understanding or spark a new academic interest, these electives are designed to inspire and inform.

INDIGST 1B03 – Reconciling What? Indigenous Relations In Canada

An examination of sociopolitical and historical relations between Indigenous peoples and Canada in a post-1951 time period. We will study how colonialism, assimilation and resistance movements are situated in an era of reconciliation.

3 hours; lecture and seminar: one term

Antirequisite(s): RECONCIL 1A03

POLSCI 3RF3 – The Charter Of Rights & Freedoms

An examination of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its interpretation and impact on governments, public policy and governance in Canada.

Three hours (lectures and discussion); one term

Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above

Antirequisite(s): POLSCI 3NN6 A/B

SCAR 2J03 – Introduction To Judaism

Survey of major facets of Jewish religion and identity from antiquity to the present, including foundational texts, major historical developments and central beliefs and practices.

Two lectures, one tutorial; one term

Antirequisite(s): RELIGST 2J03

POLSCI 2D03 – Canadian Democracy

An introduction to institutions delimiting the practice of citizenship in Canada and of the political values they embody.

Three hours (lectures and tutorials); one term

Discover Elective Courses

Electives are a chance to explore new interests, expand your academic horizons, and shape your university experience beyond core program requirements.

Whether you’re just starting out in Level I or diving deeper in upper years, McMaster offers a wide range of elective courses designed to spark curiosity and support your personal and professional growth.

Elective Courses Available To Level I Students Discover Level I Electives

In first year and looking for elective course options?

Discover the full list of Level I classes typically offered at McMaster (some classes are limited to students in a specific program).

Upper-Level Elective Courses Explore Upper-Level Electives

Elective course opportunities don’t end in the first year.

Once a student is in Level II, any enrolled class which is not specifically applied towards meeting core degree requirements is considered an elective.

Academic Calendar Course Listings View The Academic Calendar

You can explore a wide range of electives that offer fresh perspectives and complement your academic journey.

For full course details, visit the official McMaster academic calendar.

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Academic Calendar Quick Guide

You are welcome to enrol in any class that you meet the prerequisites for. Use your advisement report to ensure that you do not take courses that cannot be used towards your degree requirements by accident. You are welcome to do so on purpose if you choose to.

To see how prerequisites are organized go to: the Academic Calendar > Most recent year > Course Listings > Search (Filter) by Subject (Prefix) > click on a class to see the prerequisites, then click on the prerequisite classes to see what they require. This will help you to decide which classes are most important to take this year

Prerequisites can be specific classes, levels, a faculty, or a program within a faculty, specific grades in a class, or your cumulative GPA

Antirequisites are specific classes, levels, a faculty, or a program within a faculty that will prevent you from taking a class.
Co-requisites are a class that you need to at least be enrolled in at the same time, if you don’t already have a final passing grade.