Opting for a Minor in Anthropology is like opening the door to a vast realm of knowledge. You’ll explore fascinating subjects such as studying people, examining diverse cultures, and gaining insight into the essence of being human.

In the Anthropology minor, you’ll:

• Grasp the fundamentals of Anthropology and learn how researchers unravel the stories of humanity.
• Forge connections between Anthropology and other captivating fields of study.
• Hone your abilities in both qualitative and quantitative research within Anthropology. It’s like transforming your curiosity into potent tools for understanding people and cultures.

The Minor in Asian Studies provides students with a comprehensive exploration of the complexities defining Asian societies. Through engaging courses, students examine the multifaceted aspects of Asian cultures, languages, people and religions.

Ultimately, this minor not only equips students with a deep understanding of Asia but also nurtures a broader perspective on global interconnectedness, fostering an appreciation for the richness and diversity of this dynamic and influential region in our interconnected world.

For questions related to SCAR or Sanskrit courses, please contact: askrs@mcmaster.ca

For questions related to Japanese and Chinese language courses, please contact the Department of Linguistics and Languages: lingdept@mcmaster.ca

Opting for a Minor in Equity and Diversity means you’ll be ready to navigate and make meaningful contributions in a globalized world that values and appreciates the diversity of human experiences. Explore the intricacies of tackling inequalities in different social and cultural contexts, and gain a nuanced understanding of issues like gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

This minor not only expands your grasp of social issues but also arms you with practical skills crucial for advocating positive change because you will develop the analytical tools and interpersonal skills essential for actively promoting a more inclusive and equitable world.

Embarking on a minor in Economics allows you to understand the dynamics of money, markets, and decision-making on a global scale. Dive into the complexities of economic systems, learn about the forces that drive financial choices, and explore how economic principles shape the world around us.

From analyzing trends to deciphering the impact of policies, a Minor in Economics equips you with valuable insights that extend beyond the classroom into real-world scenarios, making you adept at navigating the complexities of our interconnected economic landscape.

Investigate the intricate intersections of gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures, all while gaining valuable insights into the complexities of these social constructs. In this minor, you’ll dig deep into the historical, cultural, and societal influences that shape perceptions of gender and family dynamics and develop analytical tools to critically assess these dynamics.

Through compelling coursework, you’ll explore the ever-changing landscapes of gender roles, sexual identities, and family structures, preparing you to navigate the challenges and opportunities in today’s diverse and inclusive world.

Explore the intersections of health, aging, and society and examine the various facets of aging as they relate to understanding healthcare dynamics and recognizing the societal impacts of an aging population. Factors such as culture, economics, and policy are critically considered, providing a holistic perspective on the intricacies of addressing the healthcare needs of an aging population.

You will gain valuable insights to navigate the complexities that occur with an aging demographic. This minor not only enhances your understanding of these crucial intersections but also equips you with the knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of health and aging.

The Religion, Health & Well-Being Minor is your ticket to exploring the fascinating links between religion, health, and overall well-being. This minor isn’t just your typical set of courses; it includes existing classes and a brand-new one, ‘Health, Healing and Religion: Comparative Views’ designed exclusively for this program.

For those intrigued by the broad impact of religion on perceptions of health and well-being, this minor is an ideal fit. Throughout the courses, you’ll examine historical and cross-cultural viewpoints on crucial concepts such as healing, health, and well-being.

The Minor in Immigration, Race Relations, and Indigenous-Settler Relations is an exploration of the interconnected issues that shape our diverse societies. This minor is crafted to help you grasp the intricacies of immigration, encouraging a critical examination of both historical and present-day dynamics between Indigenous and settler communities.

This minor offers a dynamic and insightful journey into understanding the multifaceted threads that weave through our societies, setting the stage for a deeper appreciation of the world we live in.

The Minor in Indigenous Studies provides students with a rich exploration of the diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples. This minor offers a comprehensive understanding of the unique perspectives, contributions, and challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Through engaging courses that cover a range of topics from traditional knowledge to contemporary Indigenous issues, students will develop a nuanced appreciation for the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures. This minor not only deepens academic knowledge but also fosters a respect for Indigenous worldviews, promoting cultural competency and contributing to a more inclusive and informed societal dialogue.

The Minor in Justice, Law & Order provides students with an immersive exploration into the essential components shaping legal systems, societal justice, and law enforcement. Students will foster a comprehensive understanding of the intersections between law, ethics, and the societal structures that underpin justice systems.

Through a range of exciting courses, students delve into the intricacies of legal frameworks, the principles of justice, and the dynamics of maintaining order. This minor empowers students to engage critically with issues related to justice and law, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to discussions on fairness, legality, and the overall well-being of communities.

Explore how mental well-being is linked to broader social processes, including how society marginalizes individuals, defines deviance, and influences health outcomes. This minor goes beyond just understanding mental illness; it equips you to examine how social change and non-biomedical approaches can tackle mental health and addiction issues, promoting overall well-being.

You’ll get to pick courses from the Faculty of Social Sciences that focus on these themes, giving you a well-rounded, interdisciplinary understanding of the connections between mental health, addiction, and society. And the best part? After you’ve covered the essential courses, you get to choose from a wide variety of classes that match your interests.

The Minor in Political Science explores a diverse range of topics, from the fundamentals of political theory to the analysis of contemporary political issues. It serves as a versatile complement to various undergraduate degree programs, providing students with valuable insights into the functioning of governments, the complexities of international relations, and the factors influencing political decision-making.

Courses encourage critical thinking and analytical skills, so whether you’re interested in domestic politics or global affairs, the Political Science minor equips you with the knowledge and skills to comprehend, analyze, and contribute to the ever-evolving world of politics.

The Minor in Public Leadership all about diving deep into leadership, politics, and the powerful impact public figures can have on both democratic and non-democratic states. Get hands-on, practical insights into how political and public actors shape the public domain to achieve their policy goals and bring about positive social change.

With this minor, you’ll be prepped for whatever comes next — whether it’s further studies or a career in politics, government, public policy, community organization, activism, education, human rights, or law. If you’re eager to make a mark in the world of leadership and public action, this minor is your stepping stone to a future where you can make a real difference.

The Minor in Religion & Diversity explores the rich tapestry of religious traditions, examining how they influence and are influenced by the complex dynamics of different societies. This minor is a valuable complement to various undergraduate degree programs, offering an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of religion and its interaction with diverse communities.

Students will gain critical insights that will prepare them for careers in fields such as education, social work, interfaith dialogue, or any profession that requires an understanding of diverse religious perspectives.

The Minor in Social Problems, Social Policy & the Law is an exciting exploration into the interconnected realms of societal challenges, policy solutions, and legal frameworks. Courses encourage students to critically examine pressing social issues and their intersections with both policy development and legal responses. Through a variety of engaging courses, students will explore topics such as inequality, discrimination, crime, and other social challenges.

This minor provides a pathway for students to contribute meaningfully to creating positive social change and addressing complex issues within our communities. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in areas such as social work, public policy, law, advocacy, and community development, where a deep understanding of social problems, policy analysis, and legal frameworks is essential.

Through engaging courses, students examine the role of religion in shaping individual identities, communities, and global perspectives. From historical analyses to contemporary discussions, this minor provides a comprehensive view of the impact of religious diversity on social, political, and cultural landscapes.

This minor provides the opportunity for students critically reflect on the ways in which religion plays a role in shaping cultural norms, societal values, and individual identities. Students will be prepared for careers in fields such as education, social work, interfaith dialogue, or any profession that requires an understanding of diverse religious perspectives.

The Minor in Sociology is all about developing a strong understanding of how societal structures influence behavior and shape our world. In this minor, you’ll connect the dots between personal experiences and the broader organization of society. Whether you’re interested in exploring the complexities of social relationships or contributing to positive societal changes, a Minor in Sociology provides a versatile and enriching addition to your academic journey.

Through this minor, you’ll cultivate valuable research and critical thinking competencies. Skills that are not only sought after by employers but also empower you to navigate the complexities of everyday life with insight and adaptability.

Understanding work is crucial for our overall well-being — physically, mentally, economically, and for society as a whole. Whether you’re digging into economics, health, or society, work impacts everyone. The Labour Studies minor is the perfect complement to almost any undergraduate degree. It gives you a well-rounded, interdisciplinary perspective on the contemporary world of work.

In our classes, we get deep into the hot topics that are shaping workplaces right now. We’re questioning things like barriers to gender and racial equality, workplace safety, the rise of gig jobs, and even thinking about how we can make the economy more green. What are the fixes for these challenges, and where do unions come into play?