You can’t stay in FYP forever. With course registration looming, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to do with the rest of your degree, and picking a major is a daunting decision. Maybe you have already spent hours pouring over the course catalogue, or maybe you never quite figured out what CSP and EMSP actually stand for. Either way, our guide to the four Honours programs at King’s is here to help.
Early Modern Studies (EMSP)
“Early Modern Studies looks at European thought and culture,” said Director Simon Kow, “but we also look at this in relation to the wider world, and in relation to questions about gender, race, empire and so forth.”
In EMSP, you will study the origins and development of modern culture to gain an understanding of how early modern thinkers have helped shape the world. If you loved sections three and four of FYP, then EMSP is your chance to dive deeper into literature and thought from the 16th to the early 19th century. Many EMSP students also study art history and visual art.
EMSP students take a core course each year and at least six credit hours of EMSP electives. If you’ve always wanted to study vampires, pirates or witchcraft, then this is your chance! EMSP is a Combined Honours degree, meaning it is taken alongside another major at Dalhousie or the BJH at King’s.
Journalism (BJH)
If you are a go-getter who is curious about news, current affairs, and telling a good story, then the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) program is for you.
“Journalism is such a vast field that you end up covering stories you never thought you would cover,” said third-year journalism student Serra Hamilton. “It’s a chance to explore so many different aspects of the world.”
In the journalism program, you will learn to tell stories through writing, photography, video and audio, while getting hands-on experience working as a reporter. You’ll cover news stories on King’s online publication, The Signal, and complete a month-long internship before graduation. As many journalism professors will tell you, you aren’t just a journalism student — you’re a journalist.
Contemporary Studies Program (CSP)
“Contemporary Studies has got something for everyone,” said CSP professor Dr. Hamza Karam Ally. “We cover a lot of ground.”
Focused on contemporary philosophy, literature, political theory, art and aesthetics, CSP studies the ideas, thinkers and movements that have built new understandings of the world. If you spent FYP looking forward to sections five and six, then the Contemporary Studies Program may be for you!
CSP students take a core course each year and at least twelve credit hours of CSP electives. Karman Ally said fan favourite CSP courses include Apocalypse, Girls & Girlhood, and Pain. CSP is a combined Honours degree, and is taken with another major at Dalhousie or the BJH at King’s.
History of Science and Technology (HOST)
Science, technology and medicine affect every aspect of our lives, from the food we eat to our political systems and religious practices, said HOST Director Dr. Melanie Frappier.
In the HOST program, you will study the relationships between nature, technology and society. How has society’s understanding of the natural world transformed over time? How do science and technology affect our culture, politics and religion?
HOST is a Combined Honours degree, and may be taken with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie, or the BJH at King’s. All HOST students must take four core courses, and at least 30 credit hours of HOST electives, including popular courses like Magic, Science and the Occult, and Science Fiction in Film.
The Bottom Line
Talk to your tutors and professors. Ask upper year students about their programs. Look back at what interested you the most in FYP. Make an academic advising appointment. Focus on what you are passionate about, and don’t let the future job market dictate your choice.
If you still have no idea what to do, don’t panic. You don’t have to decide right away. You have time, and you are allowed to change your mind. Your interests, your program and your people are out there.
