Discovery University

Higher learning for all

University-level courses at no cost.

The Ottawa Mission’s Discovery University offers non-credited university-level courses to people living on low incomes or experiencing homelessness, taught by instructors from Carleton University and Saint Paul University.

There are no fees for courses or materials. Ten-week classes are offered twice a year.

Applications for fall programming are now open. 

For more information about the program please contact Emma Pratt at 613.914.4575, ducoordinator@ottawamission.com or epratt@ottawamission.com.

A man in a suit and tie stands at a podium delivery a speech. The podium reads "The University of Ottawa."

Course Information

Sports in Politics & Society

Professor Bill Cross (Carleton University)

Class: Fridays 9:00-11:00, September 25 – November 27
St. Paul University, Guigues Hall Room 132 (233 Main St.)

Discussion groups: Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 September 30 – November 25
First Baptist Church (140 Laurier Ave W)

Description:
Sport is a central part of Canadian identity. All Canadians have some relationship to sport – as an athlete, an occasional participant, a fan, a taxpayer. Canada’s governments collectively spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year in support of sport. For decades, sport has also been a tool used, for various purposes, by nation-states in international diplomacy. A sporting background is also found to be a common trait among elected officials as this is viewed highly favourably by voters.

This course examines the many dimensions of the relationship between sport in both politics and society more generally. We will begin by reviewing the governance of sport in Canada. This includes consideration of Canada’s official ‘sport policy’ and the relationship between Sport Canada and the national sports organizations. We will consider the role of sport in Canadian identity reviewing events such as hockey’s 1972 Summit Series and Canada’s hosting of three Olympic games (Montreal 1976, Calgary 1988 and Vancouver 2010) and this year’s FIFA World Cup. Policy issues such as whether government funding should focus on elite sport or mass participation; issues relating to inclusiveness in sport for females, transgendered and gay Canadians;  and the role of sport in Indigenous culture (including the 5 TRC Calls to Action relating to sport) will be considered.

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Some Female Philosophers and 20th Century Philosophy

Professor Richard Feist & Professor Monique Lanoix (St. Paul University)

Times: Fridays 1:00 – 3:00, September 25 – November 27
St. Paul University, Guigues Hall Room 126 (233 Main St.)

Discussion groups: Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 September 30 – November 25
First Baptist Church (140 Laurier Ave W)

Description:
Philosophy is often mischaracterized as a male-dominated discipline, which obscures the frequent and substantial contributions of many female philosophers. This course starts by considering some female philosophers in the history of the discipline.  Philosophy broke into two main branches in the twentieth century, standardly known as “analytic philosophy” and “continental philosophy”. This course will then look at how this split came about and the ongoing importance of female philosophers in both branches.

 

Apply to Discovery University

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Select a course of interest (please select only one course):*
Discussion groups for both classes are also held weekly on Wednesdays from 1:00-3:00pm
What is your gender identity?*
Preferred method of contact*
Education
Highest level of education completed
Additional Information
How do you plan on attending attending both class and student meetings?*

This does not determine your eligibility into the program
Are you comfortable speaking and writing in English?*
Can you commit to 5–7 hours per week of study?*
This includes attending 2 hours of lecture, 1.5 hours of discussion group time and completing the assigned readings.
Do you have regular access to a computer and/or internet?*
Is this your first time applying to Discovery University?*
Written Statement
New Student Reference
New students must submit a reference. Your reference must be an individual person who knows you well, it could be a counsellor, caseworker, social worker, doctor, or peer.
We understand that this information gives us permission to speak with your reference.
Please let this person know that you have given us their name and permission to ask about you.