Program Overview

Introduction to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) Bridging Program

The School of Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies at York University offers academic bridging courses for students who want to build the skills necessary for pursuing a university degree, while exploring topics relevant to the field of Sexuality Studies.

Program Overview

Bridging courses are designed to make university studies accessible to individuals who may not have considered or had access to higher education. These courses help participants develop the skills and confidence needed to continue their education.

Program Information

Eligibility

• Course participants must be 20 years of age or over.
• Participants must be permanent residents of Ontario.
• Participants must be comfortable in both spoken and written English.

Orientation

An information session is held a week before classes begin, allowing participants to learn about the course schedule and material, ask questions of the instructor, and register and purchase books.

Fees

• The program is subsidized by York University as part of its community outreach program.
• The fee for community-based courses is $150 per student, plus the cost of reading materials.
• Some book sets are available on a lending basis to those in financial need.

Course Completion

• A grade of 'B' or better offers mature students admission to York University.
• The Sexuality Studies Bridging course is not appropriate for those who require ESL instruction.
• If a student has completed one full year or more of university or academic college studies, they may not need a bridging course to get admissions credentials.

Course Details

• Bridging courses normally span 13 weeks, with classes held once a week for three hours, typically in the evening.
• Class size ranges from 15 to 25 students, depending on demand.
• Instructors are carefully chosen to be sensitive to the needs of the community and/or workplace and to the academic standards of university-level education.
• All instructors have held or currently hold positions at York University and are qualified to teach both content and critical skills.

Course Content

• The 12-week course helps students build the skills necessary for pursuing a university degree, while exploring topics relevant to the field of Sexuality Studies, such as normativity, intersectionality, queerness, and the differences between sex and gender.
• The course begins with a focus on building academic skills: effective note-taking, how to identify and analyze an argument in a piece of academic writing, and how to write an essay.
• Throughout the course, students have the chance to develop their writing and presentation skills through regular short assignments that provide an opportunity for feedback and building upon what they've learned.
• One week of the course takes place at York University to introduce students to the campus and its resources.
• The course is designed to push students to think critically about topics related to sexuality and prepare them for future academic study.

Course Schedule

• Time of Course: weekly on Mondays, 6-9 p.m.
• Orientation Session: September 9, 2024
• First-Class Date: September 16, 2024
• End Date: December 9, 2024
• Location: This course will be offered online.
• Course Fee: $150.00 + Books (Limited Enrolment)