University Curriculum

West Island College International-Class Afloat partners with Acadia University for post secondary studies. Acadia University is one of Canada's top-ranked undergraduate universities.

All academic courses presented aboard the SS Sorlandet are offered via Open Acadia, Acadia University's initiative to offer flexible programming and learning opportunities to Acadia students and the greater community. Each course meets daily as part of the academic timetable with course facilitators animating discussions, drawing connections to events in ports of call and around the world, and assisting students in understanding material and completing course work. Assignments will be submitted for evaluation by students via email while in port to supervising professors at Acadia.

Students are required to select a minimum of two (2) courses and maximum of 5 courses for each semester they are aboard. Class Afloat recommends choosing three courses per semester in order to reap the maximum benefit from all aspects of the academic and co-curricular programming it offers. None of the courses listed below require prerequisite high school courses - all courses are open to all students with the exception of PSYC 1023 (PSYC 1013 is the pre-requisite).

All students will participate in Class Afloat's unique Cultural Discovery non-credit programme for the full semester or year that they are aboard. All students will also participate in a programme in Physical Education and Fitness (80 hrs) and Seamanship/Navigation (30 hrs) for the full semester or year they are aboard.

Textbooks for university courses are the responsibility of the student as required and may be ordered via the Acadia University Bookstore.
Please Note: All courses listed may not be offered and the school reserves the right to cancel courses which are under-subscribed, which present scheduling conflicts and/or for which no instructor is available.

Course Descriptions 

BIOL 3013 - Natural History and Field Biology (3hr credit)

This course involves the study of marine biology in a natural setting while at sea. Students will be able to utilize many different marine habitats while sailing through the Mediterranean Sea and the North, Equatorial and South Atlantic Ocean. 

ENGL 1213 - Composition 1 (3hr credit)

In this course, students will read a variety of essays and articles to help them learn to write a unified and coherent academic essay. Emphasis is on formulating a clear thesis, demonstrating an awareness of purpose and audience, developing a personal writing voice in expository essays.

ENGL 1413 - Writing and Reading Critically 1 (3hr credit)

This course introduces students to novels, plays, and poems from the twentieth century and earlier. This course will develop creative and analytical skills and will provide students with strategies for writing clearly and persuasively.

GEOL 2753 - Atmosphere, Weather and Climate (3hr credit)

The composition, structure, and dynamics of the atmosphere; weather, climate, and biogeographic patterns; microclimatology; paleoclimates, paleogeography, and extinctions; human effect on air quality; climate change. (3h lab)

POLS 2783 - International Relations II (3hr credit)

This course covers the new generation of global issues and problem solving in areas including debt, trade, the environment, population, food, health. We discuss security issues arising from terrorism, human rights and peacekeeping. We study "actors" such as peace groups, environmentalists, international organizations, and transnational corporations. We survey regional security in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

PSYC 1013 - Introduction to Psychology: Experimental Area (3hr credit)

An introductory survey of psychology with emphasis on basic processes including perception, learning, psychophysiology, cognition, and basic research methods. Lecture and discussion groups.

PSYC 1023 - Introduction to Psychology: Applied Area (3hr credit)

An introductory survey of psychology with emphasis on social psychology, abnormal behaviour, psychotherapy, personality, and assessment. Lecture and discussion groups.
Prerequisite: PSYC 1013

RECR 1263 - Foundations of Leadership Theory and Practice (3hr credit)

A theoretical and experimental investigation of leadership and group dynamics for professional and voluntary settings. Emphasis is given to the application of theory for effective leadership of groups and organizations.

SOCI 1033 - Introduction to Sociology: Social Problems (3hr credit)

This course introduces sociological concepts, principles and approaches through a focus on social problems in contemporary societies.