Graduate Studies In
~MES~
Northern Environments &
Cultures At Lakehead
A STUDENT HANDBOOK
Fall 2009
Office of the Graduate Coordinator
Departments of Geography & Anthropology
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Matthew.boyd@lakeheadu.ca
CONTENTS
1. Welcome ....................................................................................................3
2. Contact Information ....................................................................................4
3. The Program ................................................................................................6
4. Getting Settled In .........................................................................................8
5. Graduate Assistantships..............................................................................10
6. Resources & Facilities ................................................................................10
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1. WELCOME
We are pleased to welcome you to graduate studies in Northern Environments &
Cultures at Lakehead University situated in Thunder Bay, in the heart of the beautiful
Canadian Shield region of Canada.
We thank you for making Lakehead your choice for graduate education. You join a
long list of students from all over the world who have discovered the value of studying
at Lakehead University.
In an effort to smooth your introduction to graduate studies, we suggest that you take
some time to familiarize yourself with the material in this handbook.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the chair, graduate coordinator,
individual faculty members or department administrator. (See next section for contact
information).
Best wishes for a successful graduate experience!
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2. CONTACT INFORMATION
The Departments:
Geography Chair:
Dr. Kamil Zaniewski
Anthropology Chair:
Dr. Scott Hamilton
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Matthew Boyd
Administrative Support:
Geography:
Jennifer McKee
Office: RC 3016G
Tel: 807-343-8357
Fax: 807-346-7936
E-mail:
jennifer.mckee@lakeheadu.ca
Anthropology:
Cindy Lamontagne
Office: Bartley Residence-Kenora room 312
Tel: (807)-343-8632
Fax: (807) 766-7117
Email: cindy.lamontagne@lakeheadu.ca
The Department Web Sites can be found at:
http://geography.lakeheadu.ca
http://anthropology.lakeheadu.ca
Geography Department Faculty (Graduate Program):
Dr. Martha Dowsley, Assistant Professor
* Joint Appointment in Geography & Anthropology
Office: RC 2006E
Phone: (807) 343-8430
Email: mdowsley@lakeheadu.ca
Dr. Todd Randall, Associate Professor
Office: RC 2006C
Phone: (807) 343-8381
Email: todd.randall@lakeheadu.ca
Dr. Robert Stewart, Assistant Professor
Office: RC 2006B
Phone: (807) 766-7181
Email: rob.stewart@lakeheadu.ca
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Dr. Bradley A. Wilson, Associate Professor
Office: RC 2006A
Phone: (807) 343-8746
Email: bwilson@lakeheadu.ca
Dr. William R. Wilson, Associate Professor
Office: CB 4029
Phone: (807) 343-8274
Email: blacktent@yahoo.com
Dr. Kamil Zaniewski, Assistant Professor, Chair
Office: RC 2006F
Phone: (807) 343-8472
Email: kzaniews@lakeheadu.ca
Anthropology Department Faculty (Graduate Program):
Dr. Scott Hamilton, Professor/Department Chair
Office: Kenora House RK 201
Phone: (807) 343-8742
Email: shamilto@lakeheadu.ca
Dr. Matthew Boyd, Associate Professor
Office: Kenora House RK 210
Phone: (807) 343-8279
Email: matthew.boyd@lakeheadu.ca
Dr. Tamara Varney, Assistant Professor
Office: Kenora House RK 208
Phone: (807) 343-8204
Email: tamara.varney@lakeheadu.ca
Dr. Martha Dowsley, Assistant Professor (cross-appointed with Geography)
Office: RC 2006E
Phone: (807 343-8430
Email: mdowsley@lakeheadu.ca
Participating Faculty in Other Departments
Dr. Phil Fralick (Geology)
Dr. M.E. Johnston (Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism)
Dr. R. Koster (Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism)
Dr. R. Robson (Indigenous Learning)
Dr. M. Beaulieu (History)
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3. THE PROGRAM
Overview
This is an interdisciplinary program designed to train graduates to investigate,
understand and appreciate issues peculiar to northern environments and cultures.
Graduates of the program will have the skills to meet the challenges of environmental
and cultural issues faced by communities, industries and services in northern areas.
The research focus of the program will be the boreal north - that area covered by the
boreal forest and the ecotone between the forest and tundra - although research in the
Arctic and far north will not be excluded. Areas in other parts of the world with
characteristics similar to those in the boreal north will also be considered as
appropriate locations for study.
Calendar Entry
PROGRAM
The MES in Northern Environments and Cultures program consists of 5 full course
equivalents (FCEs) comprising a graduate thesis (3 FCEs) plus 2 FCEs from graduate
courses offered in Northern Environments and Cultures (NECU):
Required Courses:
NECU 5901 (9901) - Master's Thesis
NECU 5101 - Theory and Methodology in Environmental and Cultural Research
NECU 5311 - Aspects of Northern Environments and Cultures
Elective Course:
NECU 5711 - Special Topics (chosen in consultation with the graduate co-ordinator)
Interdisciplinary seminars are an integral part of the program. Attendance at these
seminars is mandatory. As part of the program, candidates will be required to present
two interdisciplinary seminars. At the first, held within the first year of the program,
candidates will present a research proposal for approval. At the second seminar, before
the submission of the thesis, candidates will present the results of their research.
An oral examination of the completed thesis will also be required of each candidate.
COURSES
Courses not offered this academic year (fall/winter terms) are indicated by the words
"NOT OFFERED THIS YEAR" below the course description. Nevertheless, students
should refer to the Timetable as a final check.
The following courses are offered for the Master's program.
Northern Environments and Cultures (NECU) 5101
Theory and Methodology in Environmental and Cultural Research
3-0; 3-0
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Consideration of the theories and methods employed in research design, analysis and
interpretation in environmental and cultural research, involving both qualitative and
quantitative approaches.
Northern Environments and Cultures 5311
Aspects of Northern Environments and Cultures
3-0; or 3-0
An examination of the physical environments and human patterns peculiar to the
north.
Northern Environments and Cultures 5711 (ST)
Special Topics
3-0; or 3-0
Course offerings will vary according to the needs and interests of participating faculty
and students.
Northern Environments and Cultures 5901 (9901)
Master's Thesis
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4. GETTING SETTLED IN
What to Do on Arrival
Visit the Geography/Anthropology Departments and let us know you have arrived.
Your “home” department will normally be the department of your Supervisor. We
need to have your local phone number and address to add to our information. You
will also be assigned a Lakehead e-mail address. Please check it regularly as it is
another way we will communicate with you. You will need to register, find
accommodation, arrange banking, find out where the shopping is, bus schedules and
any other needs. You also need to find out the course schedule, buy textbooks and
meet your professors. Students from out of country may also need to do additional
things such as arrange for health coverage. Campus maps can be obtained from the
Security Office or from the LU website
(http://www.lakeheadu.ca/images/misc/campusmap.pdf).
Registering
This can be done during university operating hours which are generally 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays or anytime online. Note that there are holidays during
which the University is closed. These days during the school term generally include
Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day, Family Day, Good Friday
and Easter. Please consult the university calendar for an up-to-date list of important
dates including start and end of classes.
When registering for your thesis (NECU 5901 [9901]), please note that you must
register for BOTH the fall and winter sections.
Steps to Registering
(a) Academic Unit: Consult with graduate coordinator.
(b) Visa Students Only: Must sign up for University Health Insurance Program in the
International Activities Balmoral 1294 Suite 1013 prior to step (d).
(c) Graduate Studies Office (RC 0009): Graduate students who are receiving funding must
pick up a "Financial Support Form" which provides for all funding: GA, scholarships,
awards and bursaries.
(d) Finance Office: Bring your financial support form and registration form to Sylvia
Griffiths in the Finance Office (UC0002A) to arrange for payment of fees and
validation for student ID. Leave your registration form with her. Do not stand in the
undergraduate fee line - ask for Sylvia Griffiths.
(e) Human Resources: If you have been awarded a Graduate Assistantship, bring your
financial support form to Human Resources and sign on as an employee of the
university. You will need your banking information.
(f) Library: Get your student photo ID.
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Getting to Know Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is a city of 110,000 people with a wealth of nature and outdoor
recreational activities on its doorstep. Key web sites that will fill you in on what you
need to know are as follows:
Map of Thunder Bay
http://www.foundlocally.com/ThunderBay/Travel/Maps.htm
Thunder Bay Bus Transit Schedules
Three bus routes serve the university: 2 Crosstown, 9 Junot and 16 Balmoral. For
schedule information, see the postings in the Agora or visit:
http://www.thunderbay.ca/index.cfm?fuse=html&pg=5806
Tourism
Thunder Bay has many parks and sites to visit. A short list includes:
Boulevard Lake
Cascades Conservation Area
Centennial Park
Chippewa Park
Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area
Hillcrest Park (a breathtaking view of the city)
Kakabeka Falls Park (the Niagara of the North)
Marina Park (the north side waterfront park)
Mount McKay Scenic Lookout (another breathtaking view especially given the nearby
pulp mill)
Ouimet Canyon (the Northwest's "Grand Canyon")
The Friendship Gardens (various ethnic pavilions)
The Sleeping Giant (can be seen from Hillcrest but you can travel there too! About one
hour from town).
Old Fort William (Spectacular recreation of a 19th century fur trade fort).
http://www.fwhp.ca
For additional information see the following web sites:
http://www.visitthunderbay.com/
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5. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
Some graduate students may be awarded funding in the form of Graduate
Assistantships (GAs). The GA is considered to be an employee of the university and is
assigned teaching support duties that occupy approximately 10 hours per week.
NECU GA are generally assigned directly to faculty members who will brief them on
their duties. Graduate students are covered under a CUPE agreement. Some students
may require a Social insurance Number in order to work in Canada. Please contact
the Human Resources Department for more information.
For further information on Graduate Assistantships, please see:
Laurie Hill, Manager
Graduate and International Studies Office: RC0009B
Tel: (807) 343-8099
Email: laurie.hill@lakeheadu.ca
6. RESOURCES & FACILITIES
Key university resources are:
The Chancellor Paterson Library. The main library houses a respectable hard-copy
journals collection. There is also electronic access to many journals.
Computer Services. There are a number of computer rooms in the Braun and ATAC
Building which are open to graduate students. There are also clusters of terminals
scattered across the campus including the Library, Agora and outside the Main
Cafeteria.
C. J. Saunders Field House & Hangar (Campus Recreation Complex & Gym)
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