Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - For Students
General Information
- How much time I should be spending on my school work?
- What is the difference between a 3 credit hour course and a 6 credit hour course?
- What is considered a full course-load?
- How does the new course numbering system work?
- How many courses may I take over the summer session?
- Where can I get help writing essays?
- Where can I get help with stress and time management?
- What is a major? Double Major? Minor? Honors? Concentrations?
- Does a grade of ‘IC' have any affect on my grades?
1. How much time I should be spending on my school work?
You should be prepared to commit a minimum of 6 hours of work per week to each 3 credit hour course you take. The 6 hours includes in-class time, preparation for tests, and time to write papers and complete assignments.
Example:
A full-course load of 5 classes per term works out to 30 hours of school work each week.
5 classes X 6 hours of work per class = 30 hrs of school work per week
NOTE: 30hrs work/week is the equivalent of a full-time job.
This is important to keep in mind if you have or are planning to get a job while working on your B.A. and if you are involved or planning get involved in other extra-curricular activities.
2. What is the difference between a 3 credit hour course and a 6 credit hour course?
3 credit hour courses are delivered over a 4-month period in either the first or second term (September – December or January –April). Final grades are posted at the end of the term.
6 credit hour courses are delivered over an 8-month period from September through to April. Mid-term grades are posted at the end of the first term and final grades are posted at the end of the second term.
(rarely are 6 credit hour courses delivered over a 4-month period.)
3. What is considered a full course-load?
Fifteen (15) credit hours per term, or five (5) classes, is generally considered to be a full-course-load.
Students can complete the 120-credit hour Bachelor of Arts degree in four (4) years by taking fifteen (15) credit hours in each term.
Year 1 15hrs + 15hrs = 30 credit hours
Year 2 15hrs + 15hrs = 30 credit hours
Year 3 15hrs + 15hrs = 30 credit hours
Year 4 15hrs + 15hrs = 30 credit hours
= 120 credit hours
4. How does the new course numbering system work?
In 2005, Saint Mary's University instituted a new course number system. Here is a chart to help you navigate this change:
| Old Course Numbers | New Course Numbers |
| 100, 200 level | 1000 level |
| 300 level | 2000 level |
| 300, 400 level | 3000 level |
| 300, 400 level | 4000 level |
The first number of the new course codes indicates the level of the course. It is important to consult with your departmental advisor to make sure you are taking the appropriate level course(s) to satisfy your requirements.
Example:
| Old Course Numbers | New Course Numbers |
| ANT 471 Forensic Anthropology 1 400 level course |
ANTH 3471 Forensic Anthropology 1 3000 level course |
| ANT 306 Foraging Adaptations 300 level course |
ANTH 4306 Foraging Adaptations 4000 level course |
5. How many courses may I take over the summer session?
Students may in enroll in a maximum of 18 credit hours over the two summer sessions.
Follow these links for more information on the summer sessions:
Continuing Education
http://www.smu.ca/conted/
Registrar's Office
http://www.smu.ca/registrar/
6. Where can I get help writing essays?
The Writing Centre is a great resource for assistance with academic writing through free one-on-one peer tutoring and workshops. Learn more...
Your professors can also provide you with helpful tips on what kind of information and presentation they expect in your written work.
7. Where can I get help with stress and time management?
Student Services offer a range of counseling and support services. Learn more..
8. What is a major? Double Major? Minor? Honors? Concentrations?
Major
A major allows you to focus your studies in a particular subject area and explore that subject in some depth. Majors are declared as part of the 120-credit hour Bachelor of Arts degree and require 36-48 credit hours to be completed in your chosen subject or discipline (e.g English). Each major is made up of requirements that are defined by the academic department. Section 5 of the Academic Calendar contains all the requirements specific to each major.
Double Major
A double major provides you with foundations in two Arts areas. Two majors can be declared and completed within your 120-credit hour B.A. The requirements for each major must be satisfied. Some courses may be used to satisfy requirements in both majors (i.e. Cross-listed courses).
Minor
Minors are optional. You may choose to declare a minor to add a secondary area of focus to your degree. Minors are available from subjects in Arts and Science, and the Business minor offers Arts students an introduction to the fundamentals of commerce. Minors require a minimum of 24 credit hours in your chosen subject area. The Business minor requires 30 credit hours.
Honors
An honors degree is excellent preparation for graduate level studies (Masters programs). A 120-credit hour Bachelor of Arts degree with honors is a program for students whose academic performance is considered above average. Students must apply to honors programs through the Registrar's Office. At the time of application students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00 and meet the departmental requirements for entry into the honors program.
Honors students will be required to complete at least 60 credit hours in their discipline.
We offer honors programs in these disciplines:
- Anthropology
- Linguistics
- Asian Studies
- Mathematics*
- Atlantic Canada Studies
- French
- Criminology
- Philosophy
- Economics*
- Political Science
- English
- Psychology*
- Geography
- Religious Studies
- History
- Sociology
- International Development Studies
- Women's Studies
*Although these disciplines are housed in other faculties, students can choose to pursue these subjects through the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Concentrations
The 90-credit hour General Arts Degree requires students to declare concentrations in two (2) areas in Arts disciplines. Generally, 24 credit hours are required in each concentration with at least 18 of the 24 credit hours to be taken at the 2000 level or higher. Some disciplines have more specific course requirements so it is important to check in section 5 of the Academic Calendar for details and consult your departmental advisor(s) if you have questions.
Concentrations provide students with a general knowledge in their chosen Arts disciplines.
9. Does a grade of ‘IC' have any affect on my grades?
Yes, an ‘incomplete' or ‘IC' grade is equivalent to a grade of ‘F' and is calculated into all QPAs.
A change of grade form must be submitted by your professor to the Registrar's Office to change the ‘IC' to the grade earned in the course.
This page last modified Thursday, 17-Nov-2011 13:33:18 AST