Frequently Asked Questions

Is SASAH right for me?

If you are a student who likes being challenged, is creative, and is interested in community engagement, then this is the right program for you.

How is SASAH different from other programs at Western?

The SASAH program offers a unique learning experience. Our four year undergraduate program combines interdisciplinary study, language acquisition, community engagement, and international study, which gives you an enriched and diverse education.

How many students are accepted to SASAH each year?

We accept 25-30 students per year. Our students are highly engaged and motivated individuals, and the small cohorts make it possible to foster a tight-knit community within the program.

What is the tuition cost for enrolling in SASAH?

Even though SASAH provides a unique learning opportunity, the cost of enrolling in SASAH is the regular full-time tuition fee paid by students registered in Arts and Humanities. We also offer up to five $1000 Entrance Scholarships each year. 

What degree will I graduate with?

Graduates from the SASAH program will receive a Bachelor of Arts with a major from SASAH, as well as a Major or Honours Specialization from another program at Western.

Are the courses in SASAH structured or can I seek out courses that best suit my research interests?

The courses offered in year one and two of the SASAH program are structured specifically to educate you on the theoretical approaches and research methods specific to Arts and Humanities. In year three, our students need to take SASAH 3380Y along with 1.5 additional special topics courses. This is done intentionally to encourage students to become integrated into learning experiences across campus and in other departments within Arts and Humanities and also allows our students the opportunity for international exchanges. The fourth year offers experiential learning courses that expose students to training in the broader community, capped off by a full-year seminar focused on a specific theme crucial to global cultural development.

What is Experiential Learning and why is this important in SASAH?

Experiential Learning is the process of learning through experience. In SASAH, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom and that students will benefit the most from putting their knowledge to use in the community. Our Experiential Learning courses provide an environment where students can engage in every aspect of learning beyond simply being an individual in a classroom. There are opportunities for practical teaching, research assistantships with faculty and graduate students, conference coordination, course planning, curating, publishing, and more.

Is it necessary to take a language course before graduating with a Major in Arts and Humanities? 

At SASAH, our goal is to support students in developing the skills they need to participate in our global community. The SASAH program has a strong commitment to language learning alongside the many other skills and capabilities we emphasise. We therefore require all students to demonstrate a knowledge of a language other than English by taking a 1.0 non-English course at the first-year level or above, in order to meet our language requirement. 

This requirement can also be met by demonstrating fluency in a language other than English. Students who participate in the International Study experience at Rondine Citadel of Peace, in Arezzo, Tuscany can have their courses counted towards this requirement. Other opportunities for language acquisition may also be granted by the Director.

To find out more how acquiring a second language would benefit you, click here.

What type of accommodations are available to me?

All first-year SASAH students are given priority consideration for a dedicated learning floor in Ontario Hall. Our students find this living arrangement to be a great way to bond with their peers and feel they benefit from having a built in support network. Click here to explore Ontario Hall.

How can I become a part of the SASAH community?

Besides joining the program, many SASAH students are involved in these campus-oriented organizations, clubs, and publishing outlets:

The Arts and Humanities Students' Council (AHSC): The Arts and Humanities Students' Council (AHSC) stands to aid in the development of the goals of the Mission Statement of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, to foster the pride and character of the A&H student body, facilitate the greatest student experience, and to communicate, interact, and cooperate with A&H students. The AHSC strives to provide academic, philanthropic, and social programming for all A&H students and to foster an inclusive environment that caters to the diverse needs of our program.

The University Students’ Council (USC): The University Students’ Council (USC), University of Western Ontario (UWO), is a student-led organization that first and foremost exists to advocate for and represent undergraduate students at Western University. Since 1965, it has grown beyond an advocacy organization, becoming one of the largest student governments in Canada and one of the largest nonprofits in London. Each day, the USC works to support, improve and enhance your student experience, because it believes that students have the power to change the world.

ICONOCLAST: Coming at you since 2016 is an interdisciplinary on-campus publication called ICONOCLAST that is dedicated to creating content about art, culture and politics – and anything you feel falls under these categories. We feature visual art, photography, media and film, musical critiques and reflections, creative writing, think pieces, personal essays, and fashion writing. We publish two editions a year – one per semester.

The Coterie:The Coterie is the Undergraduate English Society and Department Committee under the Arts and Humanities Student Council (AHSC) at Western University. Their team consists of undergraduate English and Writing students who are dedicated to building a passionate literature and writing community within the faculty. The Coterie helps students find opportunities to publish their writing, connect with their peers, host social events, as well as create awareness about literature-related opportunities.

Theatre Western: Western’s Foremost Theatre Provider Est. 1982!💜 Theatre Western is a vibrant and passionate community dedicated to the captivating world of the performing arts. Within this club, you'll find a diverse ensemble of creative individuals who share a love for the stage and the theatrical discipline more broadly. Through rehearsals, performances, and shared experiences, this club celebrates the many forms that storytelling can take, and aims to create an environment where artists feel both driven and supported. Programming includes a variety of large-and-small-scale initiatives, from mentorship opportunities, socials, and professional development workshops, to major productions. Key events to keep on your radar include the Fall Musical, Fall Play, Project Sparkles, Purple Short Play Festival, and Spring Musical. 

SATELLiTE Project Space: SATELLiTE Project Space (est. 2015) is a dynamic partnership between two significant London, Ontario arts institutions: Fanshawe College’s Fine Art Program and Western University’s Department of Visual Arts, School for Advanced Studies in the Arts & Humanities/SASAH and Faculty of Information and Media Studies/FIMS. The mandate of SATELLiTE Project Space is to provide flexible space for educationally-supported projects, collaborations, and experiments in the arts and culture. SATELLiTE provides learning opportunities and mentorship for art students in London: in education, curatorial work, exhibition and event programming, and arts administration. Western and Fanshawe partner in the planning of yearly programming and student involvement, and in the production of exhibitions.

The University Students’ Council (USC): The University Students’ Council (USC), University of Western Ontario (UWO), is a student-led organization that first and foremost exists to advocate for and represent undergraduate students at Western University. Since 1965, it has grown beyond an advocacy organization, becoming one of the largest student governments in Canada and one of the largest nonprofits in London. Each day, the USC works to support, improve and enhance your student experience, because it believes that students have the power to change the world.