by Matthew Tanner (Contributer)
Email: cascade.news@ufv.ca
The philosophy and political science departments came together last week in solidarity to celebrate a “major” achievement for the programs, as well as the university and all those involved.
The University of the Fraser Valley now offers a major in both philosophy and political science, an important bolster to the entire arts program as well as the institution.
The event celebrated both the achievement and the effort of those involved with the process. The department head of both the philosophy and political science programs, Hamish Telford, spoke to both the process itself, as well as the tireless effort put in by those involved. As Telford continued it became very apparent that the role he played in making these programs a success was a massive one to say the least, both in time and in effort. At times, the process in which the university is granted a major by the provincial review panel was described as an “ordeal.”
The movement towards offering a major in these programs was one that came together over many years of effort. But this “ordeal” was taken to task by those representing UFV’s best interest, and the result couldn’t have been more fantastic.
Also announced at the launch party was the formation of the Political Science Student Association. Vice President Wyatt Scott spoke for the association on the occasion and made a pitch to those who attended the launch party to get involved with the program and the association. Rory Stevens, head of the Association of Students of Philosophy (ASP), also spoke to mark the occasion.
While everyone attending knew that the philosophy and political science departments had both received approval for offering majors, most didn’t know was that long time political science Professor Scott Fast would be honoured at the event, receiving the title of Professor Emeritus. This was the perfect day to make such an announcement given the many years Professor Fast has given to the university and the political science department in particular. Professor Fast has been teaching at FVC-UCFV-UFV for over 35 years.
Exciting things are happening for these departments, and the path from this point is an enviable one. Both programs are in the middle of expanding their course offerings and branching out to cover a larger swath of the educational landscape. Both departments are offering new upper level courses next semester which should make all potential philosophy and political science students joyful. With this expansion in course offerings it can be expected that the current faculty may be beefed up with a new face or two. Either way, big things are happening for the programs and UFV, let’s keep the ball rolling.
