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Indigenous Peoples of Canada

This survey course will take up the past and present experience of Indigenous Peoples within Canada. We will use one history textbook, and read plays, novels, and at least one biography. Some documentary films, podcasts, and news articles about contemporary Indigenous Canada will also be included. Counts as elective for Canadian Studies and Native American Studies.  No Pass/Fail option.

Early Canada: 1534-1867

After laying eyes upon the eastern coast of Canada in May, 1534, the French explorer, Jacques Cartier, remarked that it resembled the “land that God gave to Cain."  Despite Cartier’s initial misgivings, Canada presented numerous opportunities to Europeans, as it had for the First Nations. For three centuries, the northern half of North America was an imperial domain of the French, and then of the British. In 1867, the Dominion of Canada was created, and the first steps toward the Canada that we know today were taken.

Introduction to Canada

A multidisciplinary seminar designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to Canada. The course stresses the basics of geography, history, economics, politics and culture. At the same time, it uses contemporary events and issues (such as ongoing debate over Canada’s constitutional and economic directions) to demonstrate the importance of geographic fact, historical frictions and political and cultural diversity to an understanding of the Canadian nation(s). Major consideration is given to the ways Canada is both similar to and different from the United States.

Canadian-American Relations

Examination of the economic, cultural, military and environmental aspects of the Canada-United States relationship, as well as of the public and private institutional arrangements involved in the maintenance of that relationship. Although the evolution of the Canadian-American interaction is dealt with, the emphasis is on the contemporary period. Prerequisite: CNS101 or permission of the instructor. Also offered through Peace Studies.

Quebec

This multidisciplinary seminar builds on Introduction to Canada by focusing on Québec from a variety of perspectives. A distinct society with French as its dominant language and culture, Québec is unique within North America. Its geography, history, culture, economics, politics and place in the Canadian Confederation are explored, as well as Québec’s presence on the world stage as a member of the Francophonie. Throughout, the French influence on the rest of North America is examined. Prerequisite: CNS 101.

JSTOR

Indexes key scholarship in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.  Contains significant full text of books, book chapters, journal articles book reviews, pamphlets, and many primary sources.