The course the Past and Future of Ideas: Orality, Literacy and Post Literacy (UNIV1200) was first offered at the University of Guelph in Winter 2004. It was offered again in the Winter 2006 and Winter 2007 now entitled Beyond Literacy: Are Reading and Writing Doomed?

The course examined the nature of oral cultures, the rise of literacy and its impact on the way we think and act, and speculates on the characteristics of post literacy. Students were encouraged to view the course as a reseach project and to structure their learning accordingly.

The course was a part of the University's innovative First Year Seminar program. These courses are designed to provide students with a small group learning experience during their initial year at Guelph.

As such they feature a limited enrolment (15-20 students), an active learning approach that centers on the participation of students, an joint emphasis on content exploration and skill development, and topics that reinforce a multidisciplinary perspective.

The course allowed students to explore the concept of post literacy and develop core learning skills key to becoming successful at university.

Course Outline for Past and Future of Ideas (2004)

Course Outline for Beyond Literacy (2006)

Course Outline for Beyond Literacy (2007)

Course Outline for Beyond Literacy (2008)