Course Synopsis: 

Canada is still profoundly shaped by its history prior to 1867. This course examines the political, social, and economic development of the area that today makes up Canada from earliest times, paying special attention to conflict and cooperation, changing uses of the land and its resources, and peoples’ various efforts to exercise power over other people and to remain free of such control. During the semester students will be introduced to a variety of historical topics and themes, as well as historical methodologies and theories that characterize the field of early Canadian history. By the end of the course, students will gain a greater understanding of Canadian history and how it shapes its present. They will also gain skills in critical thinking, primary source assessment, and communicative writing.

Course Format: 

• In-person
• Two 1-hour lectures + one 1-hour seminar per week

Learning Outcomes: 

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. Identify and explain key factors (including social, economic, cultural, environmental, and political) in the changing power relations between various peoples and societies in northern North America up to the late 1860s.
2. Summarize and evaluate arguments advanced by historians through scholarly publications.
3. Assess and interpret primary source materials, through skills developed in seminar discussions and applied in a paper.
4. Develop skills in how to cite primary and secondary sources through two papers.
5. Improve your written analysis and argumentation through two papers and a final exam.
6. Communicate your ideas and arguments orally, and engage in active listening, through regular, constructive participation in seminar discussions.

Methods of Evaluation and Weights:

Seminar Participation - 20%
Quizzes (4 x 5%) - 20%
Response Papers (2 x 15%) - 30%
Final Exam - 30%

Required Readings:

• John Belshaw, Canadian History: Pre-Confederation (Victoria: BCcampus, 2nd ed., 2020). This free, open-access textbook is available online and can also be downloaded.
• Sean Kheraj and Thomas Peace, eds., Open History Seminar: Canadian History (Toronto: eCampusOntario, 2008). This free, open-access reader is available online. 
• other readings, such as articles and book chapters, will be available through Courselink.

*Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.