Course Synopsis:

This course will cover selected events and issues in Canadian history from Confederation to the present.  Students will have the opportunity to explore specific topics further on an individual basis in their seminar discussions and in their research essays.  The course aims to expand students’ understanding of the political, social, cultural and economic aspects of Canada’s development and Canada’s role in an international context.  As a core course in the History program, this course places special emphasis on analysis of primary sources, seminar discussion skills and essay research and writing.  

Learning Outcomes:

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

1. identify and explain key factors and forces that have shaped the development of Canadian society, culture, politics, economics and international relations from Confederation to the present day.
2. work with and interpret primary source materials, through skills developed in seminar discussions and writing an essay.
3. explain historiographical debates in the scholarly literature on a variety of topics.
4. communicate your ideas orally, and engage in active listening, through regular participation in seminar discussions.
5. assume professional responsibilities as a budding historian by locating suitable primary source materials, books and journal articles and ethically citing them in your work.
6. improve your written and analytical skills by writing an essay proposal, an essay and a final exam.

Methods of Evaluation and Weights:

1. Seminar Discussion and Participation - 20%
2. Essay Proposal - 10%
3. Research Essay - 40%
4. Final Exam - 30%

Texts and/or Resources Required:

Wardhaugh, Robert, Alan MacEachern, R. Douglas Francis, Richard Jones, and Donald B. Smith.  Destinies: Canadian History Since Confederation, Eighth Edition. Toronto: Nelson, 2017.

Samson, Daniel et al, Visions: The Canadian History Modules Project, Post-Confederation.  Toronto: Nelson, 2017/2018. This is a custom-produced reader that will be available through the university bookstore, as a bundle with the e-book version of Destinies.

*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.