CAN 101 – Introduction to Canadian Studies

Course Coordinator: Dr. Mark McLaughlin

Email: mark.j.mclaughlin@maine.edu

Course Description:

This course provides a multidisciplinary introduction to Canadian history and contemporary issues. Faculty members from across the University of Maine and from other institutions will lecture on Canadian geography, history, anthropology and archeology, politics, economics, literature, culture, and art. The objective of the course is to expand student’s knowledge of Canada, highlighting the different historical trajectories, which have resulted in the development of different cultures, economies, political systems, international relations, and ways of understanding the world. This course includes a trip to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, as a way to enhance first-hand experiences in the classroom, and although it is not mandatory, it is encouraged since it brings together the class content with the exposure to popular culture, history, politics, geography, climate, architecture, language, and Canada’s Mosaic.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the semester I expect student to:

  • Identify and discuss Canada’s main political, economic, social, and cultural features that have shaped its past and current realities.
  • Compare and contrast the political, economic, social, and cultural trends that have shaped its relationships with Britain, Europe, the United States and the global system.
  • Understand how the world sees Canada and how Canada sees the world.
  • Understand the dynamics and unique characteristics of a nation state that has evolved from the clash of interests between Anglophone and Francophone cultures.
  • Compare and contrast the differences between the Canadian Cultural Mosaic and the American Melting Pot.

Course Field Trip:

The Canadian Studies field trip will be held on October 23-25. We will be visiting Ottawa, Ontario, the national capital of Canada. Although this is not a mandatory trip, the benefits of participating in this activity are considerable. You will gain first-hand, immersive experience in the country we are studying, and the opportunity to contextualize and augment course content relating to Canadian geography, history, culture, economics, and culture. The field trip is planned with the intention of making it affordable to students. The Canadian-American Center therefore subsidizes all transportation and accommodation costs as well as entry fees to museums and historic sites. Students will only be responsible for costs associated with meals.

Textbook & Readings:

  • Mark Kasoff and Patrick James, eds., Canadian Studies in the New Millennium. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2nd edition, 2013.
  • Other external readings will be posted on Blackboard.

Course Evaluation:

Short Reactions (5)                 30%

Current Events (5)                  30%

Mid Term Exam                      15%

Final Exam                              15%

Attendance & Participation    10%

  • Short reactions will be based on the readings, multi media content, and lectures covered up to the date of the assignment. This will be an opportunity for you to react to the content, express your opinion based on the material being analyzed, and research additional sources to support your statements. The reaction should be no longer than one single-spaced page and must include a bibliography (make sure to use Chicago Style for citations: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html )
  • Current events will provide the student an opportunity to connect the material learned with the current realities experienced by Canada at the local, regional, federal, bilateral, multilateral, and international levels. This will also help the student become familiarized with non-US news sources and connecting the global political, social, cultural, environmental, and economic dynamics to particular nation states. The assignment should be no longer than one single-spaced page and must include a bibliography (make sure to use Chicago Style for citations: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html ).
  • The attendance and participation grade will be based on the level of active participation in the classroom session. It means that you show me that you come prepared to class and that you have completed the work required for each lecture.