American and Canadian Studies modules - First year

Foundations of American history to 1890

(20 credits)

This is a general introductory course on American history to the end of the nineteenth century and covers political, social, economic and cultural developments. Assessment is based on understanding the significance of issues in the American past. It does not test knowledge directly. However, substantiating opinions requires evidence in support, and that usually includes "facts." Brief primary-source documents provide examples of the kinds of evidence that historians use to support interpretations.

Foundations of American literature to 1890

(20 credits)

This module introduces students to examples of American literature, ranging from the eighteenth to the late nineteenth century. It focuses on the differences between the myths and realities of American experience and investigates the complex relationship between literature and society. Attention is paid to both genre (the romance, sentimental fiction, realism, etc.) and to the issues that preoccupied many American writers (slavery, industrialization, etc).

Introduction to Canadian studies

(20 credits)

This interdisciplinary course will provide students with an introduction to Canadian history, geography, politics, literature and media. It examines the various ways in which physical geography, imperialism, and socio-economic factors have shaped the evolution of Canadian society. Students are expected to gain insights into a diverse cultural narrative that tells the multiple stories of Canada by attending lectures, participating in seminar discussions, reading widely in Canadian history, culture, politics, and literature, and writing on these subjects.