Canadian Studies Program

Department: History

Director: Teaching Faculty:

Minor: Canadian Studies

Canada is the United States’ most important trading partner. Despite the close and growing partnership between the two countries, Canada remains fundamentally different from the United States in terms of culture, society, and politics. Many of its political, social, and economic values and institutions reflect those of European countries and stand in contrast to those of the United States. Thus, the study of Canada enables students to gain a greater appreciation of the United States’ largest neighbor and exposes them to values and institutions widely shared among developed countries other than the United States.

The Canadian studies program is designed to develop in students an understanding of the history, society, political institutions, economy, and culture of Canada. The Canadian Studies curriculum places particular emphasis on examining the differences and similarities between Canada and the United States; Canadian-American relations; and the often conflict-ridden relationship between the largely French-speaking province of Quebec and the largely English-speaking rest of the country.

Students trained in Canadian Studies will be able to speak, write, and do research on issues related to Canada. In addition, they will possess knowledge and skills to enable them to function well in an environment requiring international awareness and understanding of cross-cultural exchange.

All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “D” or better. However, students minoring in Canadian Studies must maintain the minimum grade point average of 2.00 (A=4.00) in the minor field and must complete all course requirements for the academic minor with a grade of “C” or better.

Canadian Studies Minor

(all instruction in English)

Required courses

CAN 130 Introduction to Canada CAN/HIS 230 History of Canada CAN/POL 355 Comparative Politics in Developed Countries

One of the following courses

CAN/ENG 235 Native North American Literature CAN/FRE 340 Francophone Canadian Literature

Three additional hours earned through one of the following options

1. The alternative literature course from above 2. An immersive term dealing with a Canadian topic 3. Participation in the Acadia exchange program 4. SOC 221 Marriage and the Family 5. An internship in Canada or at Canadian government offices 6. Other appropriate class activities (such as CAN 300 Topics in Canadian Studies) as arranged with the Canadian Studies director.

Canadian Studies Course Descriptions

CAN 130 Introduction to Canada

4 credit hours

Fall and Spring International exploratory This international course provides an overall look at Canada and Canadians. It introduces students to various features of Canadian geography, history, society, politics, and culture.

CAN 230 History of Canada 4 credit hours

Fall, even academic years International exploratory Prereq: CAN 130 or HIS 120 or consent of instructor This course traces Canada’s historical evolution from colonial times to the present. It introduces students to the political, economic, social, and cultural history of Canada. Same as HIS 230.

CAN 235 Native North American Literature

4 credit hours

Spring, even academic years Diversity exploratory Prereq: LA 101 A study of multicultural novels, plays, short stories and poems by Native American and First Nations authors, exploring the North American experiences and literatures of Native peoples. Same as ENG 235.

CAN 300 Topics in Canadian Studies

3 credit hours

Topics will vary depending on faculty interest and student demand. The course will be offered upon the request of a faculty member and with approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

CAN 340 Francophone Canadian Literature

4 credit hours

Spring, odd academic years Prereq if taught in English: CAN 130 or consent of instructor. Prereq if taught in French: FRE 211 and CAN 130, or consent of instructor A literary analysis of representative works by Quebec and other Francophone authors from the colonial period to the present. Same as FRE 340. Successful completion of FRE 314 and 315 is recommended before taking this class.

CAN 355 Comparative Politics in Developed Countries

3 credit hours

On demand Prereq: CAN 130 or POL 130 or consent of instructor This course examines the political cultures, governmental institutions, and current policy debates in Canada, France and Germany. Relations between these countries and the United States will also be examined. Same as POL 355.

CAN 482 Canadian Studies Practicum 1-2 credit hours Prereq: consent of instructor A supervised, pre-approved experience which allows a student to pursue specific learning goals and/or be involved in a field experience during the regular academic semester.

CAN 490 Independent Study 1-2 credit hours Prereq: consent of instructor This course is designed to encourage student initiative and to provide a degree of flexibility in the departmental program. Special reading or research in a field of the student’s interest not sufficiently covered in regular courses.