German-Canadian Identity - Historical Perspectives

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture/Seminar) This lecture/seminar course will explore questions of ethnic identity, using the example of German Canadians. While students will develop their individual research projects related to the broader issue of ethnicity, class discussion will focus on the historical presence of German speakers in Canada, their settlement patterns, their relationship to political culture and the Canadian state, and perceptions and self-images of German Canadians. Note: A knowledge of German is not required. Cross-listed: GERM-3561(3). Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and GERM-3103 | GERM-3561 | HIST-3560. HIST-3570 (3 or 6) The Family in Canadian History (3 hrs Lecture/Seminar) This course traces changes in Canadian family life and ideals over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, considering the impact of economic, legal, and cultural change and the influence of state policy, consumer culture and immigration. It examines the changing nature of marriage, family economies, access to birth control, and ideals of parenting. It explores not only ideals of family life, but also the experience and treatment of those who deviated from these ideals. The course gives equal time to lectures and to class discussion and, as such, depends on the active and regular participation of students.