Courses

This course examines the long nineteenth century from the French Revolution to the onset of the Great War. Explores key movements and themes in political, intellectual, and socio-economic history through lectures, discussion groups, and close readings of primary and secondary sources.

The history of British Columbia from its earliest beginnings to the late 1980s. The province's move from regionalism, to provincialism, to internationalism by examining many of the social, cultural, political, and economic forces of change which shaped the West Beyond the West in Canada. Specific aspects of BC's history that particularly enlighten us about the character of the region, its unique place in Canadian history, and how these events have shaped the province today.

Provides the student with a detailed examination of the political issues that divide and unite Canadians. Course topics encompass the discussion of political structures including regionalism, federalism and elections; political actors including the Executive in Canada, political parties, the media, and citizen engagement; constitutional politics including Western alienation, Quebec separatism, patriation of the constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and key elements of Canadian political culture including political ideologies, bilingualism, multiculturalism, and Indigenous reconciliation.

A thematic case study approach to Canadian Environmental History that highlights the nation's unique reciprocal relationships with nature as illustrated through ideas (Wilderness), material resources (Water) and social/ethical issues (Global Warming). Investigates how natural elements like climate, topography, plants, animals and diseases have influenced our choices about nature, and how cultural content, like clean/green energy initiatives, pipeline projects, save the whale campaigns, and fear of climate change, have shaped our perceptions of the places we inhabit. Critically engages the ethical decisions we make about the environment that may determine the future we wish to construct as Canadian and global citizens.

Explores specific events that have shaped the relationship between First Nations, Inuit and Metis and the Canadian state and have informed the interaction between indigenous peoples and settler society. Weekly seminars will cover topics such as the Indian Act, reserves, treaties, violence against indigenous women, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, economic development and sustainability, crime and punishment, art and cultural representation, and activism and resurgence. The thematic approach will explore different visions for how indigenous communities and Canadian society can live together in a good way.

An introduction to American politics, including the major branches of government: the presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court. The dynamics of American political institutions and their interaction. The prime emphasis is on national politics, especially the interaction of the executive and legislative, including presidential decision-making.

A study of principle themes in United States foreign policy with in-depth review of post Second World War presidential periods. Students analyze the causes and results of American policy choices in the context of evolving world order. The course explores philosophy and leadership styles.

A study of the history of the Christian church from the turn of the first century to the eve of the sixteenth century Reformation, with attention to the persons, events and issues involved in the major developments of Christianity.

An examination of the development of the Christian church from the late medieval period through the early twenty-first century. Key topics include: the Protestant and Catholic reformations; the Great Awakenings and the rise of modern evangelism, fundamentalism, and the growth of modern missionary movements, along with a consideration of significant individuals, changes in theology, institutions, devotional practices, gender roles, and attempts to engage and shape culture.