This course will explore contemporary Canadian society through history, literature, film and music. Specifically, the course will focus on the diverse origins, experiences and cultures of Canada’s peoples as well as Canada’s official policy of multiculturalism. Course topics include exploration and settlement, First Nations and Quebec peoples, immigration and immigration policy, the origins of official multiculturalism, multicultural themes in writing, film and music, and important debates on minority rights and multiculturalism.

By the end of this course, students will know about the history of Canadian settlement and immigration as well as contemporary demographics; understand why Canada adopted a multicultural policy; know about the Canadian government’s role in promoting multiculturalism; be familiar with some of the criticisms of the policy; know about some of Canada’s peoples through studies of history and through important artistic expressions in film, music and literature.

Lectures, readings and tests, presentations, short research essay