Spring Semester 2007 (M/W: 3:00-4:15 pm)
124 Gooch Hall
paucrapo@utm.edu
Office Hours: M: 10-11; W: 11-12; F: 1-2
and by appointment

Course Guidelines and Requirements

Objectives: This “foundations” course will provide an overview of the Canadian nation as it has developed on the North-American continent from pre-colonial times to the present day. With the participation of guest lecturers, the instructor will introduce students to Canadian history, geography, politics, literature and culture. Special attention will be given to the role played by Quebec in the formation of Canada and Canadian society today. Students will also learn about the life-styles, attitudes, and mentality of Canadians and their opinions of the United States. In sum, this course will give students a solid foundation to support further study of Canada and to earn a minor in Canadian Studies.

Preparation for Class: Students must make a point of completing homework assignments by the date they are indicated on the syllabus. After reading assigned texts--or viewing assigned films--, they are strongly encouraged to write a brief, personal reaction to the assigned text or film (10-12 sentences, double-spaced). Students will keep these written commentaries in a loose-leaf binder which they will bring to class each day and turn in to the instructor, upon request. Writing these commentaries will help students prepare for the daily class discussions. The Coursepack and any handouts should also be kept in this binder.

Class Participation: Participating in class discussion is extremely important and students will receive a grade for their contributions each week. Class participation will count for 25% of the overall course grade. As part of their participation, students will be asked occasionally to lead the discussion on a certain topic to be covered in class. When selected as a discussion leader, students should come to class prepared to offer a brief commentary on the chosen topic and to ask their classmates questions which will engage the class in discussion.

Hour Exams: Students will take two hour (unit) exams over the course of the semester. Students who miss an hour exam will be given a make-up ONLY if they have a valid reason for missing--e.g. a medical emergency--and must supply appropriate documentation. Conflicts which may prevent students from taking an exam must be explained to the instructor before the exam is given, not after. Students who fail to follow these procedures will receive a “0" on the exam they miss.

Term Project and Presentation: Over the course of the semester, students will work on a term project which they will present to class in one of the last 7 regular meetings. This project will focus on one of the major economic, social, or political issues which the class will discuss in these last meetings. Students are encouraged to convey their findings to the class in the form of a PowerPoint presentation which will be added to the university’s Canadian Studies web site. With the help of the instructor, students will choose a topic for their term project by February 6. They will meet with the instructor during the week of March 20 to discuss a rough outline of their project. A suggested list of topics and more details on this assignment will be given to students early in the semester.

Cultural Events on Canada: In spring 2007, students will view collectively two films on Canada as supplementary, cultural events. These films are listed between brackets {} on the course syllabus. They are an important extension of IDST 250 and they may be discussed briefly in class. Students must submit a brief critique of them (approximately 200 words, typed, double-spaced) by the dates indicated.

Departmental Policy on Cultural Events: Students are expected to conform to the policy on attending cultural events set by the Department of Modern Foreign Languages. Please see the flier explaining this policy which is attached to this syllabus.

Analyses of Major Works: Over the course of the semester, students will submit written analyses of major films and literary works, indicated by +++ on the syllabus. These analyses must be typed, double-spaced, from 300-400 words in length (1-2 pages), and submitted by the dates indicated.

Quizzes: The instructor will give quizzes (announced and unannounced) as necessary to encourage students to prepare for class.

Attendance: Students must make a point of attending class on a regular basis. Absenteeism virtually guarantees a low grade in this class (as in most others!). Students may miss three classes without penalty. For each subsequent, unexcused absence, the instructor will subtract one point from the student’s course grade. Perfect attendance will be rewarded: students will receive a bonus point on their final grade, if they miss no classes.

Cheating, Plagierism, and Fabrication: For these grave infractions, students will receive a “O” for the first offense. A second offense will result in the student’s failing the course and being reported to Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

Help!: If you run into any trouble or have questions along the way, please do not hesitate to come to my office for assistance. I want to help you as best I can to derive the maximum benefit from this course. Your suggestions for improvement, of course, will always be welcome and carefully considered.

Approximate Value of Course Activities: Class participation=20%; two hour exams=30%; term project=25%; analyses of films and literary works=15%; daily homework, brief analyses, and quizzes=10%. These values may change somewhat, depending on the actual assignments students complete over the course of the semester.

Course Materials
(***items on reserve in the library)

Wayne C. Thompson, Canada (2006: Harper-Ferry, VA, Styker-Post), 22nd edition= T
Alistair MacLeod, No Great Mischief (1999: New York, Random House)
Bruce Beresford, Black Robe (film)***
Mort Ransen, Margaret’s Museum (film)***
Claude Jutra, My Uncle Antoine (film)***
Denys Arcand, Jesus of Montreal (film)***
Denys Arcand, Barbarian Invasions (film)***
Robert Lantos, Men with Brooms (film)***
Eric Till, Getting Married in Buffalo Jump (film)***
Coursepack (in bookstore)=CP
Reference volume=Canadian Global Almanac 2004 (2004: Toronto, John Wiley)***