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WiSe 16/17: Canadian History in the World

Jessica Gienow-Hecht

Comments

This seminar constitutes the second part (Hauptseminar) of Module A (America in the World). While the first part (Seminar, formerly titled Grundlagenveranstaltung) is designed as a broad introduction to the period by looking at a general theme, the second part (Hauptseminar) zooms in on a specific topic, offering students the opportunity to do in-depth reading, primary source research and write a paper. Students wishing to compose a full research paper (Hausarbeit) at the end of the term are strongly encouraged to enroll in the second part (Hauptseminar) of Module A. Both parts are scheduled back to back (Wed., 8:30-10, 10-12pm). Canada today counts as a typical “middle power,” one that is sovereign, regionally visible, active in the international arena, engaged in peacekeeping and various interventions, a member of NATO, the G7 and the G20 but not a hegemon or a super power. Scholars debate whether Canada’s role, since World War Two, should be described as either liberal-internationalist (e.g. John Holmes) or peripherally dependent (on the U.S., e.g. Brian Bow and Patrick Lennox). More recently, some have invented a third perspective according to which Canada has emerged as a principle power in support of world order that is in line with Canadian values (e.g. Jennifer Welsh). Scholars interested in informal cultural relations and soft power, in turn, have stressed the disproportionate significance of these tools for both Canadian identity, informal relations, and diplomacy in the world. Course Structure: This course is designed to introduce students to the history of Canada’s role in the world since World War Two and ask: how do we best define Canada’s genesis in the international arena when considering a multitude of actors that are not merely state-appointed and political. To this end, we shall look at both state and non-state relations but also Canada’s development as an international actor in the post-World War II period. Topics hence include Canadian foreign policy, continental diplomacy, identity politics and cultural diplomacy, soft power, Canadian transnationalism as well as environmental history and the nation’s role as a post-imperial actor. Activities: In addition to reading and discussing a series of text, the course will feature two excursion, one real, one virtual: First, we will convene, via skype, with a seminar taught at Carleton University on the history of Canada. Second, we plan on visiting the Canadian Embassy to discuss current Canadian foreign policy with a member of the embassy and, also, visit the Marshall McLuhan room for future research. Literature: Azzi, Stephen. Reconcilable Differences: A History of Canada-US Relations. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press, 2015; Hillmer, Norman and J.L. Granatstein, Empire to Umpire: Canada and the World into the Twenty-First Century. Toronto: Thomson Nelson, 2008. To keep in mind for future research: McGill-Queen’s University Press’s upcoming series “Rethinking Canada in the World” will begin publishing this year but no series is as yet available. Requirements: team leadership, research and discussion of a primary source (visual, text, sound); active class participation, preparation of reading & one question (in writing) per week to be posted on Blackboard. No more than two no-shows. Note: This is an offline- course; turn off your cell phones and internet connections. close