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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

HIST 1221: Post-Confederation Canadian History

Students are provided a general chronological overview of Canadian history since 1867, concentrating on the main lines of political, social, and economic development. Students analyze important and controversial issues and events, such as the Riel Rebellion, the economic policies initiated by the Macdonald government, Canada’s shift from a rural to an urban society, the effects of the two World Wars on Canada, the Great Depression, the social problems created by rapid industrialization, relations between English and French Canadians, and provincial demands for autonomy.

Learning outcomes

  • Trace and analyze the political history of Canada since 1867.
  • Explain the economic and social transformation of post-Confederation Canada and its effects on various social groups and classes.
  • Trace Canada's changing relationships with Britain and the United States since Confederation.
  • Describe the political, economic, and social impact of two world wars on Canada.
  • Analyze the transformation of modern Quebec and the implications for Canada as a whole.
  • Evaluate the impact of regionalism on Canada's development.
  • Assess the significance of immigration and settlement for Canada since 1867.
  • Analyze the history of women and labour in post-Confederation Canada.
  • Trace and analyze the status of Aboriginal Canadians since Confederation.
  • Describe the cultural development of modern Canada.

Course topics

Unit 1: Pre- to Post-Confederation

Unit 2: Birthing Pains--Confederation's Early Conflicts

Unit 3: Economic and Social Transformation to 1914

Unit 4: Victorian and Edwardian Politics

Unit 5: Immigrant Nation

Unit 6: Canada at War

Unit 7: Reform and Reaction

Unit 8: 20th Century Economy

Unit 9: Cold War Canada

Unit 10: Modernity

Unit 11: Aboriginal People and Politics

Unit 12: After the Cold War

Required text and materials

The following Open Education Resources (OER) textbook is required for this course:

Belshaw, John Douglas. Canadian History: Post-Confederation. Vancouver: BCcampus, 2016.
Type: https://opentextbc.ca/postconfederation/

The textbook for this course is offered for free online at the BCcampus website. You can read it in your Internet browser window, or download it in a number of e-book file formats.

If you prefer a print version of the textbook, you may print the readings on your own computer or purchase a printed copy of the textbook from BCcampus at this link.

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.

Assignment 1: Reading Notes 15%
Assignment 2: Essay 20%
Assignment 3: Historical Evidence 10%
Assignment 4: Major Essay 25%
Final Exam (mandatory) 30%
Total 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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