History 4297G: The Rebellions in the Canadas 1837-38

Course Description

     Beginning in the fall of 1837 and continuing through 1838 with implications not only for Canada’s colonial experience but contributing to the definition of the country’s nationhood, the Rebellions were a significant social, economic and political upheaval—and one that was accompanied by extreme violence in both Upper and Lower Canada. 

     This course examines the background, conduct and implications of these events and strives to place them in their neglected international context.
 The course will be conducted in the form of a workshop with instructor and students both participating. The amount of student involvement will, of course, depend on the number of students who choose to take the course. The following outline is based on twelve students but can easily be modified.

     Each session will comprise a lecture component given by the instructor followed by one or two special focus reports presented by students, all to be followed by questions and discussions. Assigned readings for all should make the discussions informative.

     There will be no midterm examination in this course but there will be a final exam. Reports will be assessed by the instructor and a written essay of a minimum of 2500 words will be due at the end of the course. The topic for this paper may be the same as one of the student’s reports--needless to say a superior performance will be expected in written work.

Required Texts

Class reports--40% 

Final Paper--40% 

Participation--20% 

Evaluation

     Unfortunately no single book remains in print that would be suitable for this course--at least in English as opposed to French. There are, however, two Canadian Historical Association booklets which provide rudimentary coverage and they will be assigned; Jean-Paul Bernard, The Rebellions of 1837 and 1838 in Lower Canada (CHA booklet #55) and Colin Read, The Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada (CHA booklet #48). Weekly readings will be placed on reserve in Weldon Library, however, as per the following outline. Please note that plentiful readings are available and while not included in this tentative outline would comprise a minimum of two per topic and would include interpretative articles and primary documents of the period.

 

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General Information