CDST 350 (Canadian Studies)
Students have the choice between two courses: one taught in English, one taught in French.
CDST 350A-001, cross-listed with FREN 330-101 (Selected Works of Quebecois Literature).
An examination of political, cultural and national developments within the British North American colonies in the second half of the nineteenth century. 3 credits
Term 1, Tue-Thu 15:30-17:00 Prof. Bradley Miller
CDST 450 (Senior seminar in Canadian studies) How Should We Read These?: Indigenous Oratures/Literatures in Northern North America
Margery Fee, McLean Chair in Canadian Studies, Winter (2015-16) Term 2, Thursday 10:00 BUTO 1207
* Please note: This graduating seminar for Canadian Studies Majors qualifies as equivalent to English 490 for English Majors and also qualifies for First Nations and Indigenous Studies credit. Some general seats are available for senior students in other Majors. In 2015W, the seminar will be taught by Professor Margery Fee, the David and Brenda McLean Chair in Canadian Studies.
How Should We Read These?: Indigenous Oratures/Literatures
As Daniel Coleman outlines in his White Civility: The Literary Project of English Canada (2008), literature and literary criticism are implicated in the colonization of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The myth of a benevolent and civilizing colonizer has been resisted by many Indigenous speakers and writers. Although the ability to read and write in English was seen as a marker of assimilation, literate Indigenous people did not “convert” to mainstream notions of Canadianness (even when they converted to Christianity), but used their skills to struggle against colonization. No easy standpoint exists from which to view the history of colonization in Canada, but a respectful reading of Indigenous responses (whether transcribed orature or original writing) makes it possible to see the outlines of the different worldviews at play. Indigenous people resisted the notion that in order to live in Canada (where they had lived since time immemorial), they had to abandon their cultures. The course will provide an overview of Indigenous perspectives on orality and literacy in contrast to mainstream ideologies. We will also compare traditional storytelling with storytelling in contemporary new media.
Primary coursework will consist of a seminar paper (750 words), a short research report (750 words), and a longer research paper (3000-5000 words). Seminars require regular attendance and participation.
Proposed reading (subject to revision):
- Henry Wellington Tate (Tsimshian; ca. 1860-1914) The Porcupine Hunter and Other Stories (text online at UBC Library)
- Thomas King (Cherokee; 1943-) The Truth about Stories (text online at UBC Library)
- Eden Robinson (Heiltsuk/Haisla; 1968-) The Sasquatch at Home
- George Clutesi (Tseshaht; 1905-1988) Son of Raven, Son of Deer
- E. Richard Atleo (Umeek) Tsawalk: A Nuu-chah-nulth Worldview (text online at UBC Library)
- E. Pauline Johnson/Tekahionwake (1861-1913) collection of her Indigenous-themed writing
- Thomas King, The Back of the Turtle
- Course package or online readings TBA
