Method of Delivery
Hybrid (one 70 min. in-person lecture and one 70-min. online class discussion).
Synopsis
Do children and youth have their own history? This course will examine the social histories of childhood, youth and adolescence in Canada and how their historical experiences vary as a function of culture, class, race and ethnicity, gender and generation. Questions explored may include: Is the crisis of adolescence an invented idea (late-1800s in historical context)? Special emphasis will be placed on how theories of adolescent development serve as wedges to pry open families, schools, courts and consumer culture? How have experts constructed institutions such as the high school, the juvenile justice system, paid work, the media and moral panics, and socio-medical research to ‘normalize’ and regulate childhood and youth? Modern theories and case studies will be selected to show generations in political, community and domestic consensus and conflict. This interdisciplinary course draws upon anthropology, sociology, psychology cultural studies, art, music, literature, and international research.
Learning Outcomes
- demonstrate comprehension of evidence-based scholarship based on online discussion, written activities, and individual research.
- read, view and analyze journal articles, historical documents, films and documentaries that explore the contribution children and youth have made and continue to make in Canadian culture. Students will write scholarly research papers on this material
- analyze critical issues facing youth today through an historical lens. On going aged-based discriminatory practices against youth in everyday life will be identified from an historical and Human Right’s perspective.
- develop an understanding of children's rights.
- develop skills related to the wider principles of academic integrity and leadership. Students will develop respect for the point of view of peers and effective interaction with the instructor. They will learn that the practice of history is bound by methods and approaches that model best practices in reading, writing and reasoning
Assessment Details
- On-Line CourseLink Discussion - (20%)
- Midterm #1 - (25%)
- Midterm #2 - (20%)
- Research Essay - (35%)
*Please note: This is a preliminary website description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.
