Teaching

What do Asian Canadian histories have to do with the present? What good can historical knowledge, understanding, and thinking do now? Driven by these questions, ACAM 300 is an Asian Canadian history course for our times. We will explore how Asian Canadian histories are portrayed and used in a range of contexts today – from scholarship and textbooks to political apologies and media coverage, from films and museum exhibits to community festivals and family stories. We will consider what role these diverse historical representations play in the present. And we will develop our own ideas about what other histories need to be told about people of Asian descent in northern North America, and explore how and why we might do so.

Overall, you can expect to learn about some important topics in Asian Canadian history; understand why these histories – and how they are told – matter today; build skills related to ethical community-engaged and community-centered historical work; and, in the process, contribute to histories that can make a difference in our times.

Why do people matter in Canadian history? Whether famous or not, what can their lives and stories tell us about this place, past and present? How can we learn about them, and what difference can we make – what can we actually do – by telling their histories? These questions propel HIST 329, which explores the lives and significance of diverse people who have both shaped and been shaped by post-Confederation Canada (ca. 1867 to the present). From hockey stars and queer activists to schoolchildren and brothel-keepers, people have been at the heart of this place and its history in a range of ways. We will examine the actions through which they made and changed Canada. We will engage with the stories of their lives, which illuminate new perspectives and challenge common narratives. We will explore the intriguing sources they left behind and consider the questions they spark. Along the way, we will reflect on why these histories matter, what other people’s stories would be important to tell too, and how we could or would want to do so. The course also places an emphasis on real-world applications of course learning, including by exploring how academic research and ideas can be made more accessible and meaningful beyond the university, from podcasting and graphic histories to Social Studies classrooms and beyond.

Overall, you can expect to learn about a diverse range of people and why they matter in Canadian history, as well as building experiences, skills, and expertise to take with you into the future, whatever that entails for you. No pre-requisites or co-requisites. No prior knowledge or background in Canadian history required.

HIST courses are in the Humanities and Creative Arts breadth area. Learn more about the new Ways of Knowing breadth requirements for students entering the BA degree program in 2024-25. 

HIST 329 is a multi-access course. It is possible to complete the course in person, online synchronous, online asynchronous, or through a combination of these options.