The main objective of the class is to help students be able to place – and critically analyze – current political discussions and events within their historical context. From the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement to that of the “alt-right” in the United States, and extending to recent debates over residential schools and reparations in Canada, the MAGA movement and Trump’s uses of history, navigating North American politics and societies in the 21st century demands strong historical knowledge.
Students attending this class will explore a variety of themes tackling key issues in North American political and social history, including the transformation of political parties and cultures, the reconfigurations of state power, and the construction and persistence of racial, socio-economic and gender inequalities. This thematic course will attempt to offer a comparative analysis of the United States and Canada.
Classes will be based on lectures in which students will be encouraged to participate by commenting on archival texts and videos. Classes will end with student presentations on the required readings. Lectures will be conducted in French or English. Student presentations and class discussions can be conducted in either French or English.
- Enseignant éditeur: Maheo Olivier
