History of Ethnicity in Quebec

History of Ethnicity in Quebec QCST 440 Thursdays 10:00 to 13:00 hours in Ferrier 230 Professor : Dr Mary-Anne Poutanen

Description of the Course

In light of the recent public debates on reasonable accommodation and the Bouchard- Taylor Commission, this seminar focuses on the history of ethnicity in Quebec from before the arrival of European explorers to contemporary society. It considers recent approaches to the study of ethnicity and asks what was the multiethnic character of Quebec? In deconstructing the changing discourses around nationalism who was a Quebecois(e)? How did various groups form distinct societies, interact with one another, earn their living, and respond to various political regimes? Citizenship is another related theme that will inform class discussions. But who could access citizenship, what were the responsibilities of citizenship, how was it contested and denied, and how did access and responsibilities change over time? What role has antisemitism, racism, and intolerance played in this history? By considering these questions, the lives of men, women, and children of different class, ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, who inhabited all of Quebec, are central. An ability to read French is a course requirement.