Introduction to Canadian Studies from Nordic and Baltic perspectives

Canada is a country marked by strong cultural contrasts and a multifaceted identity. This course offers an introduction to Canadian Studies, examining how issues such as bilingualism, multiculturalism, immigration, the situation of Indigenous peoples, and regional differences—particularly the role of Québec—have shaped the nation. Through comparative perspectives, you will gain tools to analyze Canada’s history, culture, and society in a global context.

En silhuett av skulpturen "Monument to Multiculturalism" av Francesco Perilli, med en gyllene skyskrapa och blå himmel med moln i bakgrunden.

This monument, a tribute to multiculturalism, was presented to the city of Toronto on the occasion of its sesquicentennial by the national congress of Italian Canadians on behalf of the Italian Canadian Community. Bild: Shaun Merritt, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The course is delivered online and structured around seminars where active participation is key. Before each seminar, you will read texts or engage with assigned material, which will then form the basis for group discussions. These discussions will help you strengthen your ability to analyze and reflect on various aspects of Canadian society. Assessment is through an oral presentation in English.

The course is online and organized around seminars where active participation is essential. Before each seminar, you will read texts or watch assigned material, which will then be discussed in the group. Through these discussions, you will develop your ability to analyze and reflect on different aspects of Canadian society. The course is examined through an oral presentation in English.

Teaching Format

Teaching is conducted through online seminars in English, where you will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and practice both critical thinking and source analysis.

Assessment

An oral examination (online).

Examiner

Christophe Premat.

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.

For a more in-depth presentation of the content of a lesson, see:
Introduction to Canadian studies from Nordic and Baltic perspectives