The course examines how Canadians have perceived both their impact on the “natural” environment and the environment’s impact on them, from the pre-Contact period to the present. At the same time, by studying the interplay between various historical actors-evolving ideas, settlement patterns, resource use, political factors, social change and ecology – the course aims to introduce students to the complex nature of the country’s environmental issues. Particular emphasis will be placed on examining conservation in specific locations and historical settings. Although the course will acknowledge the important role of international influences, the primary focus will be on how those ideas and approaches have been applied in Canada. (lec 2, tut 1) cr 3. Students may not retain credit for both HIST 3296 and HIST 3356.
