Posted: April 2nd, 2015

History

History

A study hint:  I would encourage you to construct outlines for each of the essays below that include a detailed thesis (a specific response to each of the questions) and specific evidence that you will use to back up your argument(s).   All of the essay questions require you to consider:  “What is the nature of Canada?”  Come to the exam having already practiced a well-thought-out thesis (not only what you are going to argue but how you will argue it) and having a rough outline, it will bring coherence to your thoughts for each question.  You would also do well to make specific references to historical events, places and people throughout the essay as a way of providing evidence for your arguments.  You should use the lectures, GCM websites, videos, discussions, and the textbook as sources of information.  Remember that you are not restricted to material covered after the mid-term (indeed, I am looking to see how you bring pre-World War One ideas and themes into the essay).   Finally, you have a chance to wax philosophical in your conclusion so do take the opportunity to state some of your poignant observations making sure that they follow from the rest of the discussion in your essay.  Because you have the questions ahead of time, it is my expectation that you will come to the exam PREPARED to give a fairly sophisticated and nuanced answer to each question.  READ THE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY!  Please remember to use specific examples from post-Confederation Canada to back up your assumptions!  And, above all, have some fun with it.  An important point to remember:  I am not looking to trick you or to find out what you don’t know.  I am interested in understanding what you have learned about Canada’s history after Confederation.

The instructions that appear on the exam are as follows:
In ESSAY format answer the question below.  Remember, a good essay should have a well-constructed thesis, arguments supported by evidence, some counter-arguments (if applicable to the question) and a thoughtful conclusion.

1.  It has often been claimed that Canada is a country without an established, independent character.  Do you agree or disagree?  If you agree, define a “positive” identity for Canada using Canadian historical developments.  If you disagree make clear how Canada’s dependence on other nations has compromised its identity since 1867.  Conclude by discussing Canada’s future options regarding its relations within and outside of North America.

One of the essay questions below will appear on the exam.  One essay = 50 marks.

History

A study hint:  I would encourage you to construct outlines for each of the essays below that include a detailed thesis (a specific response to each of the questions) and specific evidence that you will use to back up your argument(s).   All of the essay questions require you to consider:  “What is the nature of Canada?”  Come to the exam having already practiced a well-thought-out thesis (not only what you are going to argue but how you will argue it) and having a rough outline, it will bring coherence to your thoughts for each question.  You would also do well to make specific references to historical events, places and people throughout the essay as a way of providing evidence for your arguments.  You should use the lectures, GCM websites, videos, discussions, and the textbook as sources of information.  Remember that you are not restricted to material covered after the mid-term (indeed, I am looking to see how you bring pre-World War One ideas and themes into the essay).   Finally, you have a chance to wax philosophical in your conclusion so do take the opportunity to state some of your poignant observations making sure that they follow from the rest of the discussion in your essay.  Because you have the questions ahead of time, it is my expectation that you will come to the exam PREPARED to give a fairly sophisticated and nuanced answer to each question.  READ THE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY!  Please remember to use specific examples from post-Confederation Canada to back up your assumptions!  And, above all, have some fun with it.  An important point to remember:  I am not looking to trick you or to find out what you don’t know.  I am interested in understanding what you have learned about Canada’s history after Confederation.

The instructions that appear on the exam are as follows:
In ESSAY format answer the question below.  Remember, a good essay should have a well-constructed thesis, arguments supported by evidence, some counter-arguments (if applicable to the question) and a thoughtful conclusion.

1.  It has often been claimed that Canada is a country without an established, independent character.  Do you agree or disagree?  If you agree, define a “positive” identity for Canada using Canadian historical developments.  If you disagree make clear how Canada’s dependence on other nations has compromised its identity since 1867.  Conclude by discussing Canada’s future options regarding its relations within and outside of North America.

One of the essay questions below will appear on the exam.  One essay = 50 marks.