Minor in Canadian-American Studies
Canada and the United States share a continent and are linked by deep economic ties, several common historical experiences, and many cultural similarities; they are also marked by real and important differences. The Canadian-American Studies minor provides an overview of Canada and Canada-U.S. relations so students may better understand the impact of these similarities and differences as well as how they affect key cultural, environmental, and economic issues in North America today and in the future.
Why Consider a Canadian-American Studies Minor?
The Canadian-American Studies minor combines well with other majors and minors to add depth and international expertise. Examples include combining Canadian-American Studies with: environmental science and policy, international business, geography, anthropology, political science, marketing, communications, journalism, history, and foreign languages. Western Washington University’s location and longstanding tradition of Canadian-American collaborations have fostered a program that draws upon leading expertise from researchers, policymakers, and issue advocates.
Minor Requirements
- 26 credits
- 3 core courses (14 credits) - C/AM 200, C/AM 277, C/AM 331 (or their cross-listed equivalents)
- A minimum of 12 additional credits from electives list (including at least 4 credits at 400 level)
Note: Some courses listed under specializations and electives have prerequisites which are not covered by the C/AM major’s Core. Students should consult closely with a faculty advisor when designing the plan of study.
Core credits
- C/AM 200 – Introduction to Canadian Studies
- C/AM 277 – Canada: A Historical Survey
or HIST 277 – Canada: A Historical Survey - C/AM 331 – Canada: Society and Environment
or ENVS 331 – Canada: Society and Environment
- A/HI 310 – Indigenous Arts of the Pacific Northwest
- ANTH 314 – Archaeology of North America
- ANTH 361 – American Indian Perspectives
- ANTH 411 – Archaeology of Northwestern North America
- ANTH 462 – Native Peoples of the Northwest
- ANTH 476 – Borderlands
- C/AM 300 – Directed Independent Study
- C/AM 302 Special Topics in Canadian-American Studies
- C/AM 325 – Quebec Politics and Quebec-US Relations
or PLSC 325 – Quebec Politics and Quebec-US Relations - C/AM 400 – Directed Independent Study
- C/AM 406 – Canadian Government and Politics
or PLSC 406 – Canadian Government and Politics - C/AM 410 – Study Canada Summer Institute
- C/AM 430 – Borderlands: Resource Management
or ENVS 430 – Borderlands: Resource Management - C/AM 441 – Society, Space, and Natural Resources
or ENVS 441 – Society, Space, and Natural Resources - C/AM 442 – Colonial Landscapes in the Pacific Northwest
or ENVS 444 – Colonial Landscapes in the Pacific Northwest - C/AM 444 – Canadian Studies Internship
- C/AM 489 – Managing An International Ecosystem
or PLSC 489 – Managing An International Ecosystem - ECON 361 – Introduction to International Economics and Business
- ECON 364 – Topics in Canadian Economic History
- ECON 365 – The Canadian Economy
- ECON 366 – Canadian Business Environment
- ENG 216 – American Literature
- ENG 235 – American Indian Literatures
- ENG 300 – Directed Independent Study (under advisement)
- ENG 334 – Literary and Creative Expression Across North America and Europe (under advisement)
- ENG 338 – Women and Literature in North America and Europe (under advisement)
- ENG 415 – Special Topics in National Literatures (under advisement)
- ENVS 332 – The Pacific Northwest: Society and Environment
- ENVS 431 – Pacific Rim: Environment, Economy and Sustainability
- ENVS 452 – International Environmental Policy
- ENVS 463 – Native American Planning and Natural Resources Policy
- ESCI 330 – Natural History of the Pacific Northwest
- ESCI 423 – Reconstructing Climate
- FREN 101 – Elementary French
- FREN 102 – Elementary French
- FREN 103 – Elementary French
- FREN 104 – Review of Elementary French
- FREN 201 – Intermediate French
- FREN 202 – Intermediate French
- FREN 203 – Intermediate French
- FREN 332 – Civilisation et Culture du Canada Francophone
- FREN 385 – Culture and Conversation (under advisement)
- HIST 278 – Multiculturalism in Canada
- HIST 379 – Canadian American Relations
- HIST 390 – Topics in History (under advisement)
- HIST 391 – History of the Pacific Northwest
- HIST 475 – Topics in American Indian History
- HIST 478 – History of Nationalism in French Canada
- HIST 490 – Advanced Topics in History (under advisement)
- HIST 499 – Historical Research (under advisement)
- PLSC 271 – Introduction to International Relations
- PLSC 291 – Introduction to Comparative Politics
- PLSC 301 – The British Parliamentary System
How to Declare
To declare the major or minor, contact the Center for Canadian-American Studies undergraduate advisor, Christina Keppie.
Advising Tips: A formal program of study is initially designed by the student in consultation with the Canadian-American Studies Department undergraduate advisor, Christina Keppie.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
Contact Information
Christina Keppie, Director, Center for Canadian-American Studies and Undergraduate Advisor
Professor of French and Linguistics
Office: Canada House 106
Email: keppiec@wwu.edu
Lisl Schroeder, Department Manager
Office: Canada House 102
Email: schroee2@wwu.edu