Canada is the United States’ most important trading partner. Despite the close and growing partnership between the two countries, Canada remains fundamentally different from the United States in terms of culture, society, and politics. Many of its political, social, and economic values and institutions reflect those of European countries and stand in contrast to those of the United States. Thus, the study of Canada enables students to gain a greater appreciation of the United States’ largest neighbor and exposes them to values and institutions widely shared among developed countries other than the United States.

The Canadian studies program is designed to develop in students an understanding of the history, society, political institutions, economy, and culture of Canada. The Canadian Studies curriculum places particular emphasis on examining the differences and similarities between Canada and the United States; Canadian-American relations; and the often conflict-ridden relationship between the largely French-speaking province of Quebec and the largely English-speaking rest of the country.

Students trained in Canadian Studies will be able to speak, write, and do research on issues related to Canada. In addition, they will possess knowledge and skills to enable them to function well in an environment requiring international awareness and understanding of cross-cultural exchange.

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Departmental Highlights

The Centre for Canadian Studies offers various professional experiences for students. These include editing the biannual Canadian Studies newsletter; writing articles for the biannual Canadian Studies newsletter; taking photos for the biannual Canadian Studies newsletter; drafting lists of Canadiana – both books and audio-visual materials – for purchase for Hamilton Library; and assisting with the organization of the annual Indiana Canadian Studies Roundtable. All these work experiences are compensated.

Franklin College’s Canadian Studies Program regularly hosts Canadian academics, artists, and political activists as well as non-Canadian experts on Canada and Canadian-American relations. Visitors play an integral role in enriching the college’s and the larger community’s understanding and awareness of Canada and Canadian-American relations. By far the most important type of outreach activity is our annual Indiana Canadian Studies Roundtable in late April or early May of each year.

Special Programs

International Studies

Franklin College’s Centre for Canadian Studies works closely with Franklin College’s Directorate for International Studies. The directorate is an interdisciplinary faculty group that oversees the fostering of internationalization on the Franklin College campus and in the curriculum.

Canadian Studies Roundtable

Each year Franklin College’s Centre for Canadian Studies hosts the Indiana Canadian Studies Roundtable. The Roundtable brings together students and faculty from the college as well as high school teachers, university professors, business persons, artists, activists, and members of the general public to exchange on Canada-related issues. Attendees come from all parts of Indiana as well as neighboring states and various Canadian Provinces. In the recent past, Roundtable themes have included:

• “Canada and the United States: Points of Convergence, Points of Divergence”
• “Arts and Culture in Canada”
• “Retention of Cultural Identity in the Context of Quebec, Canada, and North America”
• “Unity and Diversity in Canadian Society, Politics, and Culture”
• “Canadian Storytelling”