This course examines selected topics in Canadian social history from the early eighteenth century to the late twentieth century. Students will have an opportunity to study various significant topics where there is a strong secondary literature. The topics are organized chronologically, and an effort will be made to appreciate the significance of social transformations over time. We will focus on the changing approaches and methodologies of historians during the past 30 years. Ultimately, students should gain a better understanding of both Canada's social history and the writing of social history by Canadianists. Likely topics include: the rise of institutions, aboriginal peoples and acculturation in the prairie west; industrialization and the family; working-class cultures; spectacles and the new cultural history; gender and the reform movements; the rise of the welfare state; immigration; consumerism.