Visions: The Canadian History Modules Project, Editor’s Choice Pre-confederation

The Visions project creates discrete modules that tackle topics within Canadian history. These modules are designed to complement standard topics generally taught at the introductory level. Each module is built within a consistent framework, so instructors can select different sets of modules and create a seamless book for students, one that is customized to their particular way of teaching the course. This unique collection combines the best of both it offers instructors and students all the advantages of a course pack (flexibility, match to course topics, paying for exactly what you use) without the disadvantages (intensive work for instructors, high cost, choppy appearance, and most importantly minimal/no pedagogy). Each module consists of two to four primary source documents, one or two secondary readings, and one or two pieces of visual material (map, photographs, paintings, advertisements). These are tied together by a short contextual introduction which raises questions asking students to analyze the material both singly and as a group. There is also a short bibliography included in each module, giving students both e- and paper-based sources for further study.