FREN3609 — FRS: French Voyageurs
This course presents the history of French exploration in North America, from the arrival of Jacques Cartier in 1534, through today. You will study the first meeting of Cartier's crew with the Innu, the French and Indian War (The Seven Years War) of the 18th century, which resulted in the transfer of territory from France to England, the exploration and fur trading of the Voyageurs throughout the Great Lakes region, and contemporary political questions. The class will emphasize how French explorers met, betrayed, traded with, hired, and married into the First Nations and Native American nations they encountered, as well as the importance of the Hudson Bay Company, and the complicated battles over language and identity in Canada. Taught in English, but reading and writing will be in French.