History of American Childhood

Catalog description

This course surveys the wide range of historical literature on children and youth in American culture, and considers evolving notions of childhood from America’s colonial period to the present. This is a seminar-style, discussion-oriented course, complemented with lectures, films and students’ research presentations. Readings will include historical monographs, autobiographies, and primary sources. Grading criteria will be based on students’ research and essay-writing, class participation, and a final exam. This course can be utilized toward fulfillment of an upper-division requirement for American history. Prerequisite: 3 hours of History or permission of instructor.