Choose one theme from conceptualizations of childhood (e.g. Nature/Nurture) and one factor
from how childhood is experienced (material wealth/poverty) that you will trace through each
of the main topics we have explored in the course. Consider how your topic and theme relate to
one or more of the larger course themes: sex, religion, and politics.
Your paper should address each of the following sub-topics:
1. Western conceptualizations of childhood and changes over time;
2. Indigenous conceptualizations of childhood and impacts of colonial assault;
3. Non-western conceptualizations of childhood and changes over time;
4. The rise of schooling and its impacts on childhood;
5. Your own experiences of childhood compared to Western, Non-western, and Indigenous
conceptualizations.
This is your opportunity to explain how you understand these ideas in different
social/cultural/material contexts, including your own childhood.