Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - HIST 472W D100

Problems in World History (4)

Writing Jesus

Class Number: 3282

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including nine units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced examination into the concepts and methodology of world history. Selected themes may include globalization, modernization, migration, religious expansion, colonialism, imperialism, and the teaching of world history. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 472W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

God to Christians, prophet to Muslims, Jesus is arguably the most influential person in world history.  The long fifteenth century (1380-1520) was a turning point in the history of his influence:  Johannes Gutenberg printed the first Bibles, Renaissance painters depicted him in three dimensions, Sultan Mehmed II used a fragment of Jesus's tunic to conquer Constantinople, a dynasty named after him ruled China, and Christ-opher (literally "Christ-bearing") Columbus brought the symbol of the cross to the Americas.

Over the past two decades I've been working on a book about how the long fifteenth century  understood Jesus, and how Jesus influenced the development of ethics, history-writing, law, art, music, inter-cultural relations, breathing, sex, and bowling.  Draft 3.0 is now ready to be shared.  This seminar invites you to kick the manuscript's tires, root around through its trunk, re-paint it, and drive it to unforeseen places.  We'll slowly read the manuscript over the semester, and you'll design and complete mini-projects that either do further research on fifteenth-century Jesus or improve (edit, illustrate, test pilot, criticize, market) my manuscript.  Students will have early access to the new SFU Library database of thousands of Jesus images, as a possible resource.

As this course is unlikely to be offered again, keen students who do not meet the prerequisites may apply for special permission to enroll.  No textbook; readings will be circulated via Canvas.

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. No exams will be conducted in-person.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu. ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Grading

  • seminar attendance and participation 20%
  • three mini-projects (4-to-7-page papers, or equivalent) 45%
  • three 1-page prospectuses for the mini-projects 20%
  • three referats (project presentations) 15%

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.