Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - HIST 185 D200

Studies in History (3)

Settler Colonialism

Class Number: 5689

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 25, 2021
    Sun, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Special topics. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

The world today is profoundly shaped by histories of empire and colonial domination.  This course examines a common form that empire has taken: settler colonialism.  Settler colonialism is distinct from other modes of imperial invasion, occupation, and rule in that it operates by transplanting a society from elsewhere into a new place and by seeking to eliminate and replace Indigenous societies.  In this course we will take a comparative-historical approach to settler colonialism, exploring it in multiple contexts in order to see how it has worked and continues to work to structure social, political, and economic relations in various places.  However, we will not study colonial power as if it was an omnipotent force anywhere.  Instead, we will think comparatively about resistance to settler colonialism and about ongoing movements of decolonization. 

What to expect with remote instruction/learning:

  • There is a weekly synchronous component: a "Lecture Q & A and Course Concepts Workshop."  Like a tutorial, it is a space for live discussion that counts toward course participation. However, participation in the synchronous session is not the only way to earn participation credit in the course.  Discussion posts and replies to discussion threads on Canvas count the same as if they were contributed in the synchronous session.
  • The take-home, open-book Midterm and Final exams are short answer and essay.  The exam questions will be posted at least 10 days before the exam is due, and you can work at your own pace during the exam period.
  • Weekly lectures will be pre-recorded short lectures (around 50 minutes each week).  These are designed to introduce key concepts and to begin the discussion of the readings, sound and video clips that make up the week’s study materials.

Grading

  • • Midterm exam: 25%
  • • Final exam: 35%
  • • Book response paper on Saul Dubow's Apartheid, 1948-1994 [approx. 1,500 words]: 20%
  • • Participation: 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Saul Dubow, Apartheid, 1948-1994 (Oxford University Press, 2014)

J. Kēhaulani Kauanui, Speaking of Indigenous Politics: Conversations with Activists, Scholars, and Tribal Leaders (University of Minnesota Press, 2018)

Other readings will be distributed via CANVAS.


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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment 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. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

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).