Spring 2021 - HIST 472W D100
Problems in World History (4)
Class Number: 7883
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 22, 2021
Thu, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Samuel Bass
sbass@sfu.ca
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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:
Religion, Rebellion, Resistance in China
COURSE SUMMARY
Religion has played a central role in the organization of resistance, rebellion, and revolution in Chinese history. The last century of the Qing empire witnessed successive challenges from religiously motivated groups including Chinese Muslims and (quasi-)Christian Taipings. At the turn of the twentieth century, a secret society rooted in Chinese popular religion and martial arts organized an anti-imperial, anti-foreign, anti-Christian uprising which became known as the Boxer Rebellion. Focusing on the Boxer Rebellion, we will consider multiple perspectives in the primary source record and the different interpretations given to these events after the fact. You will produce a unique piece of writing based on sources of the history of the Boxer Rebellion which we will workshop in class so you have a chance to revise. In the last weeks of the class we will consider the legacy of religious rebellion and resistance in modern China. Throughout the semester we will ask: Have historians underestimated the role of religion in revolution and resistance in East Asia? Is religion just a pretense to organize people around ethnic, economic, or other concerns? How have modernization and secularization changed the role of religion as a social force in East Asia? Just what do we mean when we say “religion” in China? No knowledge of a language other than English is required for this course.
Grading
- Annotations: 30%
- Quiz: 15%
- Presentation: 10%
- Research Paper (multi-part): 45%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
REMOTE LEARNING AND COURSE MATERIALS
This class is conducted remotely on Zoom. 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. This course will be conducted synchronously (online lecture, discussion, presentation) with asynchronous elements (annotating texts, watching films, researching, writing). All readings are available via the SFU library or provided on Canvas by the instructor. Office hours are after class or by appointment.
REQUIRED READING:
All readings are available via the SFU library or provided on Canvas by the instructor.
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).