Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - IS 419 D100

Special Topics II (4)

Decolonization & Its Discontents

Class Number: 5272

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores significant issues and debates in the history of decolonization, primarily focusing on Asia and Africa. Rather than following the conventional approach of examining anticolonial movements, the course takes a thematic perspective, concentrating on the enduring ideas and institutions of colonial rule that persist into the contemporary era.

 

The revolutionaries, idealists, and political leaders who spearheaded anticolonial movements did not possess a clear vision of what the post-colonial future would entail. As Gary Wilder, whose work we will study in this course, notes, not all anticolonial leaders aimed for national independence as their ultimate goal in the pursuit of freedom. In fact, the concepts of freedom and their manifestation in the postcolonial world often conflicted with the institutional legacies left by colonialism.

 

How, then, can we understand decolonization? This course seeks to address this question by framing decolonization not as a linear movement but as an ongoing process. Once colonized peoples around the world continue to explore the various meanings of freedom.

 

The course will be conducted as a seminar and will involve a significant amount of reading. Therefore, it is crucial that you complete your readings before each class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

  • Analyse the enduring ideas and institutions of colonialism, examining how they continue to influence contemporary societies and political landscapes in Asia and Africa.
  • compare the motivations and goals of anticolonial leaders, recognizing the diverse visions for freedom and independence that emerged in different contexts.
  • Apply critical thinking to engage with primary and secondary sources.
  • Use in-class exercises and collaborative discussions students will learn how to communicate their ideas effectively and generate predictions of how particular anticolonial ideologies may have played out when implemented.
Compose a well-researched academic essay that synthesizes information and supports a clear thesis.

Grading

  • Class Participation (with asynchronous options) 20%
  • In-class presentation and 1 page write-up 20%
  • Discussion about research essay with instructor 5%
  • Essay (annotated bibliography and Vlog) 20%
  • Final Research Essay 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no textbook for this course. All course materials will be provided to you over Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.