Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - HIST 435 D100

History of Vancouver (4)

Class Number: 3926

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including nine units of lower division history, or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the centuries of Indigenous presence, settler colonialism, and international migration that have shaped Vancouver and its region. Discusses the social, cultural, political, environmental, and urban development of the region over time, including the factors that make Vancouver a diverse and contested metropolis today. Students with credit for HIST 486 under the title "History of Vancouver" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Join us for an exciting course of walking tours and discussions on the history of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland!

Often described as a young, dynamic, and forward-looking city, Vancouver is sometimes thought of as a place without a history. Walking around the glass towers of downtown, you might be forgiven for taking this view…  Yet the city and region are the products of centuries of Indigenous presence, of settler colonialism, and of diverse international migration.  This seminar will explore how these processes developed, and how they continue to shape the social, cultural, political, and physical contexts we live in today. Though Vancouver is frequently praised as a highly liveable city, we will discuss the encounters that have made it into a diverse and contested metropolis, and the numerous challenges and inequalities that have long underlain its idyllic image.   

This course will be taught at SFU’s Harbour Centre Campus. We will take regular walks in various parts of the city, exploring the layers of history visible in its streets, architecture, landscape, and layout.  On occasion we will meet away from the classroom and notification will be provided in advance.  If you anticipate any mobility concerns, please contact me as soon as possible.

Grading

  • Seminar participation 20%
  • Monument presentation 5%
  • Research proposal 15%
  • Research paper 40%
  • Digital history project 20%

NOTES:

NB This is a preliminary outline.  Course and grading structure are subject to change.  A complete syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course readings will be made available via 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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Learn more about studying History at SFU:

History areas of study


Why study History?

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.