Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - HIST 372 D100

City Life (4)

Class Number: 3901

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2025
    Sun, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history or enrollment in the Urban Studies Certificate program.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the experience of city life in various global settings with an emphasis on the social, cultural, and political development of urban environments.

COURSE DETAILS:

Urbanisation has played a key role in shaping modern society, culture and politics.  The aim of this course is to examine, from a historical and contemporary perspective, what it means to live in a city.  We will consider the how and why of urban growth and development, the social and cultural life of cities, and the way different groups sought to shape the city in their image, or to carve out spaces of resistance.  To get at these questions, we will analyse the economic impulses, migratory patterns, power dynamics of gender, class, and race, and environmental consequences underlying the formation of cities.  Our discussions will also focus on how people have conceptualised and thought about the cultural meaning of cities in different geographical and temporal settings.  We will also pay particular attention to the unique history of the city we live in, addressing issues specific to Vancouver and its region, both past and present.  

Please note that this is a preliminary outline.  Course content is subject to change and a definitive syllabus will be distributed at the start of the course. 

Grading

  • Discussion questions 5%
  • Presentation 5%
  • Class participation 10%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Public history project 25%
  • Paper 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Students will read scholarly articles examining the history of cities from a range of perspectives related to course themes. These will be made available online.


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.