Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HIST 206 D100

Imperial Japan (ca. 1868-1952) (3)

Class Number: 2815

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of Japanese history from 1868 until 1952 which will examine, among other topics, the evolution of its colonial empire and wars with Russia, China and the United States, as well as the post-war Allied Occupation. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Japanese history between 1868 and 1952 goes far beyond the Japanese archipelago to include Hokkaido, Okinawa, Taiwan, Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia. This course will explore the experiences of people who lived throughout the empire by looking at culture, family, politics, war, work, and more. Each week we will dive into historical debates that seek to explain how and why Japan and its empire changed over time.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should have (1) gained an appreciation of the global and transnational nature of Japan’s experience as a victim and perpetrator of imperialism; (2) improved their ability to interpret contentious historical debates and moments by constructing arguments based on evidence; (3) become familiar with how historians practice their craft by reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources.

Grading

  • Tutorial attendance and engagement 25%
  • Quizzes. Two unannounced 15-minute quizzes during lecture or tutorial, each worth 9%. Format: short essay (approximately one handwritten page) in which you show that you completed and thought carefully about the weekly readings. 18%
  • Midterm oral exam (book conversation). Twenty-minute one-on-one meeting with the instructor or TA in which you will discuss a book, showing that you read and thought about the book while linking it to course content. 22%
  • Final exam. Cumulative blue-book exam featuring primary source analysis and essay questions. 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Christopher S. Goto-Jones, Modern Japan: A Very Short Introduction, 1st ed. (Oxford University Press, 2009).

Other readings will be announced at the beginning of the term and will be available online.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

Learn more about studing 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.