Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HIST 243 D100

A Brief History of Modern India - from British Colony to Independent Republic (3)

Class Number: 2823

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

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

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of South Asian history designed to equip those students completely unfamiliar with the region, with a foundation in the political, social and cultural contours of South Asia from 1757 to 1947. Students who have previously taken HIST 243 STT may not take HIST 243 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is intended to be a basic survey of South Asian history designed to equip undergraduates with a foundation in the political, social and cultural history of South Asia from 1757 to 1947. This course is inspired by the popular Indian Administrative Services programme for Indian History (one of the most respected civil services in the world) which successfully transforms subject-area novices into well-rounded scholars through the study of a broad, generalist curriculum. The intended educational goals of this fast-paced course are simple – we aim to provide first-time students with a basic grasp of the history of one of the most complex and exciting parts of the world. We expect to move from a position of total unfamiliarity to a level of solid scholarly appreciation of the major historical events, themes and debates in modern South Asian history in one semester. This course’s survey approach and its wide range of themes will equip the dedicated student not only with academic knowledge but also writing, communication, analysis and critical skills.

Some of the main topics to be covered in this course are:

· Establishment of British rule in India

· Early resistance to colonial rule

· Socio-cultural impact of colonial rule

· Women as a focus, and as agents of social reform

· Early Indian Nationalism, including ‘tribal’ insurrections

· Nationalism under Gandhi's leadership

· The path to Independence, including the Partition of India and creation of Pakistan

Grading

  • Class Participation 20%
  • Reaction Paper 15%
  • Academic Journal 20%
  • Primary Source Analysis 20%
  • Final Project (Take-home) 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Bose and Jalal, Modern South Asia (Recommended: free e-book )

Thomas Metcalf, A Concise History of India (Required : free e-book)

Thomas Metcalfe , Ideologies of the Raj (Recommended)


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.