Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HIST 391 D100

Studies in History II (4)

Graphic Histories

Class Number: 2833

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Special topics. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will explore graphic histories and comics as form of visual storytelling about the past. Examining a series of works engaged with different historical times and spaces, we will consider the relationship between text and image, author and/or illustrators and audiences, private and public narratives. Analyzing aesthetic choices and styles, interpretive and analytic approaches, political perspective and impact, we will explore what and how these stories contribute to our individual and collective understandings of key historical figures, events, processes, and legacies.

What you’ll be working on in this course

· becoming familiar with graphic history as an approach to historical research, interpretation, and representation

· exploring visual and narrative styles across a range of works by scholars, journalists, activists, and artists

· developing your writing skills via strategies such as free writing, co-writing, peer response, and revision

· engaging in group discussion and presentations online and in person

· exploring the possibilities of research-creation by developing a graphic historical project of your own with the support of the classroom community

Grading

  • Course preparation & participation 15%
  • Write NOW assignments (completed in class) 30%
  • Afterthoughts 20%
  • Graphic History Project 35%

NOTES:

This course counts towards the Group 4: Global Comparative requirement for History majors.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Joe Sacco, Palestine (1993)

Meg-Jon Barker, Queer: A History (2016)

David Lester, Marcus Rediker, Paul Buhle, Under the Banner of King Death (2023)

*The titles above have been ordered through the SFU Bookstore, and we will be working with hard copies of these texts in class. Additional required readings will be available electronically via the SFU Library or Canvas.


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.