Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HIST 400 D100

Methodology (4)

Class Number: 2834

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Admission to the honours program in history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced seminar on historical methods. Focuses on the identification and analysis of sources in preparation for writing the honours essay.

COURSE DETAILS:

Our subject/themes Historians are researchers, readers & writers. We are also human beings with our own interests, beliefs, personal and scholarly life stories, and trajectories. In this required seminar for students pursuing an Honours degree, we will consider the variety of ways that historians pose research questions, track down, interpret, and respond to sources. We will also work on a set of practical skills to help you move towards the eventual completion of an Honours thesis in History.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Skills we’ll be working on in this course

· critical reading: exploring and responding to scholarly argument and interpretation

· research: working with a range of primary and secondary sources across different media

· writing: completing a series of assignments focused on historical methods and the subject/themes of your own research

· oral communication +: engaging in group discussion and presentations online and during class sessions

· online literacy: exploring and learning to use some of the different web/digital tools/resources available to historians

Grading

  • Seminar preparation and participation 15%
  • Write NOW assignments (completed in class) 35%
  • Afterthoughts 20%
  • Thesis Proposal (draft and final submission) 30%

NOTES:

This course is reserved for History Honours students.

*Assignments and grading may be adjusted before the term begins. Students who require accommodations related to a disability of any kind are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required course materials will be available electronically via the SFU Library website 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.