Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HIST 468W D100

Problems in the History of Religion (4)

Indigenous Encounters with Christianity

Class Number: 6796

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including nine units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced examination into the concepts and methodology of the history of religion. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 468W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar investigates the diverse forms of religious interaction and change experienced by the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas following their encounters with Catholic and Protestant Christianities under European colonization. Ours is an open-ended exercise in anthropological history, with an aim of understanding the interactive emergence and mobility of religion and culture. The points of view and actions of Indigenous Peoples as receivers, users and re-makers of local Christianities, and as purveyors and promoters of would-be universal brands of Christianity, will hold our interest. Our readings will range widely across North and South America from the sixteenth to twentieth centuries, and at times stray beyond in search of comparative insights. Along the way, we will also discuss a selection of methods and “thinking tools” employed by historians in the study of the past. This is a W course and so can be taken to help fulfill WQB requirements.

Grading

  • Seminar Attendance & Participation 25%
  • Introduction of Weekly Reading 5%
  • Minor Assignments (posting discussion questions, in-class writing) 25%
  • Prospectus 5%
  • Final Paper 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All course readings will be available either through SFU Library or posted on 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.