Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HIST 215 D100

The Making of the British Isles (3)

Class Number: 3407

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A broad survey of some of the central developments that have shaped the history of the British Isles from Roman antiquity to the present. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This introductory course is designed to provide students with a broad survey of some of the central developments that have shaped the history of the British Isles from Roman Britain to the early decades of the twenty-first century. Anglocentric and thematic, this course provides a foundation for the more specialised offerings in English, and Irish history offered at the 300 and 400 levels. This course is a requirement for the concentration in British and Irish history.

Grading

  • Tutorial work 20%
  • Two short essays 30%
  • Final examination 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

John Keegan, The Face of Battle (Penguin, 1976, any edition)

Robert Tombs, The English and their History (Vintage, 2016)

All other readings and documents available through Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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.