Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HIST 391 D100

Studies in History II (4)

Black Resistance in the Americas

Class Number: 3534

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Special topics.

COURSE DETAILS:

Black Resistance in the Americas

This course investigates how people of African descent have resisted enslavement, discrimination, marginalization, and racism in the Americas from the Transatlantic trade of Africans to the 20th century. It will historicize the struggle to end racial, economic, and cultural injustices through case studies and provide students with an understanding of how racial formation operates in different spaces. By focusing on critical moments in which Afro-descendants fought to secure their freedom and civil rights, students will understand how they shaped the history of the Americas and the historical roots of race relations. 

Grading

  • Midterm exam 25%
  • Final exam 35%
  • Participation 20%
  • Reading responses      20%

Materials

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.