Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HIST 404 D100

Problems in Early Modern English History (4)

Manuscript and Print

Class Number: 3809

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 315.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines select problems in the social, cultural, and political history of early modern England. Content may vary from offering to offering: see course outline for further information. HIST 404 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a fourth year research seminar in which our weekly meetings will consist of close analysis of early modern printed texts in Special Collections and instruction in palaeography.  Our subject is the changing material culture of manuscript and printed texts in early modern English society.  Seminar members will have two options for their written work and assessment.  For those choosing to focus on printed texts, research papers will be based on a text (or part of a text) from Special Collections. Those choosing the palaeographical option will be expected to demonstrate a basic mastery of palaeography (primarily English Secretary hand).

Expectations and Requirements
There are two streams for this research seminar and two separate grading schemes.  The first stream, which is the default stream, is to work with a printed text and write a research paper.  There is a second stream is for those who wish to work primarily with manuscript sources and who have demonstrated sufficient skill in transcribing manuscript hands by the time of the Reading Week break.

Grading

  • Participation (presentations, attendance, preparedness) 20%
  • Transcription Exercise 20%
  • Research Paper 60%

NOTES:

The grading scheme for the default stream (Early Printed Texts) is listed above. 

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.