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School for International Studies | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Simon Fraser University Calendar | Summer 2025

International Studies

Certificate

The certificate in international studies caters to students who are interested in internationally-engaged careers. It offers students the opportunity to study contemporary international challenges through an interdisciplinary lens, integrating perspectives from history, political science, anthropology and sociology, geography, international relations, economics, and the humanities.

Students may focus on one or more regions of the world.

Program Requirements

Required Courses

Students complete a minimum of 24 units, including

IS 101 - Global Challenges of the 21st Century: An Introduction to International Studies (3)

Introduces the interdisciplinary field of International Studies to all undergraduates and IS majors. Examines the major global challenges of our time, including poverty and inequality, environmental degradation, nationalism, civil war, and armed conflict. Explores the challenge of global governance and global citizenship. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 260 - Coloniality, Empire, and Anti-Imperial Struggles: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (3)

Introduction to how Empire is implicated in the making of our modern world. Covers global histories of imperialism, anti-imperial struggles, colonization and decolonization. Includes European imperialist and colonial histories and decenters the position of Europe in world history to understand connections and agency of all peoples. IS 265 or HIST 265 will be accepted in lieu of this course.

The remaining 18 units may be chosen from courses below, at least eight units must have an IS designation.

Africa

HIST 146 - Africa after the Transatlantic Slave Trade (3)

An introductory survey of African perspectives on, and experiences of, history since abolition in the 1830s. Themes include: oral history; colonization and resistance; social, political and environmental change under colonial rule; independence movements and decolonization; cultures and religions; and the search for stability and prosperity post-independence. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 231 - History of Africa to the 19th Century: From Ancient Times to the Slave Trade (3)

A general, introductory survey of Africa's rich pre-colonial past, its vibrant cultures and sophisticated technologies, far-reaching commercial and political networks, and dynamic (and internally differentiated) social systems. Also discusses the trans-Atlantic trade in African slaves and the arrival of Europeans on African shores. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 344 - Themes in Modern East Africa (4)

Examines the diversity of environments, cultures and livelihoods in East Africa and the Horn in the context of long-term trans-regional influences, especially slave trade, cash cropping, colonization and post-colonial politics, and the expansion of the world religions into East Africa. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 344 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 348 - A History of Twentieth Century South Africa (4)

An examination of the economic, social and political history of 20th century South Africa. Particular attention will be paid to the factors which led to the rise of apartheid. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: at least one of HIST 146, 231.

IS 323 - Sub-Saharan Africa: Key Issues and Understandings (4)

Survey course of major contemporary issues relevant to people's lives in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as major debates about these. Study of the historic, economic, political, social and cultural factors contributing to contemporary realities and perspectives. Relevant for students with little to significant familiarity with life in Africa. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 325 - Social Movements in a Changing Africa (4)

From peasant uprisings and student protests to armed insurrections, this course explores the range of African social movements and assesses their role in shaping Africa's future. Key themes include the role of ethnicity and religion, the impact of urbanization, economic inequality, gender politics, and trends in international solidarity and engagement. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

POL 374 - Africa in the Global Political Economy (4)

Considers Africa in the historical development of the modern global political economy, from the transatlantic slave trade to the present. Examines contemporary issues associated with Africa in the neo-liberal world order and the politics of resistance and alternative pathways or models of development. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Asia

GA 101 - Introduction to Global Asia (3)

Introduces students to the interconnected, border-crossing worlds of Asian and Asian diasporic people through discussion of scholarship, films, short stories, essays, oral histories, and visual art. Surveys key topics in the study of globalizing processes, such as migration, trade, imperialism, decolonization, globalization, and environmental change. Students with credit for ASC 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

GA 202 - Studies in Global Asia (3)

Introduces students to a topic in Global Asian Studies not otherwise covered in depth by regularly scheduled courses. Sample topics include South Asian diasporas; Global Asia in Vancouver; refugee experiences; or Korean culture. This course may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for ASC 202 may not take this course for further credit.

GA 210 - How Asia Became Global: Empire, Migration, and Globalization in the Making of Modern Asia (3)

An interdisciplinary course that examines how empire, migration, and globalization have transformed Asia through connecting Asian people and places with each other and the world. Explores such interactions as part of histories of nationalism, trade, communalism, revolution, war, and authoritarianism in Asia; and as incubators of cultural exchange and experimentation. Prerequisite: 15 units. Breadth-Humanities.

GA 211 - Asian Migrations Across the Globe (3)

An interdisciplinary course that focuses on Asian migrant experiences, community formation, cultural expression, and political struggles in locations across the world, including in Canada and the United States as well as Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Oceania. Prerequisite: 15 units. Breadth-Humanities.

GA 301 - Asian Canadian Culture and Activism Across Borders (3)

Focuses on the cultural production and activism of migrant, refugee, and diasporic Asians in Canada. It investigates how people of Asian origin and descent have used literature, film, music, visual art, and other media to represent their histories, experiences, and communities, as well as to advocate for themselves and others. Prerequisite: 45 units.

GA 302 - Selected Topics in Global Chinese Studies (3)

In this interdisciplinary course, students will investigate a topic relating to the histories, societies, cultures, knowledges, geographies, and/or ecologies of China, Chinese-speaking people, and/or people of Chinese descent in Asia and beyond. May be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: GA 101.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Shuyu Kong
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GA 303 - Selected Topics in Global Japanese Studies (3)

In this interdisciplinary course, students will investigate a topic relating to the histories, societies, cultures, knowledges, geographies, and/or ecologies of Japan, Japanese-speaking people, and/or people of Japanese descent in Asia and beyond. May be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units.

GA 304 - STT-Topics in Global South Asias (4)

In this interdisciplinary course, students will study topics on the geographies, histories, cultures, knowledges, relationalities, and multiple ways of belonging of people in South Asia and South Asian diasporas. May be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: GA 101.

GA 388 - Topics in Queer Global Asias (4)

Focuses on the experiences, histories, knowledges, and activism of marginalized gender and sexual subjects across Asia and its diasporas from the perspectives of feminist, queer, and trans studies. May be further organized by region or historical period. The topic will vary by instructor. Students may repeat for credit up to three times under a different topic. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for GSWS 388 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit.

GA 400 - Selected Topics in Global Asia (3)

Content will vary according to interests of faculty and students but will involve Global-Asia-related study within one or more of the social science or humanities disciplines. This course may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units.

HIST 206 - Imperial Japan (ca. 1868-1952) (3)

A survey of Japanese history from 1868 until 1952 which will examine, among other topics, the evolution of its colonial empire and wars with Russia, China and the United States, as well as the post-war Allied Occupation. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 243 - A Brief History of Modern India - from British Colony to Independent Republic (3)

A survey of South Asian history designed to equip those students completely unfamiliar with the region, with a foundation in the political, social and cultural contours of South Asia from 1757 to 1947. Students who have previously taken HIST 243 STT may not take HIST 243 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 244 - Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia (3)

South Asian history since the eighteenth century, including the crumbling of the Mughal empire, European trade and colonialism, Indian nationalisms, the emergence of the independent states of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and transformations in caste, gender, and sexuality. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 255 - China since 1800 (3)

A survey of the history of China from the end of the eighteenth century to the present. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 371 - The Asia-Pacific War in Modern Japanese History (4)

Covers the period in Japan from the 1930s to the 1950s and will introduce students to topics such as wartime atrocities, the dropping of the atomic bombs and the prosecution of war criminals. It will also attempt to explain why so much controversy surrounds interpretations of events arising from Japan's last war, the Asia-Pacific War. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: at least one course on modern Japan.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Janice Matsumura
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HIST 464 - Problems in Modern Asian History (4)

Concepts and methodology of modern Asian history. Selected themes may include revolution, inequality, mass violence, ideology, imperialism, leadership, and the Cold War. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 464 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history.

IS 303 - Ethnic Minorities, Identity Politics, and Conflict in Southeast Asia (4)

Surveys the ethnic minorities of Southeast Asia, focusing on their relations with other ethnic groups, especially majority populations, and governments. Examines the treatment of ethnic minorities and the responses of the minorities, including ethnic-based secession movements. Reviews cross-border and broader international issues relating to minorities, such as their status as refugees and cross-border support for insurgencies. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 313W - Nationalism, Democracy and Development in Modern India (4)

An examination of the differing narratives of nation and modernity in the struggle for independence from colonial rule in India, and their implications for the post-colonial state, for politics and for India's economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 210 or 220. Writing.

IS 314 - National, Regional, and International Politics in Southeast Asia (4)

Provides an overview of national and political issues in Southeast Asia. Surveying politics in individual countries and regional political institutions, focus is given to particular themes such as democratization and civil society, communism and other forms of authoritarianism, the role of the military, decentralization, religion and politics, the impact of China on the region, and security concerns. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 322 - Central Asia: Conflict and Security (4)

Examines post-Soviet Central Asian states, with particular reference to the relationship among democratization, development, autocracy and conflict, and the role of external actors in transnational security issues in the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200. Students with credit for IS 412 may not take this course for further credit.

IS 333 - Chinese Development and Its Discontents (4)

Explores China's stunning rise from Mao to global markets, with attention to social issues brought on by "the Chinese Development Model". Examines the bases of state legitimacy in contemporary China, challenges to state legitimacy, as well as state responses to these challenges. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 414 - Current Regional Issues in Southeast Asia (4)

Reviews important current regional issues in Southeast Asia with particular attention to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 465 - China in the World: Chinese International Development and Politics (4)

Considers how the global economic recession of the late 2000s has coincided with the rise of global China. Examines the origins of Chinese international development, and its effects in receiving communities in Chinese internal frontiers and along China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for IS 419 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

POL 341 - Politics Across the Pacific (4)

Focuses on the evolution of political relation between East Asia and Canada since the mid-19th century to the contemporary period. It covers diplomatic/military and socio-economic and cultural relations, sometimes cutting across national and sub-national boundaries. Utilizes various theoretical and analytical perspectives from political science and other disciplines to assess the importance and causes of key events. Prerequisite: POL 141 and three lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 349 under the title "Politics Across the Pacific" may not take this course for further credit.

POL 381 - Japanese Politics (4)

The political system of Japan, including an analysis of political culture, political institutions, political behaviour and both formal and informal political processes. Emphasis will be placed on the post-World War II political development of Japan. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 381W may not take this course for further credit.

POL 446W - International Relations in East Asia (4)

An overview and analysis of international relations in East Asia. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Writing.

SA 275 - China in Transition (SA) (4)

An introduction to culture, social structure and the processes of social, economic, and political transformation in contemporary China. Topics may include recent development of Marxism, feminism and neoliberalism in China; Western debates on China's rise and images of China as threat; human rights.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sessional
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

Europe

HIST 224 - Europe from the French Revolution to the First World War (3)

A survey of European history emphasizing the French Revolution, and Napoleonic Europe and first Industrial Revolution, liberalism and its opponents, agrarian conservatism, liberalism and conservatism, the Revolutions of 1848, the struggles for political unification, the second Industrial Revolution and the origins of the First World War. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Roxanne Panchasi
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HIST 225 - 20th Century Europe (3)

A survey of European history from the First World War emphasizing the origins and effects of the World Wars, the emergence of the Soviet Union and of fascism. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 279 - Greece in the 20th Century (3)

Examines the political and socio-economic evolution of 20th century Greece in tandem with the cultural transformation of the country from an agrarian based society to the urban dominated structure that characterizes Greece today. Students with credit for HS 279 may not take HIST 279 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

or HUM 279 - Greece in the 20th Century (3)

Examines the political and socio-economic evolution of 20th century Greece in tandem with the cultural transformation of the country from an agrarian based society to the urban dominated structure that characterizes Greece today. Students with credit for HIST 279 or HS 279 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

HIST 319 - Modern France (4)

An examination of the history of modern France from 1789 to the present with a focus on the social, political, and cultural divisions within the French nation resulting from the Revolutionary era, industrialization, the expansion and eventual decolonization of France's colonial empire, and the World Wars and their consequences. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 332 - Politics and Culture in Modern Germany (4)

An examination of major themes in German history from the establishment of a united German Empire in 1871 to the reunification of Germany in 1990. Emphasis will be placed on issues related to the formation of German national identity and the problems associated with modernization and militarism. Attention will be given to the difficulties of Weimar democracy, the nature of the Third Reich, and contrasting developments in East and West Germany after 1949. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 334 - The Making of Imperial Russia (4)

An examination of major themes in Russian history up to the Revolution of 1917, including the emergence of the modern Russian state; the organization of the empire at the center and the periphery; the contest between imperial, national, and religious identities; social, economic, and cultural transformations; and the Russian Empire's involvement in world politics. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 106.

HIST 335 - The Soviet Project (4)

An examination of the history of the Soviet Union from its creation to its collapse, emphasizing its ideology, culture, role in global politics, and social and economic transformations. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 359 - Constructing the Nation State in the Balkans and the Mediterranean (4)

Investigates the construction of nation states in the Balkans and the Mediterranean with a focus on the ideas of the Nation and the Nation State. Examines specific cases such as Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and the development of Israel. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HS 359 may not take HIST 359 for further credit.

HIST 362 - Ireland from the Penal Era to Partition (4)

Examines key social, economic, political, and intellectual developments in Ireland from the 18th to the mid-20th centuries. It will also explore shifting understandings of the 'Irish nation' and consider how communal historical memory can be appropriated to serve different political agendas. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 401 - Problems in Modern German History (4)

An examination of major debates concerning the history of late-nineteenth and twentieth century Germany. Themes may include the nature of German modernity, interpretations of the Third Reich, or German memory after the Second World War. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 401 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units, including nine units of lower division history and one of HIST 224, 225, 332 or permission of the department.

HIST 407 - Problems in Modern British History (4)

Examines select problems in the social, cultural, and political history of modern Britain. Content may vary from offering to offering: see course outline for further information. HIST 407 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: one or more of HIST 215, 225, 314.

HIST 417W - Problems in Modern French History (4)

An examination of a principal aspect of, or period in, the history of French society since the Revolution. For example, attention may be given to the 19th century French revolutionary tradition, or to society and culture in the Third, Fourth and Fifth Republics, or to colonialism and decolonisation. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 417W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 224 or 225. Writing.

HIST 419W - Problems in Modern Russian History (4)

Advanced analysis of specific problems in social, intellectual, and political history of modern Russia. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 419W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 224 or 225. Writing.

HIST 420 - Themes in Russian Imperial History (4)

An examination of how the Russian Empire grew, was maintained, and came to an end, if it did end, through a study of imperial and colonial policies and practices and the responses to these by the area's diverse peoples. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 420 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history.

HIST 422 - Greece, 1935-1944: Occupation and Resistance (4)

Examines the cycle of violence that followed the Axis occupation of Greece and created a political schism that lasted until the 1980s. The course will focus on Greek resistance, foreign relations and relations with the British intelligence services. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HS 422 may not take this course for further credit.

IS 304 - Russian Foreign and Security Policies (4)

Introduces the Russian Federation's foreign and security policies. Reviews key actors, institutions, and stages in the development of Russian foreign policy development as well as the gap between rhetoric and realities in Russian foreign policy. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200 and HIST 335.

Latin America

HIST 455W - Race in the Americas (4)

An examination of the role of racial thinking in the history of the Americas, from the era of the Conquest to the present day. Topics may include African and Indigenous slavery, the development of scientific racism in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the persistence of racism in the present day. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

IS 209 - Latin America: the National Period (3)

A survey of Latin American history from Independence (1808-24) to the present: post-Independence political collapse and reconsolidation; Latin America in the world trade system and the changing conditions of economic dependency; nationalist reform (Mexico) and socialist revolution (Cuba), liberalism, populism, and the rise of modernizing military. Treatment by topics and broad historical period rather than county by county. Students who take this course may not take HIST 209 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 435 - Special Topics in Latin American Studies (4)

An examination of Latin America through historical, literary, and social scientific approaches. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 209W or HIST 209W.

The Middle East

HIST 352 - Religion and Politics in Modern Iran (4)

The intellectual and social history of greater Iran from the Safavids to the twentieth century. Emphasis will be on the relationship between religion and politics. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 354 - Imperialism and Modernity in the Middle East (4)

This course examines the role of imperialism in the transformation of societies in the Middle East and North Africa over the last two centuries. Focusing mainly on the cases of Ottoman, British and French empire building, the course discusses the socio-economic, cultural and political changes brought about by the interaction of various segments of local societies with these imperial powers. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 355 - The Arab Middle East in the Twentieth Century (4)

An examination of this century's major themes in the history of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as other states of the Arabian peninsula. Topics to be investigated include the origins of Arab nationalism and Islamic reformism; the origins and development of the Lebanese question; the emergence of the politics of the military in Iraq and Syria, and the special role of the Jordanian and Arabian monarchies. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 457 - The Turkish Republic: Politics, Society, and Culture, 1918-Present (4)

Examines the political, social, and cultural transformation in Turkey from the end of World War I to the present. Topics may include the Ottoman legacy in the Turkish Republic, issues of nation building, national identity and ethnicity, the role of the military in Turkish politics, changing concepts of gender, the role of political Islam, and Turkish diasporas. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 151 and 249.

HIST 465 - The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict (4)

A discussion of the modern history of nation-building in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The topics discussed include Zionism, the British Mandate in Palestine, the creation of the state of Israel, the rise of modern Palestinian nationalism, and the role of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute in regional and international affairs. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history and one of HIST 151, 249, 350, 354, 355 or permission of the department.

HIST 467 - Modern Egypt (4)

An interpretive discussion of the course of modern Egyptian history. This may range from the advent to power of Muhammed Ali Pasha until recent times, or may focus on specific periods of revolutionary change. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history and one of HIST 151, 249, 350, 354, 355 or permission of the department.

IS 315 - Introduction to Middle East Politics (4)

Introduces the political, economic, and ideological dynamics of contemporary Middle Eastern states. Examines the legacy of colonialism, state formation, central ideological trends such as Arab nationalism and political Islam, the dynamics of state-society contention, and the challenges of economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 318 - The Politics of Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East (4)

Examines current debates about women, gender, and sexuality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Explores the major social, economic, and political factors that shape the lives of women and other marginalized groups in diverse cities across the region. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 415 - Islamist Trend in Middle East Politics (4)

Focuses upon the political Islamist movements that have swept much of the Middle East and North Africa since the mid-1970s. Examines a broad range of movements, from liberal to militant trends, drawing on the experiences of countries throughout the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: HIST 151 or IS 315.

Global, Variable, or Cross-Regional Coverage

GEOG 100 - Our World: Introducing Human Geography (3)

A geographical introduction to how humans shape our world, with attention also given to how it shapes us. Themes may include: culture, economic activities, environmental change, globalization, politics, population, resources, and urbanization. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sessional
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OL01 Leanne Roderick
Online
GSWS 309 - Gender and International Development (4)

Examines from interdisciplinary and international perspectives how development is gendered and creates differential impacts, meanings and processes for women and men around the world. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for GSWS 310 (or WS 310) Special Topic: Women and Development or GSWS 301 (or WS 301) Special Topic: Gender and Development or GSWS 309 (or WS 309) under the title Gender and Development may not take this course for further credit.

HIST 130 - Introduction to Global History (3)

A survey of the history of the world, with a focus on global historical phenomena of the last six centuries. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

HSCI 160 - Global Perspectives on Health (3)

An introduction to the differences in health and health services among the nations of the globe. Vulnerable sub-populations worldwide and their special health needs. Mechanisms whereby events in one country can impact health in another. Future worldwide health risks, their economic and health consequences. SARS, avian 'flu,' West Nile virus, 'mad cow disease,' antibiotic resistant malaria or tuberculosis. Dangers to rich and poor nations from ignoring health problems in developing world. Breadth-Social Sciences.

IS 105 - Around the World through Film (3)

Explores social, economic, and political change around the globe, through documentaries and feature films. Examines pressing issues that shape and reflect people’s lives in diverse countries and regions, from Asia and Latin America, to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sessional
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
IS 200 - Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Examines contemporary security and governance challenges by drawing on insights from across the social sciences. Includes such topics as: war, nuclear proliferation, genocide, human trafficking, and global health threats. Explores the role of international organizations (the UN, EU, NATO and others) in addressing security challenges and advancing global governance. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 210 - States, People, and Power Around the World (3)

Introduces students to the variety of systems of governance in the world today, including how power is constituted and contested in different kinds of states (e.g., authoritarian, democratic, hybrid) by various state and non-state actors (e.g., corporations, civil society, militias, social movements) through diverse technologies (e.g., the ballot box, digital surveillance, religious institutions). Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 220 - Wealth and Poverty of Nations (3)

Analyzes some of the historical reasons for the great divergence in world economic development, and undertakes a cross-country, cross-regional perspective of world economic development using a historical approach to long-run economic growth. Breadth-Social Sciences.

IS 230 - Beyond the Nation-State: Identity and Belonging in a Globalized World (3)

This course surveys the diverse ways people have fashioned identities and social relations that do not easily conform to the boundaries of nation-states. Explores how, in the context of transnational movements of people and ideas, individuals and communities construct and contest new identities, aspirations, and forms of belonging. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 301 - Returning from Abroad: Discussion Seminar to Unpack the Experience of Work, Study & Research Abroad (2)

Provides an opportunity to examine social, cultural, and political challenges involved in working or living abroad. Students reflect on the knowledge, skills, and values gained while abroad, with attention to career-related pathways and possibilities. Topics include the complexities of cross-cultural engagement and ethical aspects of experiential learning in international settings. Graded as Pass/Fail (P/F). Prerequisite: This course will be open to any SFU student who has completed an international study, research, internship, or volunteership program.

IS 302 - Humanitarian Intervention: An Introduction (4)

Explores how international actors respond to humanitarian emergencies, such as famine, displacement, and genocide. Examines the political, legal, and ethical challenges of humanitarian action by focusing on contemporary cases and on key types of response, from the delivery of aid to sanctions and the use of military force. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 305 - Challenging Power Around the Globe: Political Resistance and Protest (4)

Examines various forms of resistance and protest, including everyday resistance and organized activism, with an emphasis on civil resistance. Investigates the conditions and outcomes of protest, focusing on a range of cases which may include Solidarity in Poland, the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and the American Civil Rights Movement. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken POL 339 or IS 309 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Brenda Lyshaug
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 307 - International Ethics: Poverty, Environmental Change, & War (4)

Examines ethical issues of global concern, with a focus on debates about poverty, environmental change, and armed conflict. Introduces students to relevant political and ethical theories, such as cosmopolitanism and nationalism, utilitarianism, theories of human rights, and ethics of care. Assesses various policy responses to these global challenges. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Brenda Lyshaug
May 12 – Jun 20, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 308 - Global Indigenous Futures (4)

Examines how Indigenous communities globally reclaim space and sovereignty, confront colonial violence, and envision pluralistic and more-than-human sovereign futures. Explores Indigenous knowledges, resistance to colonialism, and futurisms across diverse global Indigenous contexts. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 309 - Special Topics in International Security and Conflict (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 310 - Gender and Security (4)

Examines security issues and events with attention to gender. Focuses on themes related to war, political violence, post-war reconstruction, militarism, military culture, and peace activism with attention to women and marginalised communities, gender norms, and feminist and queer approaches to rethinking security and imagining peace. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sessional
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 319 - Special Topics in Comparative World Politics, Culture and Society (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 329 - Special Topics in International Development, Economic and Environmental Issues (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 339 - Social Movements in the Global South (4)

Examines the nature, activities, and effects of social movements across the Global South. Uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore how social movements shape and respond to political, economic, and social transformation. Considers their relationship with political parties, states, and media and assesses the conditions under which movements emerge and succeed. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 329 or IS 419 with this topic, or IS 439 may not take this course for further credit.

IS 355 - Refugees and Forced Migration (4)

Examines ideas and practices that affect experiences of forced migration and responses to these situations. What does it mean to live as a refugee? And what needs to change to alleviate the hardships and suffering of so many displaced people? Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 329 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 358 - Development, Aid and Difference in Historical Perspective (4)

Examines "International Development" within a series of historical frames, including the history of imperialism, the history of international relations, globalization, and the cultural and intellectual history of North-South relations. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have credit for HIST 358 may not take IS 358 for further credit.

or HIST 358 - Development, Aid and Difference in Historical Perspective (4)

Examines "International Development" within a series of historical frames, including the history of imperialism, the history of international relations, globalization, and the cultural and intellectual history of North-South relations. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students who have credit for IS 358 may not take HIST 358 for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Bidisha Ray
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
IS 365 - Surveillance Capitalism in Global Context (4)

Explores how digital technology is transforming societies, political systems, and economies around the world. Examines the origins of surveillance and data assessment and the political, economic, and ethical challenges automated technologies present by focusing on contemporary cases and their effects in communities around the world. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for IS 319 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 373 - Global Environmental Politics (4)

Examines international efforts to respond to global environmental challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, and the degradation of the oceans. Investigates obstacles to effective action and possible ways forward. Explores the role of a range of key actors, including states, intergovernmental organizations, multinational companies, NGOs, and social movements. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 380 - Civil Wars (4)

Examines the causes of civil wars throughout history, as well as the different ways scholars have approached them. Explores recent trends in civil wars and potential solutions. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for IS 409 under the title "Civil Wars" may not take this course for further credit.

IS 385 - Divided Cities: Urban Segregation Through a Global Lens (4)

Explores how cities around the world have been segregated on the basis of class, race, gender, etc. Examines the causes and consequences of, and resistance to, urban segregation, focusing on diverse cities in different regions such as Africa, Latin America, North America, the Middle East, etc. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 402 - Global Security Governance (4)

Examines how states engage with the global security architecture to address a range of contemporary security challenges. Taking a comparative perspective, we investigate key actors’ involvement with regional and international institutions such as the UN, NATO, and the EU. Issues may include disinformation, cybersecurity, outer space security, trafficking, and terrorism. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 409 - Special Topics I (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 410 - Politics, Institutions and Development (4)

The quality of institutions' exercises a crucial influence on the prospects for development. Aims are to interrogate this claim through analysis of different paths of economic growth and change across the developing world. Examination of the ways in which politics influences economic growth and distribution; the relationships between political systems and patterns of development; and the politics of institutions and state formation. Prerequisite: 90 units.

IS 423 - International Development Practice and Ethics (4)

Critically considers why and how international development has been, and might be, pursued. Includes study of histories of development, theories of development, as well as policies, practices, different perspectives and outcomes of development. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 429 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 427 - Globalization, Poverty and Inequality (4)

Analyzes the origins and the economic consequences of globalization and the uneven process of economic development around the world in relation to poverty, by considering the measurement of poverty, its causes and dynamics, as well as public policy for poverty reduction. Prerequisite: 45 units.

SA 388 - Indigenous Social Movements Across the Globe (A) (4)

In this intensive seminar, we compare political actions and social movements of indigenous peoples across several countries: analyze development of these movements over time; and discuss factors affecting the timing, reception, intensity and nature of these politics. Students write research papers on topics they develop. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

WL 100 - What is World Literature? (3)

Explores how texts travel beyond their cultures of origin, influence other cultural contexts and ideas, and become works of world literature. Introduces the concepts of cross-cultural literary criticism and translation. Breadth-Humanities.

WL 201 - East/West Encounters (3)

Explores the relationship between Eastern and Western narratives. The focus may include the mutual influence of Eastern and Western cultural traditions and modernities, the construction of the 'East' in the West and of the 'West' in the East, theories of Orientalism and Occidentalism, and forms of East/West syncretism. This course may be repeated once for credit when different topics are offered. Breadth-Humanities.

WL 202 - North/South Intersections (3)

Investigates cross-cultural interactions between European or North American traditions and those of the "global South." May explore themes such as empire, globalization, and modernity, or examine how the artistic achievements of Africa, Oceania, Latin-America, or South Asia influence other traditions. This course may be repeated once for credit when different tonics are offered. Breadth-Humanities.

WL 303 - Global Culture and Its Discontents (4)

Explores the tendencies of globalization in the cultural realm, which while sparking cross-border communication, also tends to flatten identities into a coercive global norm. Focuses on writing in contexts of political oppression, digital communities, censorship, cultural displacement, terrorism and/or warfare. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.

WL 309 - Empire and Resistance (4)

Juxtaposes the narratives of imperial conquest and colonial resistance. May focus on one particular imperial history or compare several. May feature narratives of rebellion and independence, national and/or postcolonial identity, or imperial nostalgia. This course may be repeated for credit when different topics are offered. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.

Up to six units of foreign language study, or French, may be used towards the certificate.