Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - HIST 348 D100

A History of Twentieth Century South Africa (4)

Class Number: 3495

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: at least one of HIST 146, 231.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

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.

COURSE DETAILS:

The racism, hetero-patriarchal sexism, violence, and oppression institutionalized in South Africa’s Apartheid State (1948-1990) were the products of historical forces set in motion with the arrival of Dutch settlers three hundred years earlier. In this course we will investigate how gendered and racially-drawn identities and economic relations forged by the beginning of the 20th C led to the politics of segregation, culminating in Apartheid. We will draw on Berger’s feminist reading of South African history as well as primary and secondary historical sources, film, literature, and current news sources to gain gendered perspectives on South Africa’s conflicted past.  

This course will involve a combination of work done outside of and within our three-hour meeting blocks: lecture components will be minimal and pre-recorded, and live class meetings will be focused on short workshops and discussions, ranging 0.5-2 hrs weekly. Other activities include films/clips viewed outside of class (some group viewing may be set up), and research/writing tutorials. Students who are unable to meet synchronously should alert the instructor ahead of time to discuss asynchronous options.

Grading

  • On-line and videoconference Discussions: 20%
  • Student Contributions (Southern Africa in the News, “On this day”, “Queer History”, Music, Recipes, etc): 5%
  • Film Analysis: 15%
  • Take Home Quizzes (2): 30%
  • Final Research Paper/Creative Project: 30%

NOTES:

We’re remote! Please note that all teaching at SFU in Fall 2020 term will be conducted through remote methods (Canvas, Zoom, BbCU among them). I will do my best to make this a great learning experience, however please note that enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. No exams will be conducted in-person or under surveillance.  

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu. ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Berger, Iris, South Africa in World History (New York: Oxford University Press, 2009); ebook available via SFU library

Crais, Clifton and Thomas McClendon, The South Africa Reader: History, Culture, Politics (Duke University Press, 2013); ebook available via SFU library

Magona, Sindiwe, Push-push, and other stories (Cape Town: David Phillip, 1996); ebook available via SFU library

RECOMMENDED READING:

Noah, Trevor Born a Crime (Doubleday, 2016)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).