Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - GA 101 D100

Introduction to Global Asia (3)

Class Number: 4014

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2021
    Sat, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces developments in Asia from a comparative and transregional perspective, focusing on economic interactions, cultural influences, as well as migrations. Surveys various issues, both historical and contemporary, including those involving diasporic Asian communities. Students with credit for ASC 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is a global and interdisciplinary investigation of Asia. The course will focus on five themes, exploring how they impact our understanding of Asia within the region, across the world and, within the local context of British Columbia. We will explore these themes using a mix of readings, documentaries and guest lectures. The first theme will explore where and how Asia ‘appears’ in world history. Keeping the COVID situation in mind, we will (hopefully) do this physically as well by visiting the Museum of Vancouver’s exhibit on Vancouver’s history and noting where Asian migration appears here. The second theme is of labour and racism. We will discuss the global context of the anti-Asian riots of 1907, thinking about why places like Vancouver and Bellingham saw riots emerge, coordinated by labour unions at the exact same time. We will also trace the presence of Asians as military labour or soldiers in the World Wars. For the third theme we will analyse individual histories of travellers and migrants from across Asia who travelled the world and wrote about it. Some of these individuals, like the famous trade unionist Roy Mah, were right here in BC, others, like the Indian revolutionary M.N. Roy wrote significant chunks of their memoirs sitting in places like Mexico. What is “Asian” about them? The fourth theme touches on identity, culture and sexuality, and the fifth moves into the context of contemporary Asian representations and what they tell us about how young people are trying to respond to the issues they face in their everyday lives. As part of this discussion, you will be encouraged to reflect on what the term Global Asia means for your life. In this last theme we will also hear from an artist who focuses on visual storytelling as a means to tell stories of segments of the Asian community in Vancouver.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 15%
  • Remembrance day video submission 10%
  • Review Essay (2) 30%
  • Group presentation 15%
  • Final Research Essay 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no textbook for this course. All readings will be circulated on canvas.


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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.