Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - HIST 236 D100

Japan from 1603 to 1867: Peasants, Merchants, Warriors (3)

Class Number: 3437

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 16, 2021
    Mon, 6:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines aspects of the political, economic, social, cultural life during the Tokugawa/Edo period or what has been termed early modern Japan. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental developments during the Tokugawa/Edo period or what has been termed early modern Japan.  

Often equated with “traditional” Japan, the period has been represented in a variety of ways: a time when the country was isolated from foreign influences; an era when the arts considered most representative of its culture came into existence; the age of the samurai/warrior and feudal oppression. 

These popular images of the period will be assessed in addressing topics, such as the changing nature of peasant rebellions, the political dimension of non-elite culture, and the myth versus the reality of samurai life.

Grading

  • Using Perusall and collaboratively commenting on the readings 20%
  • Weekly group discussion 5%
  • Presentation 10%
  • Mini-quiz on Pre-Tokugawa Periods 5%
  • Essay project 35%
  • Take-home final examination 25%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Conrad Totman, Early Modern Japan.  Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993 available as a Kindle ebook through Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=conrad+totman+early+modern+japan&ref=nb_sb_noss

Tutorial readings (available through CANVAS/Perusall)

REQUIRED READING:

Conrad Totman, Early Modern Japan.  Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993

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 SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  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).