Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - HIST 200 D100

Making History: Introduction to Historical Research (3)

Class Number: 2293

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Learning history by doing history. Introduction to a historical problem, and learning how to build and defend a historical interpretation through the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Small seminar format will allow hands-on experience developing research, writing, and presentation skills applicable to other history courses. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Southeast Asia in Global History 

Southeast Asia is the elephant in the history profession. Despite its size and importance--its population larger than Latin America's, its economy larger than Africa's, its surface area larger than Europe's--it has been, by far, the major region least studied by historians. Overlooked between South and East Aisa, it's precisely that strategic geography that makes Southeast Asia so interesting to world historians. No region has been so globalized for so long. Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, industrialization, westernization, colonization, post-colonization, and modernity more generally have all added to the complexity already present among the many Indigenous societies here. For example, Malacca was founded in 1396 as a trading entrepot at the nearby straits, and soon became arguably the most diverse and globally connected city on the planet: Soon its parrots were impressing visitors with their multilingualism, and one resident, a pharmacist from Portugal, marvelled that "Whoever is lord of Malacca has his hand on the throat of Venice." 

We'll spend this semester in the history of Southeast Asia while we help reverse this professional neglect by conducting our own research projects. While the course will focus on the mainland, your project can look at any aspect of Southeast Asia, at any time through its history. Global projects (the history of Thai restaurants in Vancouver?) are especially welcome. Each week we'll look at one aspect of the region's history, with topics collectively chosen, and take one step forward on our research projects.



Grading

  • Attendance and participation 20%
  • Two oral presentations on your research 5%
  • Short assignments developing components of the research paper (e.g. drafts, bibliography, statement of topic) 55%
  • Final research paper (8 pages) 20%

NOTES:

Although this is an in-person course, there will be an alternative asynchronous and remote pathway towards successfully completing the course

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

  • Craig Lockhart, Southeast Asia in World History (2009)
  • Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Eighth Edition (2013)

 Other readings will be made available online


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 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

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, online, or blended courses 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 summer 2022 term.