Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - HIST 404 D100

Problems in Early Modern English History (4)

Manuscript and Print

Class Number: 3904

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 315.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines select problems in the social, cultural, and political history of early modern England. Content may vary from offering to offering: see course outline for further information. HIST 404 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught.

COURSE DETAILS:

Manuscript and Print in Early Modern England

This is a fourth year research seminar in which our weekly meetings will consist of close analysis of early modern printed texts in Special Collections and instruction in palaeography.  Our subject is the changing material culture of manuscript and printed texts in early modern English society.  Seminar members will have two options for their written work and assessment.  For those choosing to focus on printed texts, research papers will be based on a text (or part of a text) from Special Collections either at SFU or UBC.  Those choosing the palaeographical option will be expected to demonstrate a basic mastery of palaeography (primarily English Secretary hand).

Expectations and Requirements

There are two streams for this research seminar and two separate grading schemes. 

The first stream is for those of you who have decided to work primarily on printed books and will write a research paper.

The grading scheme for this stream (Option A Early Printed Books) is:

  • Participation (presentations, attendance, preparedness) - 40%
  • Research Paper - 60%

The second stream is for those of you who have decided to work primarily on manuscript sources and who wish to deepen their palaeographical skills.

The grading scheme for this stream (Option B English Palaeography) is:

  • Participation (presentations, attendance, preparedness) - 40%
  • Annotated palaeographical transcript -  30%
  • Oral Examination (30-45 minutes) on your palaeographical skills - 30%

Grading

  • Participation 40%
  • Research Paper 60%

NOTES:

*Please note that the grading stream above is Option A. I will discuss the two options with the class once the semester begins.

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.