Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2026 - POL 341 BLS1

Politics Across the Pacific (4)

Class Number: 2002

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: Mon, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2026: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 141 and three lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on the evolution of political relation between East Asia and Canada since the mid-19th century to the contemporary period. It covers diplomatic/military and socio-economic and cultural relations, sometimes cutting across national and sub-national boundaries. Utilizes various theoretical and analytical perspectives from political science and other disciplines to assess the importance and causes of key events. Students with credit for POL 349 under the title "Politics Across the Pacific" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:

This course’s focus is on the evolution of political relations between East Asia and Canada since the mid-19th century to the contemporary period. It covers diplomatic/ military, socio-economic, and cultural relations, sometimes cutting across national and sub-national boundaries. It will utilize various theoretical and analytical perspectives from political science and other disciplines to assess the importance and causes of key events.

We are increasingly confronted with the need to understand, analyze, and navigate contemporary trans-Pacific dynamics. After taking this course, successful students will have obtained the foundational knowledge that is required for such an intellectual task.

Course Organization:

Synchronous (online, in-person) meeting (16:30-18:20, Monday) plus one hour of asynchronous video watching.

Grading

  • Participation and short writing assignments 25%
  • Mid-term examination 35%
  • Final exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Borthwick, Mark. Pacific Century: The Emergence of Modern Pacific Asia. 4th ed.

Boulder, Col.: Westview Press, 2014. [Through Taylor and Francis Ebooks:
https://www-taylorfrancis-com.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/books/edit/10.4324/9780429494895/pacific-century-mark-borthwick]

(Electronic Version available via the SFU Library)

In addition, journal articles will be assigned.

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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


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.