Global Asia Minor
This minor program offers an interdisciplinary study of Asia, focusing on the region's historical, political, economic, and cultural interconnections with other parts of the world.
Program Requirements
This minor program may be completed in conjunction with any major or honours bachelor’s degree, or within the bachelor of arts degree program that requires two minors.
Total Units: at least 30
Lower Division Requirements
Students must complete at least 15 units, including
GA 101
-
Introduction to Global Asia
(3)
Introduces students to the interconnected, border-crossing worlds of Asian and Asian diasporic people through discussion of scholarship, films, short stories, essays, oral histories, and visual art. Surveys key topics in the study of globalizing processes, such as migration, trade, imperialism, decolonization, globalization, and environmental change. Students with credit for ASC 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Nadine Attewell
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D101
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D102
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D103
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D104
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D105
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D106
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
Show lab/tutorial sections
and two language courses from*
CHIN 100
-
Mandarin Chinese I
(3)
Introduction to Mandarin Chinese for students with no prior background or instruction in that language. CHIN 100 is a beginners’ course in basic oral and written skills. Students will be assessed through a placement process at the beginning of the term. Students enrolled/placed into other Chinese courses may not take this course for credit. Breadth-Humanities.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
B100
|
Billie Ng
|
|
TBD
|
B101
|
Billie Ng
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
B102
|
Billie Ng
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
B103
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
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CHIN 110
-
Mandarin Chinese II
(3)
Continues introduction to Mandarin Chinese for students who have developed the necessary foundations from CHIN 100. Students will acquire elementary conversational skills and basic reading ability. Prerequisite: CHIN 100 or equivalent. Students enrolled/placed into other Chinese courses may not take this course for credit. Students with credit for CHIN 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
B100
|
Billie Ng
|
|
TBD
|
B101
|
Billie Ng
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
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CHIN 200
-
Mandarin Chinese III
(3)
Continues the approaches taken in CHIN 100 and CHIN 110 in order to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students will be able to exchange ideas and opinions in daily conversation, and to read short stories and articles. Understandings of Chinese values and customs will be developed in a cross-cultural perspective. Prerequisite: CHIN 110 (or CHIN 101) or equivalent. Students enrolled/placed into other Chinese courses may not take this course for credit.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
B101
|
Billie Ng
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
JAPN 100
-
Japanese I
(3)
Introduction to Japanese for students with no background in that language. Introduces basic oral and written skills, and the three Japanese writing systems (Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji). Students who took Japanese courses in secondary school and/or with previous knowledge of Japanese may need to be evaluated for placement into JAPN 110 or higher level of courses and are required to contact the instructor before enrollment. Students enrolled directly into JAPN 110 may not take this course for credit. Breadth-Humanities.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Naoko Takei
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D300
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby Burnaby
|
D400
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D500
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
E100
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
JAPN 110
-
Japanese II
(3)
Follows JAPN 100. Students will acquire elementary conversational skills and basic reading ability. Students successfully completing the course attain proficiency equivalent to the level N5 Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Prerequisite: JAPN 100 or equivalent. Students who took Japanese courses in secondary school and/or with previous knowledge of Japanese may need to be evaluated for placement into JAPN 110 or higher level of courses and are required to contact the instructor before enrollment. Students enrolled directly into JAPN 200 may not take this course for credit. Students with credit for JAPN 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Sessional
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D200
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D300
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby Burnaby
|
JAPN 200
-
Japanese III
(3)
Follows JAPN 110. Everyday language usage is emphasized in providing students with communicative skills at the advanced introductory level of Japanese. Students learn to comprehend everyday language in various situations using the appropriate speech style, and to read adapted texts and write coherently. Prerequisite: JAPN 110 (or JAPN 101) or equivalent.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Sessional
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
PUNJ 100
-
Introductory Punjabi I
(3)
Introductory level course intended for students who have little or no previous knowledge of the Punjabi (Gurmukhi) script. Students will learn to read, write and converse at a basic level. Students with credit for LANG 148 Special Topic-Intro to Punjabi I may not take this course for further credit.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
E100
|
Sessional
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Surrey
|
PUNJ 110
-
Introductory Punjabi II
(3)
Follow PUNJ 100. Students who have a basic knowledge of Punjabi (Gurmukhi) script will learn to further develop their ability to speak, comprehend, read and write Punjabi while exploring the Punjabi culture. Prerequisite: PUNJ 100 or equivalent. Students with credit for LANG 148 Special Topics - Intro to Punjabi II may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for PUNJ 101 may not take this course for further credit.
and one of
GA 210
-
How Asia Became Global: Empire, Migration, and Globalization in the Making of Modern Asia
(3)
**
An interdisciplinary course that examines how empire, migration, and globalization have transformed Asia through connecting Asian people and places with each other and the world. Explores such interactions as part of histories of nationalism, trade, communalism, revolution, war, and authoritarianism in Asia; and as incubators of cultural exchange and experimentation. Prerequisite: 15 units.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
James Pangilinan
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
GA 211
-
Asian Migrations Across the Globe
(3)
**
An interdisciplinary course that focuses on Asian migrant experiences, community formation, cultural expression, and political struggles in locations across the world, including in Canada and the United States as well as Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Oceania. Prerequisite: 15 units.
and one of
GA 202
-
Studies in Global Asia
(3)
Introduces students to a topic in Global Asian Studies not otherwise covered in depth by regularly scheduled courses. Sample topics include South Asian diasporas; Global Asia in Vancouver; refugee experiences; or Korean culture. This course may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for ASC 202 may not take this course for further credit.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Jee-Yeon Song
Sessional
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
GA 210
-
How Asia Became Global: Empire, Migration, and Globalization in the Making of Modern Asia
(3)
**
An interdisciplinary course that examines how empire, migration, and globalization have transformed Asia through connecting Asian people and places with each other and the world. Explores such interactions as part of histories of nationalism, trade, communalism, revolution, war, and authoritarianism in Asia; and as incubators of cultural exchange and experimentation. Prerequisite: 15 units.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
James Pangilinan
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
GA 211
-
Asian Migrations Across the Globe
(3)
**
An interdisciplinary course that focuses on Asian migrant experiences, community formation, cultural expression, and political struggles in locations across the world, including in Canada and the United States as well as Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and Oceania. Prerequisite: 15 units.
GSWS 212
-
Gender and Sexualities in Asia
(3)
An introduction of feminist and queer theories as interpreted and transformed by peoples in the geographic region of Asia and its diasporas. The course may be further organized by region or historical period. May be repeated for credit up to three times only when a different topic is taught. Students with credit for GSWS 212 STT may not take this course for further credit unless a different topic is offered.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
B100
|
Vaibhav Saria
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
B101
|
|
|
TBD
|
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HIST 206
-
Imperial Japan (ca. 1868-1952)
(3)
A survey of Japanese history from 1868 until 1952 which will examine, among other topics, the evolution of its colonial empire and wars with Russia, China and the United States, as well as the post-war Allied Occupation. Breadth-Humanities.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Janice Matsumura
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D101
|
Janice Matsumura
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D102
|
Janice Matsumura
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
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HIST 252
-
Islamic India
(3)
A survey of the cultural patterns, social and political forces, and historical contexts that have shaped the Islamic period of Indian history. Special attention will be directed toward the Mughal empire and its decline. Breadth-Humanities.
HIST 254
-
China to 1800
(3)
This course offers a broad survey of the history of China from antiquity to the eve of its modern transformations at the turn of the nineteenth century. It aims to challenge the perception of an unchanging China and to encourage students to develop a critical understanding of the forces integrating and dividing this geo-cultural unit. Breadth-Humanities.
HIST 255
-
China since 1800
(3)
A survey of the history of China from the end of the eighteenth century to the present. Breadth-Humanities.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Janice Jeong
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D101
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D102
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D103
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D104
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D105
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D106
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
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HUM 203
-
Great Texts: Asian Thought and Literature
(3)
Introduction to classic texts of Asian thought and literature. Readings and discussions of primary texts and their central ideas introduce students to philosophical, literary, and religious themes in Asian traditions. May be repeated once for credit when a different topic is taught. Breadth-Humanities.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
BLS1
|
Shuyu Kong
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
IS 210
-
Comparative World Politics: Trajectories, Regimes, Challenges
(3)
***
Introduces students to the variety of systems of governance in the world today, examines the historical and cultural sources of their different developmental trajectories, and assesses the challenges they face in the future. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D900
|
Logan Masilamani
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey
|
IS 220
-
Wealth and Poverty of Nations
(3)
***
Analyzes some of the historical reasons for the great divergence in world economic development, and undertakes a cross-country, cross-regional perspective of world economic development using a historical approach to long-run economic growth. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Oi Ying Irene Pang
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D101
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D102
|
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
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IS 230
-
Beyond the Nation-State: Identity and Belonging in a Globalized World
(3)
***
This course surveys the diverse ways people have fashioned identities and social relations that do not easily conform to the boundaries of nation-states. Explores how, in the context of transnational movements of people and ideas, individuals and communities construct and contest new identities, aspirations, and forms of belonging. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Elizabeth Cooper
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D101
|
Elizabeth Cooper
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
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SA 275
-
China in Transition (SA)
(4)
An introduction to culture, social structure and the processes of social, economic, and political transformation in contemporary China. Topics may include recent development of Marxism, feminism and neoliberalism in China; Western debates on China's rise and images of China as threat; human rights.
WL 201
-
East/West Encounters
(3)
Explores the relationship between Eastern and Western narratives. The focus may include the mutual influence of Eastern and Western cultural traditions and modernities, the construction of the 'East' in the West and of the 'West' in the East, theories of Orientalism and Occidentalism, and forms of East/West syncretism. This course may be repeated once for credit when different topics are offered. Breadth-Humanities.
Students who are fluent in any of the above languages, who possess fluency in a language not offered at SFU, or who wish to fulfil the language requirement by taking language courses elsewhere should get in touch with the program director to discuss alternatives.
Upper Division Requirements
At least seven upper division units used toward satisfying the upper division requirement must be completed at Simon Fraser University.
Students complete a total of at least 15 units and may complete other courses with variable appropriate content that do not appear below.
Global Asia
GA 301
-
Asian Canadian Culture and Activism Across Borders
(3)
Focuses on the cultural production and activism of migrant, refugee, and diasporic Asians in Canada. It investigates how people of Asian origin and descent have used literature, film, music, visual art, and other media to represent their histories, experiences, and communities, as well as to advocate for themselves and others. Prerequisite: 45 units.
GA 302
-
Selected Topics in Global Chinese Studies
(3)
In this interdisciplinary course, students will investigate a topic relating to the histories, societies, cultures, knowledges, geographies, and/or ecologies of China, Chinese-speaking people, and/or people of Chinese descent in Asia and beyond. May be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: GA 101.
GA 303
-
Selected Topics in Global Japanese Studies
(3)
In this interdisciplinary course, students will investigate a topic relating to the histories, societies, cultures, knowledges, geographies, and/or ecologies of Japan, Japanese-speaking people, and/or people of Japanese descent in Asia and beyond. May be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Angela May Kruger
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
GA 388
-
Topics in Queer Global Asias
(4)
Focuses on the experiences, histories, knowledges, and activism of marginalized gender and sexual subjects across Asia and its diasporas from the perspectives of feminist, queer, and trans studies. May be further organized by region or historical period. The topic will vary by instructor. Students may repeat for credit up to three times under a different topic. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for GSWS 388 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit.
GA 400
-
Selected Topics in Global Asia
(3)
Content will vary according to interests of faculty and students but will involve Global-Asia-related study within one or more of the social science or humanities disciplines. This course may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Cheryl Naruse
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
Other
BUS 431
-
Business with East Asian Countries
(3)
This course examines the opportunities and challenges of doing business with the Pacific Rim countries such as China, Japan and Korea. Topics include the following: the political and economic systems as they affect foreign investment; social and cultural systems as they affect management practices; the conduct of business negotiations for market entry; and marketing strategies. Prerequisite: BUS 360W with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units. Recommended: BUS 346.
CMNS 443
-
Comparative Asian Media Systems
(4)
Offers a basis for understanding different Asian media systems in concrete historical, political and socio-economic contexts. Introduces students to a range of epistemological and theoretical issues in media systems in a vast and extremely diverse region that is undergoing a period of rapid political, economic, social and cultural transformation. Provides an overview of issues relating to different media systems and case studies of media and politics in specific countries in the region. Prerequisite: 26 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C- or 60 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.
CMNS 445
-
Media and Popular Culture in China
(4)
An exploration of the media and popular culture scene in reform-era China. A wide range of media and popular culture forms and practices are analyzed in their concrete institutional settings and dynamic relationships with official ideologies, market imperatives, and the everyday struggles and cultural sensitivities of various social groups during a period of epochal transformation in China. Prerequisite: 26 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C- or 60 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.
ENGL 361
-
Diaspora Literatures in English
(4)
*
Study of primarily 20th- and 21st-century literatures and cultures by diasporic or racialized authors, oftentimes highlighting longstanding legacies of migration, racialization, social justice, and aesthetic innovation. Focus may include Asian, Black, Caribbean, or South Asian literatures and expressive arts. This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 30 units or two 200-division English courses. Students in the Global Asia Program Minor may enroll with permission of the instructor.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
E100
|
Cornel Bogle
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
GSWS 312
-
Gendering Borders and Belonging in Migration
(4)
*
Examines the forces involved in displacements and global migration. Centring both the exploitation involved in the extraction of land and labor, and the modes of belonging and resistance of migrants and immigrants, the course explores the gendered, economic, border and racial regimes involved in contemporary global migration and nation-building. Prerequisite: 15 units.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
May Farrales
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
HIST 358
-
Development, Aid and Difference in Historical Perspective
(4)
*
Examines "International Development" within a series of historical frames, including the history of imperialism, the history of international relations, globalization, and the cultural and intellectual history of North-South relations. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students who have credit for IS 358 may not take HIST 358 for further credit.
HIST 367
-
History of the People's Republic of China
(4)
Analyzes the history of the PRC from 1949 to present. Special emphasis on ideology, inequality, diversity, the Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and economic reforms. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 256 may not take this course for further credit.
HIST 368W
-
Selected Topics in the History of the Wider World
(4)
*
A writing-intensive examination of selected topics in the history of Asia, Africa and/or the Middle East. The content will vary from offering to offering. See department for further information. HIST 368W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students may not take selected topics within HIST 368W for further credit if duplicating content of another history course and vice versa. Writing.
HIST 371
-
The Asia-Pacific War in Modern Japanese History
(4)
Covers the period in Japan from the 1930s to the 1950s and will introduce students to topics such as wartime atrocities, the dropping of the atomic bombs and the prosecution of war criminals. It will also attempt to explain why so much controversy surrounds interpretations of events arising from Japan's last war, the Asia-Pacific War. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: at least one course on modern Japan.
HIST 425W
-
Gender and History
(4)
*
Explores historical changes in masculinity and femininity. Using a thematic and transnational/comparative approach, it will examine how gender identities are formed and refashioned within different historical contexts. It will also explore the interaction between gender and other systems of power such as race, class, and ethnicity. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 425 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
HIST 447W
-
The Nikkei Experience in North America
(4)
Traces the historical experience of people of Japanese ancestry in the United States and Canada. Provides a comparative, transnational treatment of the historical conditions that created the impetus for immigration; exclusionary laws; the nature of prewar immigrant communities; and internment. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 485 or 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
HIST 464
-
Problems in Modern Asian History
(4)
Concepts and methodology of modern Asian history. Selected themes may include revolution, inequality, mass violence, ideology, imperialism, leadership, and the Cold War. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 464 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history.
HIST 471W
-
Women in Japanese History (1600-1952)
(4)
The history of Japan from 1600 to the mid 20th century with a focus on the economic, social, cultural and political contributions of women. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Writing.
HIST 479W
-
Contentious Problems in Modern Chinese History
(4)
Examines a contentious aspect of, or period in, modern Chinese history focusing on change, conflict and resistance. For example the transition from revolution to reform, the Tiananmen Square protests, or the Cultural Revolution. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 479W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history, and one of HIST 255, 366, or 367. Writing.
HUM 331
-
Asian Religious Traditions
(4)
Studies a specific Asian religious tradition through the cultural and historical contexts that structure religious meaning. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
IS 303
-
Ethnic Minorities, Identity Politics, and Conflict in Southeast Asia
(4)
Surveys the ethnic minorities of Southeast Asia, focusing on their relations with other ethnic groups, especially majority populations, and governments. Examines the treatment of ethnic minorities and the responses of the minorities, including ethnic-based secession movements. Reviews cross-border and broader international issues relating to minorities, such as their status as refugees and cross-border support for insurgencies. Prerequisite: 45 units.
IS 313W
-
Nationalism, Democracy and Development in Modern India
(4)
An examination of the differing narratives of nation and modernity in the struggle for independence from colonial rule in India, and their implications for the post-colonial state, for politics and for India's economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 210 or 220. Writing.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Anushay Malik
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver
|
IS 314
-
National, Regional, and International Politics in Southeast Asia
(4)
Provides an overview of national and political issues in Southeast Asia. Surveying politics in individual countries and regional political institutions, focus is given to particular themes such as democratization and civil society, communism and other forms of authoritarianism, the role of the military, decentralization, religion and politics, the impact of China on the region, and security concerns. Prerequisite: 45 units.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Darren Byler
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver
|
IS 333
-
Chinese Development and Its Discontents
(4)
Explores China's stunning rise from Mao to global markets, with attention to social issues brought on by "the Chinese Development Model". Examines the bases of state legitimacy in contemporary China, challenges to state legitimacy, as well as state responses to these challenges. Prerequisite: 45 units.
IS 365
-
Surveillance Capitalism in Global Context
(4)
Explores how digital technology is transforming societies, political systems, and economies around the world. Examines the origins of surveillance and data assessment and the political, economic, and ethical challenges automated technologies present by focusing on contemporary cases and their effects in communities around the world. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for IS 319 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.
IS 373
-
Global Environmental Politics
(4)
Examines international efforts to respond to global environmental challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, and the degradation of the oceans. Investigates obstacles to effective action and possible ways forward. Explores the role of a range of key actors, including states, intergovernmental organizations, multinational companies, NGOs, and social movements. Prerequisite: 45 units.
IS 465
-
China in the World: Chinese International Development and Politics
(4)
Considers how the global economic recession of the late 2000s has coincided with the rise of global China. Examines the origins of Chinese international development, and its effects in receiving communities in Chinese internal frontiers and along China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for IS 419 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Darren Byler
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver
|
POL 342
-
Developing Countries in Global Politics
(4)
*
Problems arising from the disparities in power and wealth between the highly industrialized countries of Europe and North America, and the under-industrialized countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
POL 381
-
Japanese Politics
(4)
The political system of Japan, including an analysis of political culture, political institutions, political behaviour and both formal and informal political processes. Emphasis will be placed on the post-World War II political development of Japan. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 381W may not take this course for further credit.
POL 446W
-
International Relations in East Asia
(4)
An overview and analysis of international relations in East Asia. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Writing.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Tsuyoshi Kawasaki
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
SA 345
-
Race, Immigration and the Canadian State (S)
(4)
An introduction to critical perspectives on the social construction of race, nation building and transnational migration, with an emphasis on state policies and the experiences of immigrants. The course will cover a review of colonialism and the construction of racialized labour market. Core topics may include: racialization of space, anti-racist feminist thought, immigration policy,
settlement services, multiculturalism, citizenship, racial profiling, diasporas, and refugees. Comparative material will be used to complement the Canadian focus. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.
SA 388
-
Indigenous Social Movements Across the Globe (A)
(4)
In this intensive seminar, we compare political actions and social movements of indigenous peoples across several countries: analyze development of these movements over time; and discuss factors affecting the timing, reception, intensity and nature of these politics. Students write research papers on topics they develop. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.
WL 304
-
Exile and Migration
(4)
Explores the culture of peoples and individuals displaced by force or migrating by choice. May focus on the literary cultures of exiles and emigres or on the depiction of refugees, immigrants or exiles. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
Section |
Instructor |
Day/Time |
Location |
D100
|
Maria Barraza
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
D101
|
Maria Barraza
|
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby
|
Show lab/tutorial sections
WL 306
-
Transnational Literary Rebellions
(4)
*
Investigates cross-cultural literary movements that challenge the status quo. Focal points might include romanticism, modernism, existentialism, or other cultural and political tendencies, with attention to how such styles or movements gain impetus in new national/regional settings. This course may be repeated for credit when different topics are offered. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units
|
Notes |
W - Writing |
6
|
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each)
|
Q - Quantitative |
6
|
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) |
B - Breadth |
18
|
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division:
Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci
|
6
|
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements).
Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.
|