Please note:

To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.

World Literature and International Studies Joint Major

Bachelor of Arts

This inter-departmental program explores various relationships between world literature and international studies. Interested students must plan their program in consultation with both department advisors, and should consult guidelines for course selection which are available from each department.

Required Grades

Students must obtain C- or higher in all courses used toward the program. For graduation, students must obtain a minimum 2.00 CGPA, 2.00 UDGPA, 2.00 international studies subject CGPA (calculated on all IS courses completed at SFU), and 2.00 international studies subject UDGPA (calculated on all upper division IS courses completed at SFU).

In addition to the normal university degree requirements, students must obtain a minimum 2.00 WL cumulative grade point average (CGPA) (calculated on all WL courses completed at SFU), and a minimum 2.00 WL CUDGPA (calculated on all upper division WL courses completed at SFU).

Program Requirements

Lower Division Requirements

World Literature

Students complete a total of 15 units, including

WL 100 - What is World Literature? (3)

Explores how texts travel beyond their cultures of origin, influence other cultural contexts and ideas, and become works of world literature. Introduces the concepts of cross-cultural literary criticism and translation. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Joel Akinwumi
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Joel Akinwumi
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Joel Akinwumi
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby

one 100-level WL Writing course

and

WL 200 - How to Do Things with World Literature (3)

Introduces major theoretical approaches to literature and fundamental techniques of literary analysis. Develops students' critical skills for analytical writing about literature in comparative, cross-cultural contexts. Prerequisite: six units in World Literature, including one W course.

plus 6 additional lower division WL units.

*Students may count one 2nd year language course (3 units) toward their lower division WL units.

International Studies

Students complete 15 lower division units including

IS 101 - Global Challenges of the 21st Century: An Introduction to International Studies (3)

Introduces the interdisciplinary field of International Studies to all undergraduates and IS majors. Examines the major global challenges of our time, including poverty and inequality, environmental degradation, nationalism, civil war, and armed conflict. Explores the challenge of global governance and global citizenship. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Anushay Malik
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Anushay Malik
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Anushay Malik
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Anushay Malik
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Anushay Malik
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Anushay Malik
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Anushay Malik
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

plus a minimum of 12 lower division units chosen from one of three concentrations.

International Security and Conflict Concentration

IS 200 - Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Examines contemporary security and governance challenges by drawing on insights from across the social sciences. Includes such topics as: war, nuclear proliferation, genocide, human trafficking, and global health threats. Explores the role of international organizations (the UN, EU, NATO and others) in addressing security challenges and advancing global governance. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and three of

IS 105 - Around the World through Film (3)

Explores social, economic, and political change around the globe, through documentaries and feature films. Examines pressing issues that shape and reflect people’s lives in diverse countries and regions, from Asia and Latin America, to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

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 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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
D102 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
IS 265 - Global History from the Revolutionary Age to the Present (3)

An introduction to Global History, beginning in the 1780s and ending in the present day. Key topics include the first Age of Revolution (US, Haiti, Latin America), the post-colonial experience, and the modern world economy. Students with credit for HIST 265 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

Comparative World Politics, Culture and Society Concentration

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

and three of

IS 105 - Around the World through Film (3)

Explores social, economic, and political change around the globe, through documentaries and feature films. Examines pressing issues that shape and reflect people’s lives in diverse countries and regions, from Asia and Latin America, to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 200 - Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Examines contemporary security and governance challenges by drawing on insights from across the social sciences. Includes such topics as: war, nuclear proliferation, genocide, human trafficking, and global health threats. Explores the role of international organizations (the UN, EU, NATO and others) in addressing security challenges and advancing global governance. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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
D102 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
IS 265 - Global History from the Revolutionary Age to the Present (3)

An introduction to Global History, beginning in the 1780s and ending in the present day. Key topics include the first Age of Revolution (US, Haiti, Latin America), the post-colonial experience, and the modern world economy. Students with credit for HIST 265 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

International Development, Economic, and Environmental Issues Concentraton

ECON 105 - Principles of Macroeconomics (4)

The principal elements of theory concerning money and income, distribution, social accounts, public finance, international trade, comparative systems, and development and growth. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Brian Krauth
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D200 Vasyl Golovetskyy
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D201 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D202 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D203 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D204 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D205 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D206 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D208 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D209 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D210 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D900 Yan Yan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 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 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Oi Ying Irene Pang
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and two of 

ECON 103 - Principles of Microeconomics (4)

The principal elements of theory concerning utility and value, price and costs, factor analysis, productivity, labor organization, competition and monopoly, and the theory of the firm. Quantitative/Breadth-Soc.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Douglas Allen
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Yan Yan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
E100 Yan Yan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
E101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
E104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
E105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
E113 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
E114 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
GEOG 221 - Economic Worlds (3)

The fundamentals of economics geography, the study of the forces that shape the arrangement of economic activity in the real world. Prerequisite: GEOG 100. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Leanne Roderick
Online
IS 105 - Around the World through Film (3)

Explores social, economic, and political change around the globe, through documentaries and feature films. Examines pressing issues that shape and reflect people’s lives in diverse countries and regions, from Asia and Latin America, to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

IS 200 - Security and Global Governance: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3)

Examines contemporary security and governance challenges by drawing on insights from across the social sciences. Includes such topics as: war, nuclear proliferation, genocide, human trafficking, and global health threats. Explores the role of international organizations (the UN, EU, NATO and others) in addressing security challenges and advancing global governance. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 6:30–7:20 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 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
D102 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Elizabeth Cooper
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
IS 265 - Global History from the Revolutionary Age to the Present (3)

An introduction to Global History, beginning in the 1780s and ending in the present day. Key topics include the first Age of Revolution (US, Haiti, Latin America), the post-colonial experience, and the modern world economy. Students with credit for HIST 265 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

Upper Division Requirements

World Literature

Students complete a minimum total of 20 upper division WL units including both of

WL 300 - How Ideas Travel (4)

Explores the counterpoint of Western and non-Western approaches to world literature. May draw from disciplines including comparative literature, history, anthropology, and semiotics to focus on how concepts of world literature are imported and transformed in new cultural contexts. Builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in WL 200. Prerequisite: 45 units, including WL 200.

WL 301W - Writing and Research (4)

Helps students develop more advanced critical thinking and writing skills through a selected topic in world literature. Explores specific literary research methods such as formulating a research question, engaging with secondary sources, and creating a strong authorial voice. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units in World Literature. Writing.

plus 12 additional upper division WL units, of which at least four must be taken at the 400 level

International Studies

Students complete 24 upper division units including

IS 300 - Research Methods in International Studies (4)

Introduces the research enterprise in International Studies. Prerequisite: IS 101 and 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sumercan Bozkurt-Gungen
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 451 - Seminar on Core Texts in International Studies (4)

An interdisciplinary course which aims to bring together different disciplinary perspectives on international affairs through the study of influential texts which, between them, involve study of core themes to the program: development, governance and civil society, war and peace, human rights and questions of culture and ethnicity. Prerequisite: 90 units. International Studies major or honours students.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Christopher Gibson
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Vancouver

Of the remaining 16 units, at least 12 are chosen from one of the three concentrations. The remaining four upper division units may be chosen from course offerings in any of the three concentrations. At least 12 of the 16 upper division units must be completed from international studies course offerings at SFU. Up to a maximum of four upper division units may be chosen from non-IS course offerings listed within the three concentrations.*

International Security and Conflict Concentration

GSWS 433 - Gender, Violence, Resistance (4)

A seminar-based, interdisciplinary course providing a gendered analysis of violence and resistance, to violence, focusing on political states, conflict and war, individual experiences, and institutional situations through feminist and critical masculinities lenses. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units in GSWS or WS or GDST. Students with credit for special temporary topics (STT) course GDST 303 Gender, Violence and Resistance may not complete this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D900 Jennifer Marchbank
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–4:20 p.m.
Surrey
HIST 332 - Politics and Culture in Modern Germany (4)

An examination of major themes in German history from the establishment of a united German Empire in 1871 to the reunification of Germany in 1990. Emphasis will be placed on issues related to the formation of German national identity and the problems associated with modernization and militarism. Attention will be given to the difficulties of Weimar democracy, the nature of the Third Reich, and contrasting developments in East and West Germany after 1949. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 335 - The Soviet Project (4)

An examination of the history of the Soviet Union from its creation to its collapse, emphasizing its ideology, culture, role in global politics, and social and economic transformations. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Ilya Vinkovetsky
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Ilya Vinkovetsky
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Ilya Vinkovetsky
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HIST 338 - World War II (4)

An introduction to the history of the origins and course of the second world war. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 225.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
OL01 Lauren Rossi
Online
HIST 350 - The Ottoman Empire and Turkey (4)

A study of Ottoman society and the impact of Ottoman rule in the Middle East from the conquest of Constantinople to the death of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. Emphasis will be on the conflict between preservation and reform in the nineteenth century and on the significance of the Ottoman legacy for twentieth century Turkey and the Arab world. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 352 - Religion and Politics in Modern Iran (4)

The intellectual and social history of greater Iran from the Safavids to the twentieth century. Emphasis will be on the relationship between religion and politics. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 354 - Imperialism and Modernity in the Middle East (4)

This course examines the role of imperialism in the transformation of societies in the Middle East and North Africa over the last two centuries. Focusing mainly on the cases of Ottoman, British and French empire building, the course discusses the socio-economic, cultural and political changes brought about by the interaction of various segments of local societies with these imperial powers. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 355 - The Arab Middle East in the Twentieth Century (4)

An examination of this century's major themes in the history of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as other states of the Arabian peninsula. Topics to be investigated include the origins of Arab nationalism and Islamic reformism; the origins and development of the Lebanese question; the emergence of the politics of the military in Iraq and Syria, and the special role of the Jordanian and Arabian monarchies. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

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 401 - Problems in Modern German History (4)

An examination of major debates concerning the history of late-nineteenth and twentieth century Germany. Themes may include the nature of German modernity, interpretations of the Third Reich, or German memory after the Second World War. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 401 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 224, 225, 332 or permission of the department.

HIST 419W - Problems in Modern Russian History (4)

Advanced analysis of specific problems in social, intellectual, and political history of modern Russia. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 419W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 224 or 225. Writing.

HIST 422 - Greece, 1935-1944: Occupation and Resistance (4)

Examines the cycle of violence that followed the Axis occupation of Greece and created a political schism that lasted until the 1980s. The course will focus on Greek resistance, foreign relations and relations with the British intelligence services. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HS 422 may not take this course for further credit.

HIST 456 - The Late Ottoman Empire: State, Culture and Social Transformation, 1750-1923 (4)

Focuses on major issues and trends in the history of the Ottoman Empire from the mid-eighteenth century to its demise in the aftermath of World War I. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 151 and 249.

HIST 463W - Rebellion and Revolution: Topics in the Theory and Practice of Resistance (4)

Explores ideas, people, and movements of social criticism and social justice, stressing history as a way to understand and engage the present. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 463W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 412 or HIST 412W cannot take HIST 463W for further credit when offered with the course topic "Marxism.". Writing.

HIST 465 - The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict (4)

A discussion of the modern history of nation-building in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The topics discussed include Zionism, the British Mandate in Palestine, the creation of the state of Israel, the rise of modern Palestinian nationalism, and the role of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute in regional and international affairs. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history and one of HIST 151, 249, 350, 354, 355 or permission of the department.

HIST 467 - Modern Egypt (4)

An interpretive discussion of the course of modern Egyptian history. This may range from the advent to power of Muhammed Ali Pasha until recent times, or may focus on specific periods of revolutionary change. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history and one of HIST 151, 249, 350, 354, 355 or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Paul Sedra
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HUM 335 - Modern Italian Culture (4)

Examines topics in Italian history and culture through film, literature, primary sources, and/or art. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for HUM 345 under the same topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 301 - Returning from Abroad: Discussion Seminar to Unpack the Experience of Work, Study & Research Abroad (2)

Provides an opportunity to examine social, cultural, and political challenges involved in working or living abroad. Students reflect on the knowledge, skills, and values gained while abroad, with attention to career-related pathways and possibilities. Topics include the complexities of cross-cultural engagement and ethical aspects of experiential learning in international settings. Graded as Pass/Fail (P/F). Prerequisite: This course will be open to any SFU student who has completed an international study, research, internship, or volunteership program.

IS 302 - Humanitarian Intervention: An Introduction (4)

Explores how international actors respond to humanitarian emergencies, such as famine, displacement, and genocide. Examines the political, legal, and ethical challenges of humanitarian action by focusing on contemporary cases and on key types of response, from the delivery of aid to sanctions and the use of military force. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

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 304 - Russian Foreign and Security Policies (4)

Introduces the Russian Federation's foreign and security policies. Reviews key actors, institutions, and stages in the development of Russian foreign policy development as well as the gap between rhetoric and realities in Russian foreign policy. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200 and HIST 335.

IS 306 - State Failure and Reconstruction (4)

Examines the causes of state fragility and collapse, and assesses the challenges of reconstruction. Focusing on cases from different regions, we will explore the security dimensions of state fragility; the role of humanitarian intervention; the challenge of building democratic institutions in divided societies; and, the relationship between statebuilding and peacebuilding. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Brenda Lyshaug
Jan 8 – Jan 15, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Jan 22 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
IS 307 - International Ethics: Poverty, Environmental Change, & War (4)

Examines ethical issues of global concern, with a focus on debates about poverty, environmental change, and armed conflict. Introduces students to relevant political and ethical theories, such as cosmopolitanism and nationalism, utilitarianism, theories of human rights, and ethics of care. Assesses various policy responses to these global challenges. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 309 - Special Topics in International Security and Conflict (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 310 - Gender and Security (4)

Examines security issues and events with attention to gender. Focuses on themes related to war, political violence, post-war reconstruction, militarism, military culture, and peace activism with attention to women and marginalised communities, gender norms, and feminist and queer approaches to rethinking security and imagining peace. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Megan MacKenzie
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 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 315 - Introduction to Middle East Politics (4)

Introduces the political, economic, and ideological dynamics of contemporary Middle Eastern states. Examines the legacy of colonialism, state formation, central ideological trends such as Arab nationalism and political Islam, the dynamics of state-society contention, and the challenges of economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nazanin Shahrokni
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 322 - Central Asia: Conflict and Security (4)

Examines post-Soviet Central Asian states, with particular reference to the relationship among democratization, development, autocracy and conflict, and the role of external actors in transnational security issues in the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200. Students with credit for IS 412 may not take this course for further credit.

IS 323 - Sub-Saharan Africa: Key Issues and Understandings (4)

Survey course of major contemporary issues relevant to people's lives in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as major debates about these. Study of the historic, economic, political, social and cultural factors contributing to contemporary realities and perspectives. Relevant for students with little to significant familiarity with life in Africa. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 325 - Social Movements in a Changing Africa (4)

From peasant uprisings and student protests to armed insurrections, this course explores the range of African social movements and assesses their role in shaping Africa's future. Key themes include the role of ethnicity and religion, the impact of urbanization, economic inequality, gender politics, and trends in international solidarity and engagement. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 355 - Refugees and Forced Migration (4)

Examines ideas and practices that affect experiences of forced migration and responses to these situations. What does it mean to live as a refugee? And what needs to change to alleviate the hardships and suffering of so many displaced people? Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 329 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 380 - Civil Wars (4)

Examines the causes of civil wars throughout history, as well as the different ways scholars have approached them. Explores recent trends in civil wars and potential solutions. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for IS 409 under the title "Civil Wars" may not take this course for further credit.

IS 402 - Global Security Governance (4)

Examines how states engage with the global security architecture to address a range of contemporary security challenges. Taking a comparative perspective, we investigate key actors’ involvement with regional and international institutions such as the UN, NATO, and the EU. Issues may include disinformation, cybersecurity, outer space security, trafficking, and terrorism. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 409 - Special Topics I (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 414 - Current Regional Issues in Southeast Asia (4)

Reviews important current regional issues in Southeast Asia with particular attention to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 415 - Islamist Trend in Middle East Politics (4)

Focuses upon the political Islamist movements that have swept much of the Middle East and North Africa since the mid-1970s. Examines a broad range of movements, from liberal to militant trends, drawing on the experiences of countries throughout the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: HIST 151 or IS 315.

IS 435 - Special Topics in Latin American Studies (4)

An examination of Latin America through historical, literary, and social scientific approaches. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 209W or HIST 209W.

IS 444 - Inside Diplomacy: A Practitioner's Perspective (4)

Explores diplomacy in its bilateral and multilateral forms, from the perspective of practitioners. Examines how diplomatic principles and procedures have been applied in various areas of global policy (e.g. human rights, peacemaking, climate change, and disarmament). Focuses on the development of diplomatic skills, such as analysis, reporting, and negotiation. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

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 344 - International Law (4)

Sovereignty, nationality, jurisdiction, arbitration. Examination of selected cases exemplifying present trends in the international legal order. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 James Busumtwi-sam
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 346 - International Organization (4)

An examination of the structures and processes and the main substantive decisions of the United Nations and related international organizations. Based upon in-depth study of the UN Charter, the Security Council, General Assembly, Secretary-general and Secretariat and their constitutional and political interactions since 1945, with special attention to the theory and practice of international organization advanced by the principal Western countries, the Soviet Union and Soviet bloc, the People's Republic of China and leading Third World countries. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 348 - Theories of War, Peace and Conflict Resolution (4)

Examines the origins and causes of several major conflicts during the last century. This course reviews various theories on the causes of conflict and war in the international system. It also examines the techniques of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, crisis management and coercive diplomacy as they have been used to try to forestall open warfare and maximize the opportunities for peaceful change and the negotiated resolution of international disputes. Both documentary and feature films will be used to illustrate many types of conflict and warfare in the international system. Course simulations, when employed, will concentrate on the problems and risks that are involved in international efforts to contain and reverse the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Prerequisite: POL 141 and three lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Tsuyoshi Kawasaki
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 349 - Selected Topics in International Relations (4)

Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
BLS1 Radoslav Dimitrov
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 4:30–5:50 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 373 - Human Security (4)

Explores what is involved in shifting the focus in the security realm from 'national interest' to the safety and needs of humans. Addresses several contemporary issues of human insecurity such as genocide, terrorism, civil wars and other complex emergencies; the political economy of conflict (small arms, "blood" diamonds); 'new' inequalities (economic, gender, class, ethnicity); and new health risks (e.g. HIV/AIDS, SARS, ecological degradation). Considers recent initiatives and trends that have emerged to deal with these issues (e.g. humanitarian intervention, International Criminal Court, new coalitions of state and non-state actors such as the Ottawa Process on anti-personnel mines). Prerequisite: Six lower division units in Political Science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 349 'Special Topics' for credit under this title may not take this course for further credit.

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 417 - Human Rights Theories (4)

This course introduces students to the problems involved in the assertion of universal moral standards across political and cultural divides. These issues will be explored at a theoretical level, and in the context of specific human rights controversies. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 422 - Canadian International Security Relations (4)

The course traces the evolution of Canadian thinking on national international security issues through an examination of pre-World War II isolationism, elite attitudes during the Cold War, the formative period of NATO, as well as Canadian involvement in the Korean and Indochina conflicts. More recent policies concerning ALCM testings, NORAD, and nuclear non-proliferation will also be explored in detail. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 443 - Grey Zone Warfare and International Security in the Age of Disruptive Technologies (4)

Provides an overview of how great powers (e.g., Russia, USA), smaller states (e.g., Iran and North Korea), and non-state actors employ nuclear threats and other traditional intimidation techniques alongside emerging “disruptive” technologies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Social Media, Cyber, Big Data) to coerce one another. Whereas traditional military threats are issued openly, grey zone tactics of disinformation, espionage, and violence utilize ambiguity, strategic surprise and deception to accomplish their strategic objectives. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 422 under the title "Grey Zone Warfare and Security in the Age of Disruptive Technologies" may not take this course for further credit.

POL 445W - American Foreign Policy (4)

Examines US foreign policy in the post World War II era. Topics to be covered will include the formation of foreign policy, 20th century American security issues, alliance relations, crisis management and international economic relations. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in Political Science or permission of the department. Writing.

POL 448 - Selected Topics in International Relations (4)

Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 449 - Selected Topics in International Relations II (4)

Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in Political Science or permission of the department .

REM 454 - Water Security (4)

Students investigate dimensions of the global environmental crisis related to water security, including: human rights, political science, development economics, gender policies, geopolitics, regional integration and security, international law, national legislation, public health, trade, agriculture, energy generation, and water resources management. Prerequisite: 75 units and REM 100 or EVSC 100 or GEOG 100.

Comparative World Politics, Culture and Society Concentration

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 319 - Modern France (4)

An examination of the history of modern France from 1789 to the present with a focus on the social, political, and cultural divisions within the French nation resulting from the Revolutionary era, industrialization, the expansion and eventual decolonization of France's colonial empire, and the World Wars and their consequences. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 332 - Politics and Culture in Modern Germany (4)

An examination of major themes in German history from the establishment of a united German Empire in 1871 to the reunification of Germany in 1990. Emphasis will be placed on issues related to the formation of German national identity and the problems associated with modernization and militarism. Attention will be given to the difficulties of Weimar democracy, the nature of the Third Reich, and contrasting developments in East and West Germany after 1949. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 335 - The Soviet Project (4)

An examination of the history of the Soviet Union from its creation to its collapse, emphasizing its ideology, culture, role in global politics, and social and economic transformations. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Ilya Vinkovetsky
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Ilya Vinkovetsky
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Ilya Vinkovetsky
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HIST 344 - Themes in Modern East Africa (4)

Examines the diversity of environments, cultures and livelihoods in East Africa and the Horn in the context of long-term trans-regional influences, especially slave trade, cash cropping, colonization and post-colonial politics, and the expansion of the world religions into East Africa. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 344 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.

HIST 348 - A History of Twentieth Century South Africa (4)

An examination of the economic, social and political history of 20th century South Africa. Particular attention will be paid to the factors which led to the rise of apartheid. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: at least one of HIST 146, 231.

HIST 350 - The Ottoman Empire and Turkey (4)

A study of Ottoman society and the impact of Ottoman rule in the Middle East from the conquest of Constantinople to the death of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. Emphasis will be on the conflict between preservation and reform in the nineteenth century and on the significance of the Ottoman legacy for twentieth century Turkey and the Arab world. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 352 - Religion and Politics in Modern Iran (4)

The intellectual and social history of greater Iran from the Safavids to the twentieth century. Emphasis will be on the relationship between religion and politics. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 354 - Imperialism and Modernity in the Middle East (4)

This course examines the role of imperialism in the transformation of societies in the Middle East and North Africa over the last two centuries. Focusing mainly on the cases of Ottoman, British and French empire building, the course discusses the socio-economic, cultural and political changes brought about by the interaction of various segments of local societies with these imperial powers. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 355 - The Arab Middle East in the Twentieth Century (4)

An examination of this century's major themes in the history of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as other states of the Arabian peninsula. Topics to be investigated include the origins of Arab nationalism and Islamic reformism; the origins and development of the Lebanese question; the emergence of the politics of the military in Iraq and Syria, and the special role of the Jordanian and Arabian monarchies. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: one of HIST 151, 249.

HIST 366 - Social and Cultural History of Modern China (4)

Explores the social and cultural problems in modern Chinese history, with special emphasis on popular and elite cultures in the late Qing, Republican, and socialist eras. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. HIST 255 is recommended.

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 417W - Problems in Modern French History (4)

An examination of a principal aspect of, or period in, the history of French society since the Revolution. For example, attention may be given to the 19th century French revolutionary tradition, or to society and culture in the Third, Fourth and Fifth Republics, or to colonialism and decolonisation. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 417W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 224 or 225. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Roxanne Panchasi
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HIST 419W - Problems in Modern Russian History (4)

Advanced analysis of specific problems in social, intellectual, and political history of modern Russia. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 419W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 224 or 225. Writing.

HIST 420 - Themes in Russian Imperial History (4)

An examination of how the Russian Empire grew, was maintained, and came to an end, if it did end, through a study of imperial and colonial policies and practices and the responses to these by the area's diverse peoples. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 420 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history.

HIST 422 - Greece, 1935-1944: Occupation and Resistance (4)

Examines the cycle of violence that followed the Axis occupation of Greece and created a political schism that lasted until the 1980s. The course will focus on Greek resistance, foreign relations and relations with the British intelligence services. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HS 422 may not take this course for further credit.

HIST 457 - The Turkish Republic: Politics, Society, and Culture, 1918-Present (4)

Examines the political, social, and cultural transformation in Turkey from the end of World War I to the present. Topics may include the Ottoman legacy in the Turkish Republic, issues of nation building, national identity and ethnicity, the role of the military in Turkish politics, changing concepts of gender, the role of political Islam, and Turkish diasporas. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 151 and 249.

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 465 - The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict (4)

A discussion of the modern history of nation-building in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The topics discussed include Zionism, the British Mandate in Palestine, the creation of the state of Israel, the rise of modern Palestinian nationalism, and the role of the Palestinian-Israeli dispute in regional and international affairs. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history and one of HIST 151, 249, 350, 354, 355 or permission of the department.

HIST 467 - Modern Egypt (4)

An interpretive discussion of the course of modern Egyptian history. This may range from the advent to power of Muhammed Ali Pasha until recent times, or may focus on specific periods of revolutionary change. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history and one of HIST 151, 249, 350, 354, 355 or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Paul Sedra
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
IS 301 - Returning from Abroad: Discussion Seminar to Unpack the Experience of Work, Study & Research Abroad (2)

Provides an opportunity to examine social, cultural, and political challenges involved in working or living abroad. Students reflect on the knowledge, skills, and values gained while abroad, with attention to career-related pathways and possibilities. Topics include the complexities of cross-cultural engagement and ethical aspects of experiential learning in international settings. Graded as Pass/Fail (P/F). Prerequisite: This course will be open to any SFU student who has completed an international study, research, internship, or volunteership program.

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 304 - Russian Foreign and Security Policies (4)

Introduces the Russian Federation's foreign and security policies. Reviews key actors, institutions, and stages in the development of Russian foreign policy development as well as the gap between rhetoric and realities in Russian foreign policy. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200 and HIST 335.

IS 305 - Challenging Power Around the Globe: Political Resistance and Protest (4)

Examines various forms of resistance and protest, including everyday resistance and organized activism, with an emphasis on civil resistance. Investigates the conditions and outcomes of protest, focusing on a range of cases which may include Solidarity in Poland, the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and the American Civil Rights Movement. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken POL 339 or IS 309 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 306 - State Failure and Reconstruction (4)

Examines the causes of state fragility and collapse, and assesses the challenges of reconstruction. Focusing on cases from different regions, we will explore the security dimensions of state fragility; the role of humanitarian intervention; the challenge of building democratic institutions in divided societies; and, the relationship between statebuilding and peacebuilding. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Brenda Lyshaug
Jan 8 – Jan 15, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Jan 22 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
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 315 - Introduction to Middle East Politics (4)

Introduces the political, economic, and ideological dynamics of contemporary Middle Eastern states. Examines the legacy of colonialism, state formation, central ideological trends such as Arab nationalism and political Islam, the dynamics of state-society contention, and the challenges of economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nazanin Shahrokni
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 319 - Special Topics in Comparative World Politics, Culture and Society (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 322 - Central Asia: Conflict and Security (4)

Examines post-Soviet Central Asian states, with particular reference to the relationship among democratization, development, autocracy and conflict, and the role of external actors in transnational security issues in the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200. Students with credit for IS 412 may not take this course for further credit.

IS 323 - Sub-Saharan Africa: Key Issues and Understandings (4)

Survey course of major contemporary issues relevant to people's lives in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as major debates about these. Study of the historic, economic, political, social and cultural factors contributing to contemporary realities and perspectives. Relevant for students with little to significant familiarity with life in Africa. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 325 - Social Movements in a Changing Africa (4)

From peasant uprisings and student protests to armed insurrections, this course explores the range of African social movements and assesses their role in shaping Africa's future. Key themes include the role of ethnicity and religion, the impact of urbanization, economic inequality, gender politics, and trends in international solidarity and engagement. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

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 339 - Social Movements in the Global South (4)

Examines the nature, activities, and effects of social movements across the Global South. Uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore how social movements shape and respond to political, economic, and social transformation. Considers their relationship with political parties, states, and media and assesses the conditions under which movements emerge and succeed. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 329 or IS 419 with this topic, or IS 439 may not take this course for further credit.

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 410 - Politics, Institutions and Development (4)

The quality of institutions' exercises a crucial influence on the prospects for development. Aims are to interrogate this claim through analysis of different paths of economic growth and change across the developing world. Examination of the ways in which politics influences economic growth and distribution; the relationships between political systems and patterns of development; and the politics of institutions and state formation. Prerequisite: 90 units.

IS 414 - Current Regional Issues in Southeast Asia (4)

Reviews important current regional issues in Southeast Asia with particular attention to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 415 - Islamist Trend in Middle East Politics (4)

Focuses upon the political Islamist movements that have swept much of the Middle East and North Africa since the mid-1970s. Examines a broad range of movements, from liberal to militant trends, drawing on the experiences of countries throughout the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: HIST 151 or IS 315.

IS 419 - Special Topics II (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 427 - Globalization, Poverty and Inequality (4)

Analyzes the origins and the economic consequences of globalization and the uneven process of economic development around the world in relation to poverty, by considering the measurement of poverty, its causes and dynamics, as well as public policy for poverty reduction. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sumercan Bozkurt-Gungen
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 435 - Special Topics in Latin American Studies (4)

An examination of Latin America through historical, literary, and social scientific approaches. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 209W or HIST 209W.

IS 444 - Inside Diplomacy: A Practitioner's Perspective (4)

Explores diplomacy in its bilateral and multilateral forms, from the perspective of practitioners. Examines how diplomatic principles and procedures have been applied in various areas of global policy (e.g. human rights, peacemaking, climate change, and disarmament). Focuses on the development of diplomatic skills, such as analysis, reporting, and negotiation. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

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 310 - Identity Politics (4)

Examines the impact of identity politics on the dynamics and organization of political systems. Topics include the impact of ethnic, racial and/or religious diversity on modes of political representation, the formation of public policy, and the quest for political stability and national identity. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Student with credit for POL 481 may not take this course for further credit.

POL 339 - Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics (4)

Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

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 374 - Africa in the Global Political Economy (4)

Considers Africa in the historical development of the modern global political economy, from the transatlantic slave trade to the present. Examines contemporary issues associated with Africa in the neo-liberal world order and the politics of resistance and alternative pathways or models of development. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 James Busumtwi-sam
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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 436 - Elections, Parties and Governments in Comparative Perspectives (4)

An examination of the processes by which governments are created, maintained, and destroyed in democratic systems. The effects of different regime types, electoral arrangements, and party systems will be highlighted. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 438 - Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics I (4)

Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Shivaji Mukherjee
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 439 - Selected Topics in Comparative Government and Politics II (4)

Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

SA 302W - Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (SA) (4)

An introduction to the political economy and culture of capitalism in relation to global problems. Case studies may focus on issues of population, famine, disease, poverty, environmental destruction, social inequality, and nation-state violence. Resistance, rebellion and social movements in response to these problems also will be addressed. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

SA 321 - Social Movements (S) (4)

A study of the sources, development and effects of social movements in transitional and modernized societies. Specific types of movements will be analysed. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 363 - Racial Capitalism, Settler Colonialism, and Uneven Development (S) (4)

An examination of uneven development arising from the intersection of European colonialism and capitalism since 1492. This process embodies power relations including commodification, dispossession, capital accumulation, organization of states and cultures, restructuring of social classes and gender relations, and deepening racialization. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 365 - Selected Regional Areas (A) (4)

An examination of selected aspects of the social structure, culture and the processes of social change in varying regional areas. The focus will vary from semester to semester. 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.

SA 396 - Selected Regional Areas (SA) (4)

An examination of selected aspects of social structure, culture and processes of social change in a specific regional area. The focus will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

International Development, Economic, and Environmental Issues Concentration

ECON 342 - International Trade (3)

Topics discussed in this course are: gains from trade in a classical world; the modern theory of international trade; factor price equalization; empirical tests and extensions of the pure theory model; economic growth and international trade; the nature and effects of protection; motives and welfare effects of factor movements; multinational enterprises; the brain drain; customs union theory; pollution control and international trade. Prerequisite: ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; 60 units or permission of the department. Students with credit for ECON 442 cannot take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

ECON 345 - International Finance (3)

Foreign exchange markets; determination of spot and forward exchange rates; Euro currency markets; balance of payments statistics; international adjustment theory; income price and exchange rate effects; the role of international short term capital flows; the international monetary system: gold standard, freely floating rates, dollar gold exchange standard, centrally created reserves. Prerequisite: ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; 60 units or permission of the department. Students with credit for ECON 445 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

ECON 355W - Economic Development (4)

Analysis of theories of economic development. Consideration will be given to the requirements of successful development, to aspects of international co-operation, and to procedures of economic planning. Problems of emerging countries and models of various developing economies will be studied. Prerequisite: ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; 60 units. Students with credit for ECON 355 or ECON 455 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Chris Bidner
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
ECON 372 - The Economics of Globalization (3)

Evolution of the global economy and its institutions, including historical developments dating from the nineteenth century up to the present day. Examines common themes across all periods, such as international trade, capital, and immigration flows. Prerequisite: ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-; ECON 105 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 115 with a minimum grade of A-; 60 units. Students with credit for ECON 382 in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, or Spring 2010 terms may not take this course for further credit.

GSWS 305 - Gendering Economy: Paid and Unpaid Labour (4)

Takes a broad approach to gender, placing it dialogue with race and ethnicity, class, nation, and space, to think through the complex dynamic between gender and labour from a variety of perspectives. Explores workers’ lived experiences of gender regimes while critically examining how gender ‘matters’ within the workplace. Prerequisite: 30 units including three units in GSWS or WS or GDST or LBST. Students who have taken GSWS 308, LBST 305, LBST 331 under the title Gender - Paid & Unpaid, or WS 310 under the title Women and Work may not take this course for further credit.

GSWS 309 - Gender and International Development (4)

Examines from interdisciplinary and international perspectives how development is gendered and creates differential impacts, meanings and processes for women and men around the world. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for GSWS 310 (or WS 310) Special Topic: Women and Development or GSWS 301 (or WS 301) Special Topic: Gender and Development or GSWS 309 (or WS 309) under the title Gender and Development may not take this course for further credit.

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 377 - Environmental History (4)

Examines the reciprocal influences between humans and nature through time. Topics may include settlement, agriculture, technology, politics, urbanization, science, and conservation. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students with credit for GEOG 377 may not take this course for further credit.

HSCI 308 - Sickness and Wealth: Health in Global Perspective (3)

New formations of wealth and power that contribute to international health disparities and consideration of the relations of power both between and within nation-states that make some people sick and keep others well. Economic and political collusions that make people sick. Infectious disease and child survival, health implications of war, biotech, and the politics of food and water. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: HSCI 130.

IS 301 - Returning from Abroad: Discussion Seminar to Unpack the Experience of Work, Study & Research Abroad (2)

Provides an opportunity to examine social, cultural, and political challenges involved in working or living abroad. Students reflect on the knowledge, skills, and values gained while abroad, with attention to career-related pathways and possibilities. Topics include the complexities of cross-cultural engagement and ethical aspects of experiential learning in international settings. Graded as Pass/Fail (P/F). Prerequisite: This course will be open to any SFU student who has completed an international study, research, internship, or volunteership program.

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 306 - State Failure and Reconstruction (4)

Examines the causes of state fragility and collapse, and assesses the challenges of reconstruction. Focusing on cases from different regions, we will explore the security dimensions of state fragility; the role of humanitarian intervention; the challenge of building democratic institutions in divided societies; and, the relationship between statebuilding and peacebuilding. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Brenda Lyshaug
Jan 8 – Jan 15, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Jan 22 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
Vancouver
IS 307 - International Ethics: Poverty, Environmental Change, & War (4)

Examines ethical issues of global concern, with a focus on debates about poverty, environmental change, and armed conflict. Introduces students to relevant political and ethical theories, such as cosmopolitanism and nationalism, utilitarianism, theories of human rights, and ethics of care. Assesses various policy responses to these global challenges. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

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 315 - Introduction to Middle East Politics (4)

Introduces the political, economic, and ideological dynamics of contemporary Middle Eastern states. Examines the legacy of colonialism, state formation, central ideological trends such as Arab nationalism and political Islam, the dynamics of state-society contention, and the challenges of economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Nazanin Shahrokni
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 323 - Sub-Saharan Africa: Key Issues and Understandings (4)

Survey course of major contemporary issues relevant to people's lives in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as major debates about these. Study of the historic, economic, political, social and cultural factors contributing to contemporary realities and perspectives. Relevant for students with little to significant familiarity with life in Africa. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 325 - Social Movements in a Changing Africa (4)

From peasant uprisings and student protests to armed insurrections, this course explores the range of African social movements and assesses their role in shaping Africa's future. Key themes include the role of ethnicity and religion, the impact of urbanization, economic inequality, gender politics, and trends in international solidarity and engagement. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 329 - Special Topics in International Development, Economic and Environmental Issues (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

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 339 - Social Movements in the Global South (4)

Examines the nature, activities, and effects of social movements across the Global South. Uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore how social movements shape and respond to political, economic, and social transformation. Considers their relationship with political parties, states, and media and assesses the conditions under which movements emerge and succeed. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 329 or IS 419 with this topic, or IS 439 may not take this course for further credit.

IS 355 - Refugees and Forced Migration (4)

Examines ideas and practices that affect experiences of forced migration and responses to these situations. What does it mean to live as a refugee? And what needs to change to alleviate the hardships and suffering of so many displaced people? Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 329 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 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. Students who have credit for HIST 358 may not take IS 358 for further credit.

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 410 - Politics, Institutions and Development (4)

The quality of institutions' exercises a crucial influence on the prospects for development. Aims are to interrogate this claim through analysis of different paths of economic growth and change across the developing world. Examination of the ways in which politics influences economic growth and distribution; the relationships between political systems and patterns of development; and the politics of institutions and state formation. Prerequisite: 90 units.

IS 414 - Current Regional Issues in Southeast Asia (4)

Reviews important current regional issues in Southeast Asia with particular attention to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 421 - The Economics of International Organizations and Development (4)

Develops an understanding of the interactions between international organizations, economic theory, and implementation of economic policies. Explores as well the impact of their interventions in some chosen countries. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 423 - International Development Practice and Ethics (4)

Critically considers why and how international development has been, and might be, pursued. Includes study of histories of development, theories of development, as well as policies, practices, different perspectives and outcomes of development. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 429 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

IS 427 - Globalization, Poverty and Inequality (4)

Analyzes the origins and the economic consequences of globalization and the uneven process of economic development around the world in relation to poverty, by considering the measurement of poverty, its causes and dynamics, as well as public policy for poverty reduction. Prerequisite: 45 units.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sumercan Bozkurt-Gungen
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Vancouver
IS 429 - Special Topics III (4)

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term. Prerequisite: 45 units.

IS 435 - Special Topics in Latin American Studies (4)

An examination of Latin America through historical, literary, and social scientific approaches. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 209W or HIST 209W.

IS 444 - Inside Diplomacy: A Practitioner's Perspective (4)

Explores diplomacy in its bilateral and multilateral forms, from the perspective of practitioners. Examines how diplomatic principles and procedures have been applied in various areas of global policy (e.g. human rights, peacemaking, climate change, and disarmament). Focuses on the development of diplomatic skills, such as analysis, reporting, and negotiation. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

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
LBST 307 - Unfree Labour and Modern Slavery: Understanding Coercion and Exploitation in Contemporary Labour Markets (3)

An exploration of the expanding forms of unfree labour in capitalist economies as products of changing labour processes, global labour markets, and the policies of neoliberalism and 'austerity'. Prerequisite: Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.

LBST 312 - Migration, Migrants, and Work: A Global Perspective (3)

Global labour migration has increased substantially in the last several decades. What factors contribute to the current wave of labour migration? Which countries send and receive migrants, and what is the role of internal migration? What challenges do migrant workers face in their host countries? This course will examine these questions to uncover the nature, trends and impacts of this growing phenomenon. Prerequisite: Strongly Recommended: LBST 101. Students who have taken LBST 330 Global Labour Migration may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Xinying Hu
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
LBST 328 - Labour Geographies (4)

Examines contemporary debates in Labour Geography and geographical approaches to work and employment. Lectures explore the relationships between space, place and labour market change in the context of globalization and uneven development. Prerequisite: 60 units; LBST 101 or GEOG 221. Students with credit for GEOG 328 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Sessional
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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 346 - International Organization (4)

An examination of the structures and processes and the main substantive decisions of the United Nations and related international organizations. Based upon in-depth study of the UN Charter, the Security Council, General Assembly, Secretary-general and Secretariat and their constitutional and political interactions since 1945, with special attention to the theory and practice of international organization advanced by the principal Western countries, the Soviet Union and Soviet bloc, the People's Republic of China and leading Third World countries. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 374 - Africa in the Global Political Economy (4)

Considers Africa in the historical development of the modern global political economy, from the transatlantic slave trade to the present. Examines contemporary issues associated with Africa in the neo-liberal world order and the politics of resistance and alternative pathways or models of development. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
E100 James Busumtwi-sam
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 447 - Theories of Global Political Economy (4)

An examination of the major theories of international political economy, and their application to such issues as the politics of trade, aid, monetary relations, and transnational corporations. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 452W - Energy Policy (4)

Examines the politics and policies of energy, including historical and technical perspectives. Topics include alternative energy, climate change, regulatory policy, and the economics of energy, as well as practical case studies. Students who have completed POL 459 in 2009 and 2010 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.

REM 454 - Water Security (4)

Students investigate dimensions of the global environmental crisis related to water security, including: human rights, political science, development economics, gender policies, geopolitics, regional integration and security, international law, national legislation, public health, trade, agriculture, energy generation, and water resources management. Prerequisite: 75 units and REM 100 or EVSC 100 or GEOG 100.

SA 302W - Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (SA) (4)

An introduction to the political economy and culture of capitalism in relation to global problems. Case studies may focus on issues of population, famine, disease, poverty, environmental destruction, social inequality, and nation-state violence. Resistance, rebellion and social movements in response to these problems also will be addressed. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

SA 316 - Tourism and Social Policy (S) (4)

An examination of tourism from the perspectives of sociology and anthropology, focusing primarily upon the social and cultural impacts of tourism and the social policy implications of tourism development in different societies. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201w.

SA 326 - Food, Ecology and Social Thought (S) (4)

Modernization narratives have placed food and agriculture on the margins of social thought. The current ecological crisis requires us to take a new look at the global agrifood system and its social, political and ecological relations. This course develops analytical perspectives on contemporary issues concerning food, ecology and agrarian change. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 362 - The Commodification of Everything: Colonialism, Capitalism, and Sustainability (S) (4)

Addresses the historical, global dimensions of the social and ecological by examining hegemonies of capitalism from the colonial to the neoliberal era. Explores deepening commodification in the neoliberal "sustainability by algorithms" approach, animated by powerful discourses of crisis, climate change, food security, and development. Considers resistance possibilities. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Yildiz Atasoy
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
SA 363 - Racial Capitalism, Settler Colonialism, and Uneven Development (S) (4)

An examination of uneven development arising from the intersection of European colonialism and capitalism since 1492. This process embodies power relations including commodification, dispossession, capital accumulation, organization of states and cultures, restructuring of social classes and gender relations, and deepening racialization. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 371 - The Environment and Society (SA) (4)

An examination of environmental issues in their social context. Environmental issues are on the leading edge of contemporary public concern and public policy debates. This course will examine such issues as the relationship between social organization and mode of subsistence, the politics of hunger, and the way in which human societies in their particular social, historical, and cultural contexts view and interact with the natural world. 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.

SA 396 - Selected Regional Areas (SA) (4)

An examination of selected aspects of social structure, culture and processes of social change in a specific regional area. The focus will vary from term to term. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

SA 418 - Global Health: Humanitarian Encounters (A) (4)

An investigation of the social, cultural, and political issues that contribute to problems of ill-health in resource-poor countries and the major efforts in international public health to address these problems. It explores the application of knowledge about social, and especially gender relations in international health, with particular attention to local perspectives and grassroots initiatives. Institutional frameworks intended to promote health development are examined in historical and contemporary perspective through case studies on topics such as: malaria, population control, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Prerequisite: 72 units, which must include SA 101 or 150 or 201W. Breadth-Social Sciences.

*With the approval of the School for International Studies (please contact the IS advisor), 4 upper division units from courses not listed above with high international content may be considered for credit towards this plan.

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.

Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit

  • At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
  • At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.

Elective Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.