Topics in Global History (HIST*6500) | College of Arts

Topics in Global History (HIST*6500)

Code and section: HIST*6500*01

Term: Winter 2021

Instructor: Norman Smith

Details

Method of Delivery:

Remote Synchronous: The class meets virtually once a week at the scheduled time.

Each class typically consists of introductory comments by the instructor, two student presentations, and student-led class discussions. Generally, we will take a break halfway through the class. Regular attendance in the course is recommended for students to maximize their university experience. All students must come to class prepared to participate actively in discussion.

Course Synopsis:

This course examines constructs of gender and sexuality in Chinese history. Our study will follow a topical approach, with each week generally devoted to a selected subject or theme. We will focus on the late imperial, modern, and contemporary periods. This class is necessarily inter-disciplinary, highlighting analyses of primary and secondary sources. There are no language requirements for this course; all material will be provided either in English or in Chinese with English translation. 

By the end of this course, you will have a broad sense of the field and of important scholarly works that have structured its current state. In most of our classes, we will analyse Honours theses, MA theses or PhD dissertations. This activity is aimed at increasing your knowledge of this particular field of study but – even more importantly – sharpening your writing skills, critical thinking, and awareness of what constitutes effective graduate-level written work.

Method of Evaluation and Weights:

The final grade consists of four components: 

Term Paper (20-page essay [50%] and presentation [5%]) - 55% 
Term Paper Outline - 5%
Required Readings Discussions (one page critical analysis of assigned materials, presentation, and leadership of class discussion) (two @ 10% each) - 20%
Seminar Participation - 20%

Course Readings

Students are expected to complete the readings by the assigned times. Suggestions for additional reading will be given at each class. All of the readings can be found in Courselink – or the library system and internet, if preferred. 

*Please note: This is a preliminary website description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.