Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2015 - FNST 403 D100

Indigenous Knowledge in the Modern World (3)

Class Number: 4123

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    FNST 101 or FNST 201.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the subject of traditional indigenous knowledge and its contemporary implications for First Nations programs in such areas as economic development, ecotourism, spiritualism, language retention, biodiversity, ethnoscience, environmentalism, and heritage conservation. First Nations perspectives on patents, copyrights, and other creative products from traditional culture will also be examined through lecture, guest speakers and seminar presentation.

COURSE DETAILS:

Students will simultaneously learn/engage with Indigenous Knowledges while coming to understand the tensions that arise with learning about ways of knowing that are inseparable from Indigenous communities, wholistic in nature, connected to place and dependent on lived experiences gained over life times. Students will research and become familiar with a diversity of protocols and practices from Indigenous perspectives regarding wise approaches to economic development, ecotourism, environmentalism and a diversity of topics covered in the course readings, lectures, and guest speaker presentations. To honour the central tenets of Indigenous Knowledge, students will design and present in class research projects that are/would be meaningful/beneficial to their own/a First Nations’ community or organization, mobilizing in ways other then reports their research efforts. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and a portion of their overall grade is attached to this engagement.

Grading

  • Participation (weekly engagement in class discussions and/or activities are mandatory) 20%
  • Midterm 1 20%
  • Midterm 2 20%
  • IK Mobilization Project 40%

NOTES:

  1. Completion of prerequisites is required for this course.
  2. Enrollment is prioritzed. Students in a FNST affiliated program (eg. CCRM) WITH completed prerequisites for this course may contact the Department Advisor (first_nations@sfu.ca) to request Manual Waitlist Placement.
  3. Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.  
  4. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities at 778-782-3112 or csdo@sfu.ca.  
  5. Department of First Nations Studies: www.sfu.ca/fns. Saywell Hall 9091.


This print updated:  November 7, 2014.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no text- all readings are available online through SFU CANVAS and/or provided/presented in class.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS