Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - FNST 429 D100

Indigenous Peoples and International Law (3)

Class Number: 2985

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    FNST 101 or 201W, or CRIM 101, or permission of instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of how relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples framed and were framed by the development of international law from the 15th century onward. Students with credit for CRIM 429, or under CRIM 416 or 418 under the title "Indigenous Peoples and International Law" or "Indigenous Peoples and Evolving International Relations" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will consider how relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples framed much of the development of international law from the 15th century onward, and how the nature of that relationship has changed through ages of exploration, colonization, and rights recognition. The three main sections of the course are organized around the following themes:  

(1) the earliest relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples during “the age of exploration” in which the early European nation states set forth to explore and colonize the world;
(2) the role that North American Indigenous peoples, and especially the Haudenosaunee, played in the development of international law; and
(3) the 20th century transition that has seen Indigenous Peoples transform themselves from being “objects” of law (i.e., entities about which law is made) to being “subjects” of law (i.e., participants in making of international law).             

Students will play an active role in shaping the scope of our collective examination of those relationships; the term projects you engage in will provide individual stories as well as a collective global snapshot of Indigenous peoples and their historical and contemporary relationships with nation state governments.

Grading

  • Take-home midterm (10-page paper) 25%
  • Term Research Project on an Indigenous People-Oral presentation of project 20%
  • Term Research Project on an Indigenous People-Written report on project 30%
  • Preparation and Participation 25%

NOTES:

  1. FNST 429 and CRIM 429 are identical. FNST 429 may not be taken for additional credit if CRIM 429 has been completed; and vice versa.
  2. It is recommended that students have taken at least one prior “overview” course involving Indigenous Peoples, such as CRIM 419 or FNST 419, before enrolling in this course.
  3. Enrollment is prioritized for FNST 429-3. Non-FNST program-declared students with completed prerequisites may request Manual Waitlist Placement. To submit a request, email first_nations@sfu.ca from your @sfu.ca and include your SFU Student ID number in your request.
  4. See also Department Undergraduate Notes and Registrar's (below) for additional details.
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General Information (from the School of Criminology):
  • Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important.
  • Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (SWH 10125), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions. The assignment drop-off box in the School of Criminology is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only and the contents are date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will apply (e.g. Library/Campus Security) and the School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted any other way (e.g. slid under office doors). The University does NOT accept assignments by fax.
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise he/she will receive a grade of N.
  • E-mail policy: The School of Criminology STRONGLY DISCOURAGES the use of e-mail in lieu of office hour visits. Criminology advises its instructional staff that they are NOT required to respond to student e-mails and that students wishing to confer with them should do so in person during scheduled meeting times.
  • The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.


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This webpage last updated: November 6, 2017.




Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There are no required texts to purchase. All readings will be made available electronically through the course web page.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

  1. Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability. 
  2. 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.
  3. Remember to check the Student Information System (SIS) at the start of the term to reconfirm your classroom location(s).
  4. All students are expected to read and understand SFU policies with regard to academic honesty and student conduct (S10).
    These policies are available at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html
  5. On occasion, announcements will be sent from first_nations@sfu.ca to your SFU Connect email.


Department of First Nations Studies- Contact Info:
Webpage: www.sfu.ca/fns.
Phone: 778-782-4774
General Office: Saywell Hall (SWH) Room 9091. Burnaby Campus. (M-F, 09:00-16:30 Hrs.)
Academic Advisor's Office: SWH 9089.


For general information, program information, academic advising (appointment or program check-up; enrollment assistance*): Please email first_nations@sfu.ca.

* Students: When submitting a request or an inquiry, please email from your SFU  Connect (@sfu.ca) email and remember to include your SFU Student ID number in your email. Thank you.


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