Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - EDUC 389 D100

Special Topics

Indigenous/Novel/Cur

Class Number: 7272

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores major issues of present concern. Subjects to be taught and the exact assignment of units and prerequisites will be announced prior to the beginning of each term. Course may be given on a pass/fail basis. A maximum of 12 units in education special topics courses may be used toward a bachelor of education degree or a bachelor of general studies (EDUC) degree. Variable units 2,3,4,6.

COURSE DETAILS:

EDUC 389: Indigenous Graphic Novels & Storytelling in the Curriculum

Graphic novels combine text and visual art and provide a platform to document experiences as well as reflect upon and envision future Indigenous identities. In recent years, the number of Indigenous graphic novels written by Indigenous authors has grown rapidly as way to speak back to settler colonial misrepresentations of Indigenous identities, issues and cultures, leading some scholars to refer to this this literary style as being a vehicle for Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty (Sinclair, 2013). For educators who are interested in utilizing Indigenous graphic novels in the classroom, this literary genre can provide useful tools to foster complex and structural understandings of settler colonialism, power, racism, decolonization, and Indigeneity while simultaneously building students’ critical thinking and interpretive skills.

This course will critically explore theoretical, cultural, educational, and political dynamics underwriting the history and future of this literary style. The course will be comprised of a combination of lectures, guest speakers, in-class demonstrations, field trips, group discussions and projects. This course will be taught from a wholistic and critically informed Indigenous perspective.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Briefly examine the history of Euro-centric misrepresentations of Indigenous peoples and cultures in graphic novels and popular culture. 
  • Enable students to develop critical skills for analyzing, comparing, researching and writing about Indigenous graphic novels.
  • Investigate and the connections between Indigenous storytelling/oral traditions and graphic novels as a medium of Indigenous knowledge transmission.
  • Identify and discuss core themes in the novels that are connected to: self-determination, sovereignty, Indigenous language revitalization & decolonization.
  • Provide students with the skills and time to create their own group based graphic novel stories using free on-line software. 
  • Provide opportunities for students to design, modify, and create their own curriculum in classrooms, schools, and community learning contexts that incorporates Indigenous graphic novels.

Grading

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Indigenous graphic novel critical review (25%)
2. Indigenous graphic novel journal/story reflection (25%)
3. Lesson Plan Adaption, Creation or Analysis using an Indigenous graphic novel (40%)
4. Participation (10%)

Prerequisites: One of the following: EDUC 311, FNST 101, FNST 201, or FNST 286
*Alternatively, special consideration will also be given to those individuals who have personal and or professional experience working with Indigenous communities; or enrollment in another course or program that has had some Indigenous content. Please contact me via email (aparent@sfu.ca).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

No Required Course Text. All course readings will be posted onto Canvas. However, students may be required to purchase one Indigenous graphic novel for assignment 1.

Other course materials: A medium sized journal is required for assignment 2. We will discuss what type of journal to purchase during our first class together.

REQUIRED READING:

TBA During Week 1

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