Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - INDG 301 D100

Issues in Applied Indigenous Studies Research (3)

Class Number: 7073

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Involves a survey and examination of method, theory and related topics associated with contemporary Indigenous Studies research in applied contexts. Ethical conduct and protocols for working within First Nations communities are reviewed. Students with credit for FNST 301 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the protocols, methods, and best practices in Indigenous Studies. Assignments throughout the course will help students develop their skills in conducting research through archival and library sources, examination of material culture, the inclusion of oral narratives in the research process, as well as preparing and presenting a professional style, formal research report.

Students will be introduced to some of the ways in which Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars are theorizing Indigenous Studies and how researchers can ground their work in the needs of Indigenous communities. For example, we will look at the work of scholars, such as Linda T. Smith, Audra Simpson, Dian Million, Glen Coulthard, Scott Lauria Morgensen, among others. We will also examine the place of tradition and cultural protocols in our research methods, drawing on the works of Margaret Kovach, Shawn Wilson, Jo-ann Archiblad Q’um Q’um Xiiem; Susan Dion, Adam Gaudry, Qwul’sih’yah’maht (Robina Anne Thomas), among others.

Students will have the opportunity to work in pairs to conduct an oral history interview. We will focus on the process of this research method, from obtaining consent, drafting guiding questions, to conducting the interview. Students will then present the oral history back to their partners. Indigenous Studies are interdisciplinary and researchers are often required to work collaboratively within a range of disciplinary methods and perspectives. In small groups, students will prepare and present a professional style research report. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own practise and the potential issues that can arise in achieving consensus on methods and stakeholder values.

Assigned readings and lectures will focus on ethical considerations, intellectual property rights, legislation (eg. The Indian Act, Heritage Conservation Act), community cultural resources, as well as examples of methods used in conducting Indigenous research (eg. such as repeat photography and photo-feedback used by Pedri-Spade to recreate historic Anishnaabec photos).

Assignments throughout the course are aimed at helping students improve their overall research skills including creating written works about Indigenous Peoples. Emphasis will be placed on applying Indigenous principles of style, recognizing biased language, terminology, and culturally appropriate attribution of knowledge. The work of Gregory Younging is germane to guiding this work.

Grading

  • Research Proposal 10%
  • Group Research Report 30%
  • Group Presentation 10%
  • Oral History Interview 25%
  • Ethics Case Study Analysis 10%
  • Methodology Analysis 10%
  • Discussion Questions 5%

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).