Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - INDG 403 D100

Indigenous Knowledge in the Modern World (3)

Class Number: 5961

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the subject of traditional Indigenous knowledge and its contemporary implications for Indigenous programs in such areas as economic development, ecotourism, spiritualism, language retention, biodiversity, ethnoscience, environmentalism, and heritage conservation. Indigenous perspectives on patents, copyrights, and other creative products from traditional culture will also be examined through lecture, guest speakers and seminar presentation. Students with credit for FNST 403 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Students will experientially learn from Indigenous practices and protocols while coming to understand the tensions that arise with learning from ways of knowing that are inseparable from Indigenous communities, wholistic in nature, connected to place and dependent on lived experiences gained over lifetimes. Students will research and become familiar with a diversity of protocols and practices toward having and maintaining political integrity by activating wise approaches to economic development, ecotourism, environmentalism and a diversity of practices as covered in the course readings, lectures, and video presentations. To honor the central tenets of Indigenous Knowledges (IKs), students will design and submit individual research projects that demonstrate how they can/will mobilize IKs in their current programs of study, work or personal lives in meaningful and respectful ways. Students are expected to come prepared (having completed assigned readings and assignments) for all lectures and to participate in class discussions and activities on a weekly basis. A central feature of Indigenous Knowledge Systems is Tákem Nsnuknukwa7, all my relations, so students are also expected to work together and support each other’s success.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

- learn from First Peoples' protocols and practices on a diversity of subject areas
- develop an understanding of how/when/which protocols and practices are appropriate to take up
- attain experiential understandings of respectful mobilization of protocols, practices (wise approaches) in student's learning and/or everday life on Indigenous lands
- experience the benefits of participating in collaborative learning and supporting the success of the collective

Grading

  • Small group project- Metaphor Making 10%
  • 4 Quizzes x 15% 60%
  • IK Mobilization Project Submission 30%
  • No final exam

NOTES:

To honor the central tenets of Úcwalmicw knowledge systems, NO technology is permitted during lectures and only when required during small group activities facilitated during class time. For the same reason, lectures will NOT be recorded or posted. Students are expected to work together and support each other to ensure all information presented during class is captured. 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All assigned readings are available online through CANVAS- and/or provided/presented in class.

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 SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.