Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - INDG 310 D100

Indigenous Film (3)

Class Number: 3719

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    INDG 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Misrepresentations of Indigenous peoples are a staple of non-Indigenous film and television. This course provides students with the tools to analyze how Indigenous filmmakers are counteracting stereotypes and colonial narratives by creating their own visual content. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 322 under the title "Indigenous Film" or "Indigenous Film and Resurgence" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Indigenous people are a staple of non-Indigenous film and TV that can freeze Indigenous peoples in the past. Maori scholar Barry Barclay stresses the importance of Fourth Cinema, a flexible space in which Indigenous filmmakers "may seek to rework the ancient core values to shape a growing Indigenous cinema outside the national orthodoxy." We will be situating Indigenous films as acts of sovereignty by watching films in a variety of genres including horror, documentaries, and narrative films. 

Grading

  • Regular Attendance and Participation 15%
  • 1 film response paper (4 pages) 25%
  • Presentation (4 pages) 25%
  • Final Paper (8 pages) 35%

NOTES:

A Note on Difficult Subjects:
This course deals with a number of challenging and emotionally charged issues, and some students may find the content unexpectedly stressful, especially around the discussion of ongoing colonization. Films may include violence, including sexual violence. Please contact me if you have concerns about course content. 

Prerequisites: INDG 101

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be available on Canvas. 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.