Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - INDG 101 D100

Introduction to Indigenous Studies (3)

Class Number: 3220

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the nature and goals of Indigenous Studies as an academic discipline that emphasizes cultures and homelands of First Peoples. Students with credit for FNST 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Indigenous Studies 101 is an introductory course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary issues.
Students will learn to recognize, comprehend, and interpret the diversities in the Nations, cultures, languages, Indigenous theories, and practices among Indigenous peoples. while analyzing pertinent legal definitions, laws, and policies affecting Indigenous peoples since the onset of colonialism. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of historical experiences and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada and beyond
  • Develop an appreciation for the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions, recognizing the importance of cultural preservation and revitalization.
  • Learn to critically assess contemporary issues affecting Indigenous communities, including systemic racism, environmental justice, and policy-making, through an Indigenous lens.
  • Explore ways to support Indigenous rights, learning how to be effective allies and understanding the role of non-Indigenous peoples in promoting equity and justice.
  • Be equipped with the methodologies and ethical considerations necessary for conducting research in Indigenous contexts, ensuring respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and communities.

Grading

  • Quizzes 35%
  • Podcast Reviews 20%
  • Midterm 15%
  • Final Paper 20%
  • Tutorial Participation 10%

Materials

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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

NOTE re AI
Please note that submissions that employ generative AI tools in this course (for idea generation or other purposes) are not accepted by the Department. Your grade in this course is meant to reflect your personal engagement with course materials. If you are ever unsure about your instructor's stance on generative AI, please be sure to ask before submitting work using these tools: "If you are unsure, you must not assume that using generative AI is permitted." - SFU Academic Integrity
Those who employ these tools in their course submissions may face disciplinary action in accordance with SFU's academic integrity policies. https://www.sfu.ca/students/enrolment-services/academic-integrity/using-generative-ai.html

COPYRIGHT
Materials included in this course, unless otherwise stated, have been created by the Instructor, and reproducing or using this material outside of this course is not permitted unless written consent has been provided by the owner of this material. The course-based Canvas page and its related resources are maintained and developed by the Instructor for the use of the students registered to take this course. Course materials such as PowerPoint slides, lecture notes, the lecture itself and exams are all protected by copyright. Recording, copying or sharing these materials without permission may be a violation of Canadian copyright law and SFU policies. What does this mean? It means that you are legally not permitted to circulate the course materials to any other entity without explicit permission from the course author.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.