Fall 2020 - INDG 232 D100

Introduction to Ethnoecology in Indigenous Studies (3)

Class Number: 7075

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Through the interdisciplinary lens of ethnoecology, this course is an exploration of ongoing, hard-earned and reciprocal relationships between people and their environment. This course considers the cultural underpinnings of perception and interaction with landscape and ecologies - as one way to appreciate issues of sustainability and diversity in a global context. Students with credit for FNST 232 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Ethnoecology is an interdisciplinary field that considers the complex relationships between Indigenous and localized peoples’ knowledge and beliefs (ethnos), and the natural world (ecology). This course will provide an introductory overview of the field of ethnoecology with an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives, environmental knowledge, and global issues. Together, we will survey the approaches to, and applications of, ethnoecological research on livelihoods, conservation, ethics, policy, food, climate change, Indigenous rights, and technologies. This lower level undergraduate course is run as a seminar, and like ethnoecology will be deliberately participatory and exploratory.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Describe basic issues in ethnoecology and Indigenous ecology
  • Critically evaluate the role of “science” in society and the media
  • List and discuss the variety of ethical issues involved in social scientific research and intellectual property rights
  • Consider the role of social institutions and governance in resource management
  • Consider the nature of cultural knowledge and knowledge production
  • Learn diverse methodological approaches and basic concepts ecology and anthropology
  • Critically evaluate the role of Indigenous knowledge in climate change and conservation research
  • Develop electronic-based research skills and techniques
  • Develop a sense of intellectual curiosity through observation, research, and investigation
  • Build a new relationship with nature and explore concepts of community

Grading

  • Participation in Class Discussions 20%
  • Podcast Reviews (6) 25%
  • Ethnoecology and Media Assignment 15%
  • Discussion Lead 10%
  • Final Project 30%

NOTES:

Online Seminar Format

Lectures will be a mix of pre-recorded and live video conferencing formats. These will generally constitute half of the class time (1.5 hours) and include various mini-guest lectures and agora-style discussion and interaction. The second half of the class will be dedicated to exploring the weekly readings and semi-weekly podcasts that will introduce students to the countless sub-fields and global perspectives in ethnoecology. Students will each lead one paper discussion during class hours and are expected to provide thoughtful insights and discussion questions for one of the weekly readings.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No textbook required.

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).