Fall 2021 - INDG 232 D100

Introduction to Ethnoecology in Indigenous Studies (3)

Class Number: 3905

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: 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
  • Read and learn from various Indigenous writers, thinkers, and knowledge holders
  • 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 and Class Discussions 20%
  • Discussion Lead 10%
  • Podcast Reviews (5) 25%
  • Ethnoecology & Media Assignment 15%
  • Final Project 30%

NOTES:

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None

RECOMMENDED READING:

Pojar, J. and MacKinnon, A. eds., 2016. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. Lone Pine.

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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods 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 fall 2021 term.