Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - INDG 322 D100

Special Topics in Indigenous Studies

Critical Indigenous Fish Philosophy

Class Number: 4392

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Location: TBA

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    Will vary according to the topic.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Variable units: 3, 4, 5.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores the emerging field of 'Critical Indigenous Fish Philosophy'. Drawing on materials from Critical Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Science and Technology Studies, geography, physics, ecology, decolonizing movements, and other approaches, this course explores what fish have to teach us about law, governance, philosophy, art, and existence.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

- Comparative analysis of information about fish across diverse knowledge systems
- Knowledge mobilization of this information in dynamic ways (narrative, art, policy-oriented materials) to convey the complexity of fish life and worlds
- Explore diverse governance systems to better understand what is required to protect fish habitats and fish communities 
- Appreciation for the diversity of global Indigenous and local practices and approaches employed to protect fish

Grading

  • weekly reflections (online submission) 40%
  • mid-term assignment (proposal and topic confirmation for final assignment) 20%
  • final eportfolio assignment 40%

NOTES:

Week 1: Opening the course -- What is a fish? 
Week 2: Sound I
Week 3: Sound II
Week 4: Sight, light, and refraction I
Week 5: Sight, light, and refraction II
Week 6: Pressure
Week 7: Magnetism and navigation
Week 8: Salt, salinity, and chemistry 
Week 9: Time
Week 10: Sharing knowledge
Week 11: Sharing knowledge, closing the course

REQUIREMENTS:


There is no required textbook for the course. We will draw on a variety of articles, videos, artworks, and other media that will be posted to Canvas before the start of the term to explore each week's theme.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

No required supplies.

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.