Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - SA 442 E200

Applying the Sociological Imagination (S) (4)

Indigenous-SettlerRelations

Class Number: 2863

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Minimum of 72 units including either SA 101 or SA 150.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected Topics in Sociology. Seminar exploring the topic through discussion, and developing original ideas that engage with sociological theory and methods. Course topic varies with the instructor and section. See detailed course outline for more information. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Sociology of Indigenous-settler Relations

This course is focussed on sociological analysis of settler colonialism, Indigenous-settler relations, and Indigenousstate relations. Working from Indigenous theories on the contemporary shape of Indigenous-settler relations in Canada, we will examine how these relationships are structured around inequality, injustice, and struggles over sovereignty. We will examine how institutions such as law, the economy, and scientific knowledge production are sites of contention over Indigenous knowledge, land, and nationhood. Some of the specific topics we will grapple with in this course include: racism, whiteness, property, and possession; land, borders, and cities; the science, spatiality, and biopolitics of Indigenous identity; and the role of budgets and taxes in relation to Indigenous-Canada relations. The course ends with discussion of the future of reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenous-settler relationship building.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Learn to thoughtfully analyze and theorize about Indigenous-settler relations.
  • Think at an advanced level about methodology and the structure of knowledge production for/about/with/from Indigenous peoples and Nations within the context of sociology.
  • Examine a broad range of social processes and structures that impact how Indigenous peoples and settlers interact, including race/racism, settler colonialism, the state, science, and capital.
  • Develop skills in analyzing a range of source materials that are used to make claims about Indigeneity and Indigenous people and Nations.
  • Critically analyze how sociology and social sciences in general have studied Indigenous peoples and Nations, and build a vision for how it can be different.

Grading

  • Reflection Paper 15%
  • Group Presentation 25%
  • Document Analysis 35%
  • Participation 25%

NOTES:

*The class has no exams so will rely on assignments and discussion for assessment. This means that you should be prepared to contribute both through your presence and engagement with materials in class, and be prepared to write.

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved!  Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required text. All course readings will be uploaded 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.