Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - IAT 888 G100

Special Topics VIII (3)

Decolonizing Comp w/Indigenous Epistemologies

Class Number: 6637

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description

This graduate-level seminar course delves into the nuanced intersections of Indigenous knowledge and computing, offering a comprehensive exploration of computer software, hardware, and associated theories through the unique lens of Indigenous worldviews. Students will engage in critical discussions, analyzing how colonial structures within the computing domain serve as barriers to a deeper understanding of computational systems as reflections of natural processes.

This advanced course invites students to navigate the intricate landscape of decolonizing computing, fostering a synthesis of traditional Indigenous knowledges and contemporary computing technology. Through rigorous academic inquiry, students will emerge with a profound appreciation for the complexities inherent in reconciling Indigenous epistemologies, ontologies, and axiologies with western notions of computing.

** Our first class will take place on Monday, 9th September 2024, 10.30am - 1.20pm on the Surrey Campus in Room 3350

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing this course you will be able to:

  • Describe the cultural origins of computing and digital technologies
  • Identify intersections of cultural practice and technology
  • Identify and critique the colonial barriers faced by marginalized peoples in computing technologies
  • Critically examine current computing practices
  • Present cultural, traditional, and social activities in/as computational representations
  • Express computational concepts as products of cultural processes
  • Compare computational behaviours to physical world systems



Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 10%
  • Weekly Reading Summaries 15%
  • Creative Project Assigments (3) 45%
  • Final Sharing Circle Presentation 20%
  • Final Response Assignment 10%

NOTES:

This outline (the activities, projects, readings, and assessment details) may be modified to address and include the specific backgrounds and interests of students.

REQUIREMENTS:

Though we will be discussing topics in computer programming and computing hardware design and development, no previous programming skills or knowledge is necessary.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Easily accessible storage of your coursework and projects is mandatory.
Use of backup solutions whether virtual (Like Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud) or physical (USB thumb drive) is highly recommended and strongly encouraged.

 

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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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 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.