Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - INDG 101 D900

Introduction to Indigenous Studies (3)

Class Number: 4997

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the nature and goals of Indigenous Studies as an academic discipline that emphasizes cultures and homelands of First Peoples. Students with credit for FNST 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces the Indigenous Peoples within the boundaries of what we know today as Canada. Class lectures are structured around introducing each regions’ ancient past, recent history and contemporary issues. Themes covered include:   

  1. Indigenous logic and the diversity of thought and practice
  2. Ecological relationships
  3. Major historic and political events and relevance to modern concerns
  4. Legal precedents (judicial, federal, and provincial)
  5. Sovereignty and Self-determination
  6. Colonization
  7. Food security
  8. Spirituality
  9. Civil rights
  10. Social and environmental justice
  11. Aesthetic Expressions

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

An introduction to the nature and goals of Indigenous Studies as an academic discipline; survey of prehistory, traditional cultures and Aboriginal languages of Indigenous Peoples in what we today call Canada. The content includes an examination of historical and contemporary concerns, and pays special attention to concepts of Indigenous identity, oral histories, aesthetic expressions, and justice.

Grading

  • Small Group Code of Conduct (Week 4) 10%
  • Weekly Discussions (5 x 3%) 15%
  • Paper Proposal (Week 6) 5%
  • Research Paper (4 pages - Week 13) 30%
  • Quizzes (4x 10%) 40%

NOTES:

 

REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to completing assignments, attendance of all lectures is required.

Course Protocol: This course is made up of visual lectures with little text on lecture slides. Students are responsible to know and understand all lecture materials (it is highly recommended you take notes!), including visual images, topics from class discussions, and all terms from course readings as outlined in this syllabus and as supplied by the instructor. Please note, to accommodate the complexities inherent in life, this syllabus is subject to modification in order to meet student needs and interests. Students are responsible to remain informed at all times.  

MANDATORY:  You must access your SFU email and Canvas, NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

None

REQUIRED READING:

All readings will be available via SFU Library and SFU CANVAS.

RECOMMENDED READING:

None

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 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.