Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - PSYC 391 D100

Selected Topics in Psychology (3)

Indigenous Peoples & Psychology

Class Number: 3406

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Troy Boucher
    tboucher@sfu.ca
    Office: N/A
    Office Hours: Online by Appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

Pre-requisites:  PSYC 201w – Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology. Pre-requisites may be waived with permission from the Psychology Department and course instructor.

Course Description
Content Advisory: This course discusses topics that may be sensitive to students, including but not limited to Residential Schools, Indian Hospitals, physical and sexual abuse, and suicide.

This course examines the legacy of colonialism and policies of the Canadian government, such as Residential Schools and Indian Hospitals, and their effects on psychological and physical well-being of Indigenous peoples.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Identify and understand the consequences of colonialism and discrimination as it pertains to the health of Indigenous people

 

  • Develop a deeper understanding of Canadian policies, past and present, that were used against Indigenous peoples and the current strategies to address their consequences

 

  • Evaluate and self-critique one’s own cultural knowledge, cultural humility, and personal biases

 

  • Understand the strategies used to conduct ethical participatory action research with Indigenous peoples and communities

Grading

  • In-Class "Reflections": 15%
  • Paper #1: 25%
  • Paper #2: 30%
  • Final Exam: 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

Lecture Format
This course will be taught in-person (synchronously). Students are expected to read the assigned papers in preparation for each class.

There are weekly 3-hour lectures, with one break at the midpoint of the lecture. The lecture will start with Mr. Boucher answering questions from the previous week’s “reflection” submissions. The lecture content is a mix of lecturing using PowerPoint, showing videos and media (e.g., brief podcasts), and guest speakers.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course Materials
There is no required textbook for this course. Required reading materials will be available on Canvas. Please see the weekly reading at the end of the syllabus. Lecture slides will be posted on Canvas following that week’s class.

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course. Required reading materials will be available on Canvas. Please see the weekly reading at the end of the syllabus. Lecture slides will be posted on Canvas following that week’s class.

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