Fall 2025 - CRIM 873 G100
Selected Topics (3)
Class Number: 2374
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Ted Palys
palys@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Concentrated studies in areas of student specialization.
COURSE DETAILS:
“Justice” in the eyes of Indigenous Peoples is all about relationships, and hence the focus of this course is on the changing nature of the relationship between Indigenous and settler peoples in Canada, and on the management of relations – and trouble -- within Indigenous communities. There are three parts to the course. The first part involves a brief tour through 500 years of post-contact experience and the shifting relations and different policies of those times, both to understand current problems, and to consider possible futures. The second part examines the efforts of Indigenous communities to establish nation-based justice systems within their communities and Canada’s resistance to those efforts. Finally, a third section considers some of the various venues/means through which Indigenous Peoples in Canada and elsewhere have sought justice in their relations with settler peoples, including (a) the courts; (b) political negotiation; (c) protest and other direct action; (d) governance initiatives; and (e) international fora such as the United Nations. Please note that this seminar is intended to be highly interactive and has an extensive reading load. Students also complete three written course assignments on issues arising in readings and class discussion.
Grading
NOTES:
CRIM 873 is a cross-listed course, offered with CRIM 419/INDG 419 Aboriginal/Indigenous Justice. Graduate students interested in enrolling in CRIM 873 should consult their supervisor about the fit of the topic in their course of studies. After confirming suitability with their supervisor and prior to enrollment, graduate students should consult with Dr. Palys about the course requirements and assessment expectations for CRIM 873.
ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments in this course will be submitted as email attachments in docx or pdf format according to instructions that the professor will provide. It is your responsibility to ensure the file you submit is not corrupt and can be read by the professor. The professor will normally confirm receipt within 24 hours of the assignment being received. If you have not received confirmation within 24 hours, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor and resubmit.
A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations and other), otherwise they will receive a grade of N.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
There is no course text; all readings will be available on a Course Web Page and other internet web sites to be designated by the course instructor. Note this course will NOT be administered through the Canvas system.
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
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.