Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - INDG 333 OL01

Indigenous Ethnozoology (3)

Class Number: 3233

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Prerequisites:

    Either INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course explores the unique relationship that Indigenous peoples of North America have with animals. It examines how they named, classified, used and managed animals and compares this to western science. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 222 under this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Appreciate the unique relationships Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island (North America) hold with their environments, including in relation to non-human beings
  • Recognize academic terminology as it pertains to classifying animals
  • Examine the various ways Indigenous peoples classify, name, use and relate to non-human beings
  • Consider beings commonly classified as mythical, legendary or fictitious but under the assertion that they are real
  • Draw comparisons with western scientific classifications and case studies in terms of conservation, management, and taxonomy
  • Engage in experiential learning opportunities and apply course knowledge to better understand non-human beings in your own environments

Grading

  • Assignments 90%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

This is an online, asynchronous class, but please note it is not self-paced – students will need to view lecture and video content, complete readings, participate in discussions and, periodically, submit deliverables on a weekly basis.

There is no midterm or final examination scheduled for this class.

Materials

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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

NOTE re AI
Please note that submissions that employ generative AI tools in this course (for idea generation or other purposes) are not accepted by the Department. Your grade in this course is meant to reflect your personal engagement with course materials. If you are ever unsure about your instructor's stance on generative AI, please be sure to ask before submitting work using these tools: "If you are unsure, you must not assume that using generative AI is permitted." - SFU Academic Integrity
Those who employ these tools in their course submissions may face disciplinary action in accordance with SFU's academic integrity policies. https://www.sfu.ca/students/enrolment-services/academic-integrity/using-generative-ai.html

COPYRIGHT
Materials included in this course, unless otherwise stated, have been created by the Instructor, and reproducing or using this material outside of this course is not permitted unless written consent has been provided by the owner of this material. The course-based Canvas page and its related resources are maintained and developed by the Instructor for the use of the students registered to take this course. Course materials such as PowerPoint slides, lecture notes, the lecture itself and exams are all protected by copyright. Recording, copying or sharing these materials without permission may be a violation of Canadian copyright law and SFU policies. What does this mean? It means that you are legally not permitted to circulate the course materials to any other entity without explicit permission from the course author.

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: 


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.