Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - SA 216 D100

Sociology of Indigenous-Settler Relations (S) (4)

Class Number: 3151

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the social, political and legal forces that structure contemporary relationships between Indigenous peoples, settlers, and the state. Topics include anti-Indigenous racism; colonialism and knowledge production; sovereignty and nationhood; law and property; fiscal and economic relations; gender and race; and decolonization and solidarity. Students who have taken SA 442 under the title "Sociology of Indigenous-Settler Relations" in Fall 2021, Fall 2022, or Fall 2023 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is focused on sociological analysis of settler colonialism, Indigenous-settler relations, and Indigenous- state relations. Working from Indigenous theories on the contemporary shape of Indigenous-settler relations in Canada, we will examine how these relationships are structured around inequality, injustice, and struggles over sovereignty. We will examine how institutions such as law, economy, and scientific knowledge production are sites of contention over Indigenous knowledge, land, and nationhood. Some of the specific topics we will grapple with in this course include: racism, property, and possession; land, borders, and cities; Indigenous identity and science; and the role of budgets and taxes in relation to Indigenous-Canada relations. The course ends with discussion of the future of reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenous-settler relationship building.

Grading

  • 2 Tests 50%
  • 1 Assignment 30%
  • Participation 20%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The undergraduate course grading system is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Department of Sociology & Anthropology follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T20.01), and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10‐S10.05). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style. It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

The Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU, is a governing body of students who are engaged with the department and want to build the SA community. Get involved!  Follow Facebook and Instagram pages or visit our website.

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.

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.