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First Nations Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts

This bachelor of arts (BA) degree program is for those who are interested in focusing and expanding their expertise in this discipline. Students will gain detailed insight into the cultures, histories and contemporary developments of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia and North America. Students will develop a solid foundation in the study of Indigenous issues from a variety of disciplinary approaches.

Program Declaration

Students seeking admission into a First Nations Studies Academic Program must demonstrate competency in a minimum of three FNST courses at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV with an average subject grade of C or better. Completion of FNST 101 and FNST 201W prior to declaring a FNST program is recommended.

Students who have successfully completed three or more FNST courses should contact the Department Advisor (first_nations@sfu.ca) to review eligibility and program completion timeline.

Program Requirements

Students should plan their program in consultation with the First Nations Studies advisor.

Lower Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 15 units, including

FNST 101 - Introduction to First Nations Studies (3)

Introduces the nature and goals of First Nations Studies as an academic discipline that emphasizes cultures and homelands of First Peoples. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Distance Education
Joyce Schneider
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
P101 Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FNST 201W - Canadian Aboriginal Peoples' Perspectives on History (3)

An examination of fact and ideology in history and historic events involving contact between Aboriginal and European peoples. The course will also address questions of research methodologies in studying Aboriginal/European relations, such as the evaluation of oral history and written ethnohistoric sources. An additional focus will be on gender as it influences perspectives. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sandie Dielissen
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and a minimum of nine units from

ARCH 273 - Archaeology of the New World (4)

A survey of prehistoric cultures of North and South America. The peopling of the New World, the rise of the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico and Peru, and the cultural adaptations by prehistoric populations to other parts of the New World. Prerequisite: ARCH 100 or 201. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
David Maxwell
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FNST 110W - International Indigenous Lifewriting (4)

Exploration of Indigenous forms of research and inquiry (ie. genealogies, oral story-telling, autobiographies). Examine and explore life stories of Indigenous authors from around the world. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

FNST 212 - Indigenous Perceptions of Landscape (3)

Indigenous peoples of North America possess perceptions of landscape rooted in their long history with the land. Using methods and theories designed for anthropology, archaeology, land and resource management planning and geography will bring a multi-disciplinary approach to this study of cultural landscapes. Prerequisite: FNST 101 or 201W.

FNST 222 - Selected Topics in First Nations Studies (3) *

Topics will vary from term to term depending on faculty availability and student interest where the body of work may not otherwise be covered in-depth in regular courses. Prerequisite: Vary according to topic. Consult course outline on prerequisite(s) of each topic offering.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
June, Dr. Scudeler
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Dr. Jeannie Morgan
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FNST 286 - Indigenous Peoples and British Columbia: An Introduction (3)

Study of Indigenous peoples of BC and effects of historical and political processes on their livelihoods and homelands. Overview of indigeneity and connection to urbanization. Examines linguistic diversity and endangered state of BC First Nations languages; Indigenous ethnography; land rights movement; traditional cultural practices/beliefs; and social, educational and economic disparity. Prerequisite: Recommended: FNST 101. Students who have taken SA 286 previously may not take this course for further credit.

Other courses which have First Nations content may be applied toward the major as an elective, subject to approval by the department. Students are advised to consult the program advisor.

* may be completed more than once when offered as a different topic

Upper Division Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 30 units, including

FNST 301 - Issues in Applied First Nations Studies Research (3)

Involves a survey and examination of method, theory and related topics associated with contemporary First Nations Studies research in applied contexts. Ethical conduct and protocols for working within First Nations communities are reviewed. Prerequisite: FNST 101 or 201W.

FNST 401 - Aboriginal Peoples and Public Policy (3)

An examination of First Nations and Aboriginal peoples' perspectives on political, social and legal issues involving their rights as first citizens of Canada and North America, and the practical and political relations with various levels of government. Issues examined include: Aboriginal rights and title questions, self government models and concepts, constitutional matters, the impact of federal government policies, including their impact on women's lives, and Aboriginal community and First Nations politics. Prerequisite: FNST 101 and 201W. Recommended: POL 221.

FNST 402W - The Discourse of Aboriginal Peoples (3)

Style and content of Aboriginal people's discourse about their culture, world view, history and matters affecting their lives. Includes the analysis of selections from Aboriginal oral literature, autobiography, expository writing, modern poetry and fiction. Prerequisite: 60 units and one of FNST 101 or FNST 201W. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
June, Dr. Scudeler
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Vancouver
FNST 403 - Indigenous Knowledge in the Modern World (3)

This course explores the subject of traditional Indigenous knowledge and its contemporary implications for First Nations programs in such areas as economic development, ecotourism, spiritualism, language retention, biodiversity, ethnoscience, environmentalism, and heritage conservation. First Nations perspectives on patents, copyrights, and other creative products from traditional culture will also be examined through lecture, guest speakers and seminar presentation. Prerequisite: FNST 101 or FNST 201W.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Vancouver

and at least 18 units chosen from

EDUC 311 - Foundations in Aboriginal Education, Language, and Culture (3)

An introduction to Aboriginal education in Canada and BC. There will be a critical examination of historical and contemporary issues in education and an exploration of culturally based Aboriginal education grounded in Aboriginal philosophies. Prerequisite: 60 units. Breadth-Humanities.

ENGL 453W - Aboriginal Literatures (4)

The intensive study of selected works of aboriginal writers. May be organized by author, genre, or critical approach. Prerequisite: Two 300 division English courses. Strongly recommended: At least one First Nations Studies course. Reserved for English honors, major, joint major and minor students. Students with credit for ENGL 453 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

FNST 322 - Special Topics in First Nations Studies (3) +

Variable units 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: Will vary according to the topic.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Robert Bandringa
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FNST 324 - Indigenous Art History (4)

An image-based lecture and discussion course on Indigenous art history that reviews, compares and contrasts several regional historic and/or contemporary Indigenous art practices, including a review of craft, technologies, performance traditions and aesthetic canons in one or more cultural areas in the Americas, their methods of manufacture, use, and symbolic meanings. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: FNST 101 or 201W.

FNST 325 - History of Aboriginal Peoples of North America to 1850 (4) ++

Examines selected themes in the history of Aboriginal peoples of North America from first contact with Europeans to the mid-nineteenth century. Prerequisite: 45 units including FNST 101 or 201W. Students with credit for HIST 325 may not take this course for further credit.

or HIST 325 - History of Aboriginal Peoples of North America to 1850 (4) ++

Examines selected themes in the history of Aboriginal peoples of North America from first contact with Europeans to the mid-nineteenth century. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students with credit for FNST 325 may not take this course for further credit.

FNST 326 - History of Aboriginal Peoples of North America Since 1850 (4) ++

Examines selected themes in the history of Aboriginal peoples of North America in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prerequisite: 45 units including FNST 101 or 201W. Students with credit for HIST 326 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBA Lecturer
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or HIST 326 - History of Aboriginal Peoples of North America Since 1850 (4) ++

Examines selected themes in the history of Aboriginal peoples of North America in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students with credit for FNST 326 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FNST 327 - Aboriginal Women in Canada (4) ++

Themes and issues relating to the historical and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal women in Canada: Indigenous theories of gender; evolution and political function of stereotypes of Indigenous women in Canada; history of Canadian legislation regulating indigenous identity; relevance of feminist analysis; and history of activism. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. FNST 327 and GSWS 327 (or WS 327) are identical and students may not take both courses for credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
, Dr. TBD
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or GSWS 327 - Aboriginal Women in Canada (4) ++

Themes and issues relating to the historical and contemporary experiences of aboriginal women in Canada: Indigenous theories of gender; evolution and political function of stereotypes of Indigenous women in Canada; history of Canadian legislation regulating Indigenous identity; relevance of feminist analysis; and history of activism. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. FNST 327 and GSWS 327 (or WS 327) are identical and students may not take both courses for credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Deanna Reder
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FNST 329 - Sexuality and Gender: Indigenous Perspectives (3)

Examines written works on sexuality and gender including the history of representations of the sexualized savage; the discussion of Indigenous concepts of gender, including discussions of two-spirit versus gay identity; homophobia and sexual violence as tools of colonization; the emancipatory potential of erotica. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for FNST 322 may not take this course for further credit.

FNST 332 - Ethnobotany of British Columbia First Nations (3)

This course is an introduction to the study of plant knowledge and use by First Nations peoples in British Columbia. It provides students with information about the role of plants in First Nations' cultures including such areas as foods, medicines, technology, ceremony, ecological indicators, and within First Nations' knowledge and classification systems. Special focus may be placed on the ethnobotany of one or more Aboriginal groups or culture areas. Prerequisite: FNST 101. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Robert Bandringa
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FNST 353W - First Nations Heritage Stewardship (3)

Examines issues that arise when Aboriginal people must balance economic development and cultural integrity. Topics include self-reflexive internalist research, ethics and best practices in representing Indigenous heritage, public laws and land claim agreements affecting heritage, the exhumation and repatriation of human remains and religious freedom and access to sacred sites and objects. Prerequisite: 45 units or permission of the instructor. Students who have taken FNST 322 previously under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

FNST 360 - Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4) ++

Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for ENGL 360, or FNST 322 under this topic, may not take this course for further credit.

or ENGL 360 - Popular Writing by Indigenous Authors (4) ++

Examines works of popular fiction by Indigenous authors, and their use of specific genres (e.g. the mystery novel, vampire thriller, sci fi, comic book). Prerequisite: Two 100 division English courses, and two 200 division English courses. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.

FNST 363 - Indigenous Poetry, Poetics, Printmaking (4)

Examines various art forms and aesthetic expressions of select Indigenous peoples of the Americas including Aboriginal poetry and poetic forms. A research and creation studio course. Prerequisite: 45 units and permission of instructor; no previous artistic training and/or experience are required. Students with credit for FNST 322 under the topic 'Poetics/Poetry: Bookmaking' or 'Indigenous Expressive Arts' may not take this course for further credit.

FNST 376 - Indigenous Weaving Technologies: Community of Beings (4)

Studio seminar with intensive practice through significant weaving projects. Uses diverse techniques (tool making and loom building) and materials such as grasses, tree withes, wool, twine and synthetics to reflect upon ecosystem relevance, sustainability, and cosmology in specific First Nations and Indigenous communities. A minimum of 12 additional hours per week for project work is required. Prerequisite: 45 units including one FNST course and permission of instructor.

FNST 383 - Indigenous Technology: Art and Sustainability (4)

Examines various art forms and aesthetic expressions of select Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Reviews techniques and protocols for the gathering and preparation of materials and the use of ethnographic materials, and provides learning through hands-on practice. Prerequisite: 45 units and permission of instructor; no previous artistic training and/or experience is required. Students with credit for FNST 322 under the topic 'Indigenous Expressive Arts' with a focus in crafts may not take this course for further credit.

FNST 419 - Aboriginal/Indigenous Justice (3) ++

An in-depth examination of Aboriginal/Indigenous conceptions of justice in dealing with crime and other trouble in Indigenous communities, and in relations among peoples. Prerequisite: FNST 101 or 201W, or CRIM 101, or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for CRIM 416, 418, or 419 may not take this course for further credit.

or CRIM 419 - Aboriginal/Indigenous Justice (3) ++

An in-depth examination of Aboriginal/indigenous conceptions of justice in dealing with crime and other trouble in indigenous communities, and in relations among peoples. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or FNST 101 or 201 or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for this course as CRIM 416 or 418, or FNST 419, may not take this course for further credit.

FNST 429 - Indigenous Peoples and International Law (3) ++

An examination of how relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples framed and were framed by the development of international law from the 15th century onward. Prerequisite: FNST 101 or 201W, or CRIM 101, or permission of instructor. Students with credit for CRIM 429, or under CRIM 416 or 418 under the title "Indigenous Peoples and International Law" or "Indigenous Peoples and Evolving International Relations" may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Ted, Dr. Palys
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
or CRIM 429 - Indigenous Peoples and International Law (3) ++

An examination of how relations between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples framed and were framed by the development of international law from the 15th century onward. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 or FNST 101 or 201 or permission of instructor. Students with credit for CRIM 416, or 418 under the title "Indigenous Peoples and International Law" or "Indigenous Peoples and Evolving International Relations", or FNST 429 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Ted Palys
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FNST 433 - Indigenous Environmental Justice and Activism (4)

Examines contemporary writings regarding Indigenous environmental logic and environmental concerns of contemporary times. Studies effects of resource extraction upon Indigenous nations, globalization, genetic modifications, health, intellectual property, spiritual beliefs, culture and society, art and language and compares these with specific Indigenous logic at the time of contact. Prerequisite: 45 units.

FNST 442 - Directed Readings in First Nations Studies (3)

Directed readings for upper level students in First Nations Studies who wish to study selected topics in depth. Variable units 2, 3, 4, 5. May be repeated once when topic is different. Prerequisite: Fifteen units in First Nations Studies. Co-requisite: permission of an instructor and department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
FNST 443W - Aboriginal Peoples, History and the Law (4) ++

Traces the development of legal doctrine pertaining to Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the United States, including its shared roots in British colonial law and policy. Prerequisite: 45 units including FNST 101, 201W and one other FNST course; or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for HIST 443, or HIST 485 or 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

or HIST 443W - Aboriginal Peoples, History and the Law (4) ++

Traces the development of legal doctrine pertaining to Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the United States, including its shared roots in British colonial law and policy. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for FNST 443, or HIST 485 or 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

FNST 447 - Directed Studies in First Nations Studies (3)

Directed study for upper level students in a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Explore First Nations topics through research. Variable units: 2, 3, 4, 5. This course may be repeated for credit when topic is different. Prerequisite: Fifteen units of FNST courses; permission of an instructor and department approval. Co-requisite: varies depending on topic.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
FNST 462 - Indigenous Oral Testimony: Theory, Practice, Purpose, Community (4)

Examines protocol, theory, responsibility, issues of domain (including inherent rights) involving traditional oral testimony, storytelling, oral narrative in an Aboriginal/Nation-centric canon. Compares Aboriginal canon 'oral record' to Aboriginal individual first-person accounts. Prerequisite: 60 units including FNST 101 or FNST 201W and permission of the instructor.

SA 388 - Comparative Studies of Minority Indigenous Peoples (A) (4)

The social and cultural patterns of aboriginal populations within various modern nation-states. Their relations with majority societies and with other indigenous groups across the world. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Other special topics and/or directed studies courses may be applied toward the major, provided the content suggests a suitable substitution, and subject to approval by the undergraduate chair or program advisor. Examples of such courses are ARCH 321 and 331 when the course topic has significant First Nations or Indigenous content. Credit accumulated in the certificate in First Nations Studies research maybe applied toward the major in First Nations Studies.

+ may be completed more than once when offered as a different topic

++ only one of the two courses may be used

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements

For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes

  • at least 60 units that must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
  • at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV
  • at least 65 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
  • satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
  • an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0, and a program (major, joint major, extended minor, minor) CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0

Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements

Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.

WQB Graduation Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit

Requirement

Units

Notes
W - Writing

6

Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject
Q - Quantitative

6

Q courses may be lower or upper division
B - Breadth

18

Designated Breadth Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division
6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc
6 units Humanities: B-Hum
6 units Sciences: B-Sci

6

Additional Breadth 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements)

Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas.