¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

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Department of Indigenous Studies | ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calendar | Spring 2021

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 (fnstmgr@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

INDG 101 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies (3)

Introduces the nature and goals of Indigenous Studies as an academic discipline that emphasizes cultures and homelands of First Peoples. Students with credit for FNST 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Bryan Myles
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Madeleine Reddon Potvin
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Sarah Henzi
Elise Couture-Grondin
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Distance Education
INDG 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. Students with credit for FNST 201W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Social Sci.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Chelsey Armstrong
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Sandie Dielissen
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 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, 101, or 201. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Rudy Reimer
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
INDG 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. Students with credit for FNST 110W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Elise Couture-Grondin
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 111 - Introduction to Participatory Indigenous Research Methods (3)

Chronologically analyses the use of photography to research Indigenous peoples from the 19th Century anthropological methods to contemporary participatory action methods. Highlights how Indigenous peoples are adapting research methods to benefit and empower their communities. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 111 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 186 - Coast Salish Studies (3)

An introduction to Coast Salish nations, lands, and cultures from historical and contemporary perspectives. Study of similarities and diversities between Coast Salish communities, and their connections to their shared homelands on which ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV is located. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 222 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FNST 186 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 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: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 212 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 222 - Selected Topics in Indigenous 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
Alix Shield
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 232 - Introduction to Ethnoecology in Indigenous Studies (3)

Through the interdisciplinary lens of ethnoecology, this course is an exploration of ongoing, hard-earned and reciprocal relationships between people and their environment. This course considers the cultural underpinnings of perception and interaction with landscape and ecologies - as one way to appreciate issues of sustainability and diversity in a global context. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 232 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 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: INDG 101. Students with credit for FNST 286 or SA 286 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

INDG 301 - Issues in Applied Indigenous Studies Research (3)

Involves a survey and examination of method, theory and related topics associated with contemporary Indigenous Studies research in applied contexts. Ethical conduct and protocols for working within First Nations communities are reviewed. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 301 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 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: INDG (or FNST) 101 and 201W. Recommended: POL 221. Students with credit for FNST 401 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 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 INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 402 or FNST 402W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
June Scudeler
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 403 - Indigenous Knowledge in the Modern World (3)

This course explores the subject of traditional Indigenous knowledge and its contemporary implications for Indigenous programs in such areas as economic development, ecotourism, spiritualism, language retention, biodiversity, ethnoscience, environmentalism, and heritage conservation. Indigenous perspectives on patents, copyrights, and other creative products from traditional culture will also be examined through lecture, guest speakers and seminar presentation. Prerequisite: INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W. Students with credit for FNST 403 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Joyce Schneider
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Carolyn Roberts
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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 OR formal declaration in the creative writing minor with one 300 division English course. Strongly recommended: At least one First Nations Studies course. Reserved for English honours, major, joint major, minor and creative writing minor students. Students with credit for ENGL 453 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

INDG 322 - Special Topics in Indigenous Studies (0) +

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

INDG 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 INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 325 or 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.

INDG 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 INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W. Students with credit for FNST 326 or HIST 326 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Cody Groat
TBD
D101 Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–3:20 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
Cody Groat
TBD
D101 Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 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 INDG (or FNST) 322 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. INDG (or FNST) 327 and GSWS 327 (or WS 327) are identical and students may not take both courses for credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Sandie Dielissen
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 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.

INDG 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 329 or INDG (or FNST) 322 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 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: INDG (or FNST) 101. Students with credit for FNST 332 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
Robert Bandringa
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
Robert Bandringa
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 333 - Ethnozoology of British Columbia First Nations (3)

This course explores the unique relationship that the First Nations peoples of North America have with animals. It examines how they named, classified, used and managed animals and compares this to western science. Prerequisite: Either INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W and INDG (or FNST) 232. Students with credit for INDG (or FNST) 222 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FNST 333 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Rudy Reimer
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 353W - Indigenous 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 INDG (or FNST) 322 previously under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FNST 353W may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

INDG 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, INDG (or FNST) 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 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, OR formal declaration in the creative writing minor with 45 units. Students who have taken FNST 322 under this topic, or FNST 360 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 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. Students with credit for FNST 363 may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
annie ross
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 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: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W, or CRIM 101, or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for CRIM 416, CRIM 418, CRIM 419, or FNST 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.

INDG 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: INDG (or FNST) 101 or 201W, or CRIM 101, or permission of instructor. Students with credit for FNST 429, 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 Palys
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 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 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
INDG 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. Students with credit for FNST 433 may not take this course for further credit.

INDG 442 - Directed Readings in Indigenous Studies (3)

Directed readings for upper level students in Indigenous Studies who wish to study selected topics in depth. May be repeated once when topic is different. Variable units: 2, 3, 4, 5. Prerequisite: 15 units in Indigenous (or First Nations) Studies. Corequisite: Permission of an instructor and department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
TBD
INDG 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 INDG (or FNST) 101, 201W and one other INDG (or FNST) course; or permission of the instructor. Students with credit for FNST 443W, HIST 443, or HIST 485 or HIST 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.

INDG 447 - Directed Studies in Indigenous Studies (3)

Directed study for upper level students in a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Explore Indigenous topics through research. Variable units: 2, 3, 4, 5. This course may be repeated for credit when topic is different. Prerequisite: 15 units of INDG (or FNST) courses; permission of an instructor and department approval. Corequisite: varies depending on topic.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
TBD
INDG 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 INDG (or FNST) 101 or INDG (or FNST) 201W and permission of the instructor. Students with credit for FNST 462 may not take this course for further credit.

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

In this intensive seminar, we compare political actions and social movements of indigenous peoples across several countries: analyze development of these movements over time; and discuss factors affecting the timing, reception, intensity and nature of these politics. Students write research papers on topics they develop. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150 or 201W.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
Michael Hathaway
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby

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 minimum CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0 across all units attempted in each subject that is a major, a joint major, a minor, or an extended minor. FASS Departments may define specific requirements for their respective programs.

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.

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