Indigenous Studies

INDG 101 Introduction to Indigenous Studies (3) O

A survey course of Indigenous peoples and issues from their origins in North America to the contemporary period, highlighting the central place of Indigenous peoples and issues within historic and contemporary Canada. Utilizing Indigenous and non-Indigenous literature, research, and theory, this course will explore Indigenous cultures in Canada, including Indigenous histories, worldview, knowledge and belief systems, subjectivities, and identities, as well as concepts including post-Indigeneity, Indigenous experience in everyday life, cultural production, culture as socially constructed, and performativity.  In addition, the course will examine the impact of colonization, including residential schools, intergenerational trauma and healing, wellbeing, lifeways, and cultures.

INDG 201 Colonization and Decolonization (3) O

A study of contemporary theories regarding colonization and decolonization emerging out of Indigenous Studies, Critical Ethnic Studies, and Postcolonial Studies. Attention is paid to the relationship between race, colonialism, and gender. Students will explore how these theories intersect with Christian theologies and spiritual practice. This course will consider the critiques made by Indigenous and postcolonial scholars of the methodological approaches used in the humanities and social sciences for their complicity in colonialism. It will examine various attempts to “decolonialize” methodology and to construct Indigenous and postcolonial methodological approaches to society and community. Students will work to develop their own philosophical and methodological approaches to decolonization.

Prerequisite: INDG 101 or SO 121 or permission of the department

INDG 229 Indigenous Ways of Knowing I (3) B

Students will explore Indigenous ways of knowing, the characteristics of this knowledge, and how these understandings influence interactions with the world and others. Discussion will consider the sources of Indigenous knowledge, the Indigenous ontology, epistemology and axiology as well as related values and ethics. Comparisons will be made between Indigenous and Western forms of knowledge to consider how these platforms can be used together in helping and teaching fields.

Prerequisite: PS 121 and SO 121

Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: INDG 229 or BHS 229

INDG 329 Indigenous Ways of Knowing II (3) B

Students will continue to develop their understanding of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and approaches, in order to further their knowledge of how Western and Indigenous approaches can be used together to support others in a culturally appropriate manner. Discussions will expand the student’s knowledge of cultural, spiritual and philosophical themes in Indigenous worldviews. Students will examine how Indigenous worldviews should inform professional practice through the discussion of historical, social, and political issues in helping and teaching fields.

Prerequisite: INDG 229

Note: Students can only earn credit for one of the following: INDG 329 or BHS 329.