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