CAN418 - Indigenous Studies

Subject Title
Indigenous Studies

Subject Description

CAN 418 will explore the history and current affairs of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people in Canada through a variety of perspectives provided by academics, elders, and artists (including film makers, writers, storytellers, visual artists, and musicians). Over many thousands of years, the people indigenous to North America developed complex thriving societies whose rich philosophies, economies, and political systems reflect an intimate, harmonious relationship with their land - and which may suggest remedies for our wounded planet today.
Although European contact over the past 500 years has introduced often destructive and conflicting values and institutions, Native people in Canada have resolutely countered assimilation, and their contribution to the evolution of Canadian society is far reaching and profound. Students will examine aspects of these recent centuries, as well as contemporary Native issues regarding culture, identity, self-government, land claims, education, health, and justice.

Credit Status

One General Eduction elective credit in the Science and Social Sciences category.

Students who have taken CAN104 or CAN410 cannot take CAN418 as a general education credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Examine the diversity of Indigenous people across Canada to contrast their traditions, values, world views and connections to land.
2. Discuss the contributions of Indigenous people in relation to the settlement of Canada up to contemporary times.
3. Discuss settler colonialism and assimilation to explain the impact on Indigenous peoples.
4. Examine contemporary Indigenous people (eg. Politicians, athletes, celebrities etc.) to share the positive impact  they have had on Canadian society.
5. Assess the Truth and Reconciliations Commission's recommendations as strategies for social justice, equity and change.
6. Analyze Indigenous political activity and grassroots resistance (UOI, COO, AFN; OKA, Idle No More, Dakota Access Pipeline) to explore growing activism.
7. Discuss community and government resources to review supports for Indigenous people on and off reserve.
8.  

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.