Minor Concentration Indigenous Studies (18 credits)

Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada     Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Program Requirements

The Minor Concentration in Indigenous Studies provides students with a broad, interdisciplinary view of key issues in the historical, social and cultural dimensions of Indigenous life in Canada. Core courses offered within the program will provide interdisciplinary treatments of Indigenous life. The Program will focus on the history of indigenous populations in Canada, Aboriginal art and culture, the experience of indigeneity and gender, and legacies of Indigenous resistance to the Canadian state.

Required Courses (6 credits)

Complementary Courses (12 credits)

A maximum of 3 complementary course credits at the 200-level. A maximum of 6 credits from any given discipline with the exception of Indigenous Studies (INDG) courses.

Anthropology

Canadian Studies

  • CANS 306 Topics in Indigenous Public Affairs (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Canadian Studies : Past and present achievements and concerns within Indigenous societies across Canada.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Reid, Christopher (Fall)

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken Issues in Native Studies as a CANS topics course.

  • CANS 315 Indigenous Art and Culture (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Canadian Studies : An examination of the work of selected First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists in Canada.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Bell, Gloria (Winter)

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken or are taking ARTH 315 or have taken "Aboriginal Art and Culture" as a CANS or ARTH topics course.

English

  • ENGL 297 Special Topics of Literary Study (3 credits)

    Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    English (Arts) : Special topics of literary study. Topic varies by year.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.

  • ENGL 440 First Nations and Inuit Literature and Media (3 credits)

    Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    English (Arts) : An introduction to Inuit and First Nations literature and media in Canada, including oral literature and the development of aboriginal television and film.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Stenbaek, Marianne A (Winter)

    • For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at www.mcgill.ca/english.

    • Winter

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ENGL 415 or ENGL 419 as "Native Canadian Literature" or as "Inuit Literature".

Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies

  • GSFS 307 Indigenous Feminisms (3 credits)

    Offered by: Inst for Gender, Sex & Fem St (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    GSFS : Explores Indigenous feminisms in historical and contemporary contexts, with a critical focus on the tensions between feminist and Indigenous epistemologies. The relationships between feminisms, settler-colonialism, nation-building, and Indigenous social justice struggles will be emphasized.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Shah Hoque, Anna (Winter)

    • Prerequisite(s): GSFS 200 OR GSFS 250

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken WMST 302 in Winter 2014 when topic was “Indigenous Women of the North”.

Geography

  • GEOG 301 Geography of Nunavut (3 credits)

    Offered by: Geography (Faculty of Science)

    Overview

    Geography : An introduction to the physical and cultural geography of Canada's newest territory. The course will emphasize the bio-physical heterogeneity of the natural environment and the cultural and political ecology of the human population.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Fall

    • 3 hours

History

  • HIST 202 Survey: Canada to 1867 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : A survey of early Canada, from periods known mainly through archaeological records to the Confederation era. Social, cultural, economic and political themes will be examined.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Nerbas, Don (Fall)

    • Fall

  • HIST 223 Indigenous Peoples and Empires (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : History of Indigenous Peoples of North and South America and their early experiences of European conquest and colonization, c. 1400 - 1800.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Nawrocki, Iwa (Winter)

  • HIST 303 History of Quebec (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Covering Quebec history from New France to contemporary times, this course will include themes like ethnic relations, citizenship, gender and material culture. It is of particular interest to students in Education who foresee teaching about Quebec.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Johal, Rishma (Fall)

    • Prerequisite(s): HIST 202 or HIST 203 recommended

    • The ability to read French is helpful but not mandatory

  • HIST 309 History of Latin America to 1825 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : The social, cultural, and economic aspects of Latin America and the Caribbean in the colonial period and the transition to independence.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 333 Indigenous Peoples and French (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Encounters between Indigenous Peoples and French newcomers in Canada and other parts of North America, 16th - 18th century. Through an examination of exploration, Catholic missions, trade, military alliances and colonization, the course focuses on the motives, outlooks and actions of both Indigenous Peoples and Europeans.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Desbarats, Catherine (Winter)

  • HIST 361 Topics in Canadian Regional History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Topics in Canadian regional history. Topics will vary by year.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 363 Canada 1870-1914 (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : This course will examine social, economic, political and cultural aspects of Canadian society between 1870 and 1914. Topics covered will include aboriginal peoples, European settlement of the West, provincial rights, the national policy, social reform movements, industrialization, immigration and the rise of cities.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • HIST 408 Selected Topics in Indigenous History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Selected topics in Indigenous history.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Arista, Noelani (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: HIST 223

    • Topics will vary from year to year.

Indigenous Studies

  • INDG 202 Topics in Indigenous Studies 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    INDG : Drawing upon and introducing the burgeoning field of Indigenous Studies, this course is designed to be an introduction to selected themes and topics in Indigenous Studies. Possible examples: Indigenous health, Haudenosaunne culture etc. Topics vary from year to year.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Supplementary Calendar Info: INDG 202 and INDG 300 are NOT a sequence of courses.

  • INDG 300 Topics in Indigenous Studies 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    INDG : This course is designed to examine specific themes and topics in Indigenous Studies. Possible examples: Haudenosaunee governance etc. Topics vary from year to year.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Supplementary Calendar Info: INDG 202 and INDG 300 are NOT a sequence of courses.

  • INDG 301 Indigenous Contemporary Resistance (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    INDG : In-depth and experiential examination of contemporary Indigenous resistance movements based on Indigenous worldviews and land-based knowledge.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: INDG 200

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken INDG 202 when topic was "Contemporary Indigenous Resistance".

  • INDG 302 Introduction to Kanien’ké:ha (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    INDG : Foundations of the Kanien'ké:ha language and Haudenosaunee worldviews, including reading and speaking basic Kanien'ké:ha, using key words and phrases to communicate basic needs, and the noun-based morphology and grammatical structure of the language.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Mittelstaedt, Mitchell (Winter)

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken INDG 202 when topic was "Introduction to Kanien'ké:ha".

  • INDG 400 Seminar: Indigenous Studies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    INDG : This advanced course is designed to examine specific topics and themes in Indigenous Studies. Possible examples: Indigenous research methodologies. Topics vary from year to year.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Austin, David (Winter)

  • INDG 420 Indigenous Food Sovereignty (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    INDG : Examination of food sovereignty as it relates to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis and their connection to the land as sustenance. The focus is on natural food sources and practices.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Marquez, Jimena (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: INDG 200

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken INDG 400 when the topic was “Indigenous Food Sovereignty”.

  • INDG 450 Rotinonhsón:ni Land-Based Pedagogy (3 credits)

    Offered by: Institute for Study of Canada (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    INDG : The teachings of land, Ohen:ton Karihwátehkwen (Words before all Else) as well as stories that engage in the multiple tenets of Indigenous land-based education. Land-based practices and Indigenous literature. Participation is based on the values of Skén’nen (peace), Kahsatsténhsera (united strength), Ka'nikonhrí:io (good mind).

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    • Prerequisites: Required INDG 200, INDG 401 is recommended but not required.

    • Restrictions: Open to students in the Indigenous Studies Program or with permission of the instructor

    • This is an intensive summer field course.

Interdisciplinary Field Course

  • IDFC 500 Indigenous Field Studies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Social Work (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    IDFC : Intensive field course that focuses on First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures and worldviews, with particular emphasis on linkages to practice areas and integration across disciplinary silos. Attention is given to the effects of Canadian legal, health and social welfare policies on contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit societies.

    Terms: Summer 2024

    Instructors: Ives, Nicole; Gabriel, Wanda; Rabiau, Marjorie Aude (Summer)

    • Restrictions: The course is only open to students in Social Work, Anthropology, Law and Medicine or by permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have taken IDFC 380.

    • This intensive course includes 1 week where students live in the field. The field portion of the course may involve rugged field conditions and varying weather for which students must be prepared and equipped.

    • A fee of $434.21 is charged to all students registered in IDFC 500 delivered in Montreal. The fee covers food, activities, land use, and other site expenses.

    • **This course will be held on April 29, 30, May 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 & 27th.

Law

  • CMPL 500 Indigenous Peoples and the State (3 credits)

    Offered by: Law (Faculty of Law)

    Overview

    Comparative Law : Current legal topics relating to Indigenous peoples, including the concept of Indigenous title, and constitutional aspects of contemporary land claims. Aspects of Canadian law relating to Indigenous peoples, their constitutional status, and hunting and fishing rights.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Sloan, Kerry (Winter)

  • CMPL 500D1 Indigenous Peoples and the State (1.5 credits)

    Offered by: Law (Faculty of Law)

    Overview

    Comparative Law : Current legal topics relating to Indigenous peoples, including the concept of Indigenous title, and constitutional aspects of contemporary land claims. Aspects of Canadian law relating to Indigenous peoples, their constitutional status, and hunting and fishing rights.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • CMPL 500D2 Indigenous Peoples and the State (1.5 credits)

    Offered by: Law (Faculty of Law)

    Overview

    Comparative Law : See CMPL 500D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Linguistics

  • LING 211 Introduction to Indigenous Languages (3 credits)

    Offered by: Linguistics (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Linguistics : Explores the Indigenous languages of North America, including their histories, linguistic properties, cultural settings, and key social issues facing them in the 21st century. Many different aspects of North American languages will be discussed including sound systems, grammatical classification, expression of time and space, and specialized linguistic phenomena like polysynthesis and reduplication. Social contexts of language will include performance, speech games, language change, language endangerment, and government policies.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2023-2024 academic year.

  • LING 411 Structure of an Indigenous Language (3 credits)

    Offered by: Linguistics (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Linguistics : Investigates linguistic and grammatical properties in an Indigenous language or language family of North America. Topics covered include: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics; historical and comparative research; as well as topics at the intersection of language and culture. The course engages with primary literature on the language of study.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Crippen, James (Winter)

    • Prerequisites: LING 331 and LING 371 or permission of instructor.

    • The language or language family of study will vary from year to year.

Political Science

  • POLI 372 Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian State (3 credits)

    Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Political Science : The relationship of Indigenous politics to larger debates and literatures within political science, such as citizenship theory, federalism, and collective action. Subjects covered include Canada's treaty history, constitutional changes, key policy frameworks, and Indigenous political development.

    Terms: Fall 2023

    Instructors: Berry, Aberdeen (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: At least one course in Canadian politics such as, POLI 221 or POLI 222 OR Permission of the instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken POLI 372 prior to W06.

  • POLI 436 Aboriginal Rights in the Canadian Constitution (3 credits)

    Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Political Science : This course explores the inclusion, impact, and interpretation of s.35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. In s.35, "the existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognized and affirmed". What does it mean for Canada to recognize, affirm, define, justify, and implement such rights? The course sets out how one might think about the constitutional promise of s.35, and challenges us to address whether this promise has been realized. It sets out how s.35 has structured Indigenous-settler politics since 1982.

    Terms: Winter 2024

    Instructors: Scholtz, Christa (Winter)

Faculty of Arts—2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 31, 2023) (disclaimer)
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