Faculty of Arts & Science 2012-2013 Calendar

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Aboriginal Studies

Faculty

Aboriginal Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program dedicated to the study and research of Indigenous peoples in Canada and throughout the world. The program offers courses that engender a rigorous and respectful understanding of Indigenous peoples' languages, knowledges, cultures, histories, politics, arts, intellectual traditions and research methodologies. ABS offers Specialist, Major, and Minor Programs within the Faculty of Arts & Science. Students are encouraged to seek counselling and information about this program from aboriginal.studies@utoronto.ca or on our website at http://www.utoronto.ca/abs.

Aboriginal Studies Programs

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(10 full courses or their equivalents, including at least one 400+level course)

1. ABS201Y1
2. ABS210Y1/ABS220Y1/(ABS230H1, ABS231H1)
3. ABS300Y1 and ABS301Y1
4. ABS460Y1
5. Four additional full-course equivalent from Group A (note: some of these courses have prerequisites)
6. One additional FCE from Group A or Group B below (note: some of these courses have prerequisites)
7. For numbers 5 and 6 above, 2 FCE’s must be at the 300 level.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(7 full courses or their equivalent, including at least two 300+level courses)

1. ABS201Y1
2. ABS210Y1/ABS220Y1/ABS230H1 and ABS231H1
3. ABS300Y1 and ABS301Y1
4. Two additional full-course equivalents from ABS, JFP, JPA or GGR (formerly known as JAG) designators (note: some of these courses have prerequisites)
5. One additional full-course equivalent from Group A or one full-course equivalent from Group B below (note: some of these courses have prerequisites)
6. Of the courses chosen, at least 2 FCE must be at the 300+ level and .5 FCE at the 400 level.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(4 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one full-course equivalent at the 300+-level)

1. ABS201Y1
2. ABS300Y1/ABS301Y1
3. One additional full-course equivalent ABS, JFP, JPA or GGR (formerly known as JAG) (note: some of these courses have prerequisites)
4. One additional full-course equivalent from Group A below (note: some of these courses have prerequisites)

Group A:

ABS210Y1 Introduction to Anishinaabemowin
ABS220Y1 Introduction to an Iroquoian Language
ABS230H1 Introduction to Inuktitut
ABS231H1 Elementary Inuktitut
ABS250H1 Indigenous Environmental Education
ABS302H1 Aboriginal People in the Mass Media
ABS310Y1 Anishinaabemowin II
ABS323Y1 Intermediate Iroquoian Language
ABS320Y1/ABS321H1 Aboriginal Visual Expression: Technical and Theoretical Aspects
ABS330Y1/ABS331H1 Aboriginal Music: Technical and Theoretical Aspects
ABS341H1 Indigenous Theatre
ABS350Y1 Aboriginal Health Systems
ABS351Y1 Aboriginal Legends and Teaching
ABS353H1 First Nations Politics in Canada
ABS354H1 Aboriginal Rights and Indigenous Law in Canada 
ABS360Y1 Politics and Process of Reconciliation in Canada

ABS402H1 Traditional Indigenous Ecological Knowledge
ABS405Y1 Indigenous Thought and Expression: Creative Non-fiction
ABS460Y1 Methodology in Aboriginal Studies
ABS495Y1 Independent Research
ABS496H1 Independent Research
ABS497H1 Independent Research
ABS498Y1 Independent Research
ANT315H1 Arctic Archaeology
ANT365H1 Native America and the State
ANT353H1 Anthropology of Indigeneity
ANT463H1 Native Rights, Canadian Law
ENG254Y1 Indigenous Literatures of North America
ENG355H1 Indigenous Women’s Literature
HIS369Y1 Aboriginal Peoples of the Great Lakes from 1500 to 1830 
HIS472H1 Indigenous-Newcomer Relations in Canadian History

JPA461H1 Globalization and Indigenous Politics
GGR321H1 Aboriginal People and Environmental Issues in Canada (formerly known as JAG321H1)
JFP450H1 Aboriginal Issues in Health and Healing (offered by the Faculty of Pharmacy)
LIN458H1 Revitalizing Languages

Group B:

ANT200Y1 Introduction to Archaeology
ANT204H1 Anthropology of the Comtemporary World
ANT319Y1 Archaeology of North America
ANT311Y1 Archaeological Fieldwork
ANT348H1 Anthropology of Health
ANT367Y1 Indigenous Spirituality
ANT410H1 Hunter-Gatherers Past and Present
ANT454H1 The Anthropology of Music & Art
FOR200H1 Conservation of Canada’s Forests
HIS106Y1 Natives, Settlers, and Slaves: Colonizing the Americas, 1492-1804
HIS294Y1 Caribbean History and Culture: Indigenous Era to 1886
HIS358H1 How the West was Colonized
HIS384H1 Colonial Canada
INI327Y1 Screening Race (pre-requisite required)
LIN351H1 Sociolinguistic Patterns in Language
NEW224Y1 Caribbean Thought I
NEW240Y1 Introduction to Equity Studies
NEW324Y1 Caribbean Thought I

Aboriginal Studies participates in the Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation Initiative for Anishinaabemowin. The study of the Anishinaabe language is a demanding and intellectually rewarding educational experience. Successful study of this language demonstrates intelligence, discipline, analytical sophistication, and an excellent memory. The study of any language provides invaluable insights into the varieties of human culture and expression.

In each language the Language Citation recognizes a significant level of achievement in language study with a high level of academic success. The Citation in Anishinaabemowin is available to students who complete ABS210Y1 and earn a grade of at least B- in ABS310Y1 and ABS301Y1.

Students should note that, as explained in this Calendar, the Language Citation is not equivalent to an academic program and that enrolment in a program is not necessary in order to earn the recognition bestowed by the Citation.

Aboriginal Studies Courses

The 199Y1 and 199H1 seminars are designed to provide the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a class of no more than twenty-four students. These interactive seminars are intended to stimulate the students’ curiosity and provide an opportunity to get to know a member of the professorial staff in a seminar environment during the first year of study. Details here.

An introduction to Canadian Aboriginal studies and Aboriginal world views, including language, culture, history, politics, economics, sociology, and science. A focus on critical thinking, the introduction of new perspectives, and community context.

Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Humanities or Social Science course
Breadth Requirement: Creative and Cultural Representations (1) + Society and its Institutions (3)

ABS205H1 Aboriginal Spirituality [24L]

An exploration of spiritual practices and beliefs of Indigenous peoples with emphasis on Canadas First Nations. Spirituality through an historic lens, highlighting rituals such as Ghost Dances, Midewiwin Lodge, and Wabung, and contemporary spiritual practices, including evolving belief systems, ritual and spiritual practice in todays world, and the balance of spirituality and spiritual practice with modernity.

Recommended preparation: ABS201Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Humanities course
Breadth Requirement: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)


ABS210Y1    Introduction to Anishinaabemowin[72L]

An introduction to the Anishinaabe language, including the syllabic writing system.

An introduction to one of the languages of the Iroquoian language family.

An introduction to one dialect of Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit, including aspects of other dialects and the syllabic writing system.

This course builds on the introduction to Inuktitut from ABS230H. Emphasis will be placed on developing grammatical complexity and vocabulary in students oral skills, as well as dialect and cultural awareness.

Introduction to methodologies and applications of Aboriginal and Western sciences, with an emphasis on environmental change, animal behaviour, evolution, sustainable practices, and implications of intrinsic ecological connections. Exploratory labs, often outdoors, develop literacy and skills in each paradigm as well as critical thought, creative reflection, and synthesis of knowledge.

An exploration of traditional environmental education and its relevance in contemporary Aboriginal society, with a focus on the process of environmental education as well as on theory and conceptual understanding.

A study of the languages and culture of Aboriginal peoples through exploration of oral histories, from creation stories until present times, including the role of oral history and methods for studying oral history through accounts told by elders.

Examination of the historical interplay of Indigenous languages and cultures in Canada. Particular focus is on the language and culture of an Indigenous people of Ontario.

A survey of historical and contemporary representations of Aboriginal people in the mass media. Introduction to basic techniques for evaluating, analyzing, and understanding the construction of Nativeness as it is communicated through film, television, and other media. Examination of racial stereotypes and the role of mass communication in perpetuating and challenging stereotypes, cultural appropriation, Aboriginal media production, impact of media portrayal of Aboriginal peoples.

An overview of Aboriginal history and culture in Australia, including its precolonial past, land, society, and culture. Includes discussion of Aboriginal rights, health, and modes of creative expression. This course will be offered on-site in Australia as part of the Woodsworth College Summer Abroad program.

Explores key issues in Aboriginal politics in Canada.  Provides students with an overview of historical and contemporary socio-political issues in Aboriginal societies and institutions such as Aboriginal self-governance, land claims and treaty negotiations. (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Aboriginal Studies Program)

Further study of the Anishinaabe language with emphasis on speaking and writing.

This course explores Indigenous decolonization and empowerment by analysing comparatively theoretical and literary debates that focus on issues of sovereignty, gender, grass-roots activism, and anti-racism. It analyses several emerging paradigm approaches to this set of debates including intersectional critical-race theory, Indigenous feminisms, and decolonization practices in theorectial and literary tesxts.

 Further study of an Iroquoian language.

Contemporary and historical musical performance practices of Aboriginal people of North and South America.

Contemporary and historical musical performance practices of Aboriginal people of North and South America.

This course is themed in six-week quarters addressing four aspects of Western Science (basic, applied, clinical and population health). Within each quarter, the Western Science theme is examined holistically using Indigenous Science and the four aspects of the Medicine Wheel (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual).

An introduction to the evolution of Indigenous theatre in North America, examining traditional oratory, ceremony, community responsibility, and social construct and their impact on current Indigenous theatre.

An overview of Aboriginal health systems, internationally, nationally, provincially and locally, with a focus on Ontario. Discussion of health models and strategies, policy, legislation, jurisdictional issues, Aboriginal health initiatives.

An introduction to laws of Indigenous societies, focusing on the Anishinaabe, as seen through legends and teachings.

Prerequisite: ABS201Y1
Exclusion: ABS351H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Humanities or Social Science course
Breadth Requirement: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

ABS352H1 The Indian Act [24L]

The history of the Indian Act from its creation to the present.

Prerequisite: ABS201Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Humanities or Social Science course
Breadth Requirement: Society and its Institutions (3)

ABS353H1    First Nations Politics in Canada[24L]

This course examines recent trends in First Nations politics and their effects on the social, economic and political lives of First Nations Peoples. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of the socio-political and cultural context for First Nations societies in contemporary settings. It explores the legacies of the Indian Act, the tabling of the 1969 White Paper and responses to it, the emergence of current Indigenous political movements, Constitutional issues, First Nations citizenship, self-governance and land claims.

Examines Aboriginal rights and Indigenous law in Canada from a socio-political perspective. Studies key cases of contemporary Aboriginal case law, Section 35 of the Constitution, issues related to criminal and restorative justice, customary law and Indigenous legal traditions and law-making.

This course uses relationship-building methodologies to develop skills and explore the concept and processes of reconciliation. Through class discussion, guest speakers, and comparative readings on Canadian and Indigenous colonial history, Indigenous organizing and solidarity movements, students will examine reconciliation and determine whether it is a different process than decolonization.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details here.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details here.

An overview of the relationships between Indigenous peoples and their environments, including an exploration of cultural, historical, and contemporary aspects of Indigenous environmental philosophies; the nature, control and transmission of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and historical uses of TEK in managing the environment.

An examination of Aboriginal peoples experiences in urban centres, including an examination of increasing Aboriginal migration to Canadian and American cities, government policy affecting off-reserve Indians, and urban Indians concerns and goals.

An investigation of (Anishnaabe, Iroquoian, Athapaskan, Salish), examined through the study of research and writing of creative-nonfiction.

This course consists of an examination of health and healing from a holistic perspective (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual) and how colonialism, culture, and public policy have impacted the health of Aboriginal peoples in the present day. This course is built around a case-based project in which students working in interdisciplinary groups take on the role of a traditional Aboriginal healer, and then assess their healing strategy from a biomedical perspective. (Offered by the Faculty of Pharmacy)

Basic methods in research in Aboriginal Studies, including oral tradition and community-based research, as well as discussion of ethics, protocols, priorities, and comparative Indigenous methodologies.

This course explores the intersections of globalization and indigenous politics and introduces students to critical considerations of globalization from the perspective of indigenous peoples. It investigates the dominant economic paradigm as the historical outcome of colonization and examines political and economic alternatives and challenges that various indigenous struggles embody and embrace. Issues explored in the course include indigenous epistemologies, impacts of globalization on indigenous peoples, international indigenous organizing, democratization and political participation, human rights, indigenous economies, contested sovereignties and indigenous social movements. It examines indigenous communities as heterogeneous locations where not only impacts of globalization but forms of engagement and resistance take various forms. (Given by the Department of Political Science and the Aboriginal Studies Program)

Explores some of the key texts of contemporary critical Indigenous theory and political thought. Provides students with an in-depth understanding of the development of Indigenous critical and political thought in the past two decades. Key texts include: Deloria, Vine Jr.1999. Spirit & Reason; Waters, Anne. 2004. American Indian thought: Philosophical essays; Muecke, Stephen. 2004. Ancient and Modern: Time, Culture, and Indigenous Philosophy; Turner, Dale. 2006.This is Not a Peace Pipe and Borrows, John (2010). Drawing out law. (Given by the Department of Political Science and Aboriginal Studies Program)

This seminar provides an in-depth examination of Indigenous studies in international contexts. Content in any given year depends on the instructors. See Aboriginal Studies website for more detail.

Supervised independent research on a topic agreed on by the student and the supervisor before enrolment in the course. Available only when someone is willing and able to supervise.

Supervised independent research on a topic agreed on by the student and the supervisor before enrolment in the course. Available only when someone is willing and able to supervise.

Supervised independent research on a topic agreed on by the student and the supervisor before enrolment in the course. Available only when someone is willing and able to supervise.

Supervised independent research on a topic agreed on by the student and the supervisor before enrolment in the course. Available only when someone is willing and able to supervise.