Faculty of Arts & Science 2013-2014 Calendar

Calendar Home | Course Timetables

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

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

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

1. ABS201Y1
2. ABS210Y1/ABS220Y1/(ABS230H1, ABS231H1)
3. ABS300Y1 and ABS301Y1/ABS351Y1
4. ABS390H1 and ABS460H1
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 and .5 FCE at the fourth year level.

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

(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/ABS351Y1

4. ABS390H1
5. Two additional full-course equivalents from ABS, JFP, JPA or GGR (formerly known as JAG) designators (note: some of these courses have prerequisites)
6. One additional .5 FCE from Group A or one .5 FCE from Group B below (note: some of these courses have prerequisites)
7. Of the courses chosen, at least 2 FCE must be at the 300+ level and .5 FCE at the 400 level.

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

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

1. ABS201Y1
2. ABS300Y1/ABS301Y1/ABS351Y1
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:

ABS205H1 Indigenous Worldviews, Spiritual and Healing Traditions
ABS210Y1 Introduction to Anishinaabemowin
ABS220Y1 Introduction to an Iroquoian Language
ABS230H1 Introduction to Inuktitut
ABS231H1 Elementary Inuktitut
ABS240Y1 Ecological Interactions: Intro to Aboriginal and Western Sciences
ABS250H1 Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice
ABS302H1 Aboriginal Representation in the Mass Media and Society
ABS310Y1 Anishinaabemowin II
ABS322H1 Indigenous Narratives of Empowerment
ABS323Y1 Intermediate Iroquoian Language
ABS320Y1/ABS321H1 Aboriginal Visual Expression: Technical and Theoretical Aspects
ABS340Y1 Aboriginal Health Science
ABS330Y1/ABS331H1 Aboriginal Music: Technical and Theoretical Aspects
ABS341H1 Indigenous Theatre
ABS350H1 Indigenous Health Systems
ABS355H1 Current Issues in Indigenous Environment and Health
ABS352H1 Indigenous Leadership, Policy and Practices in Canada
ABS351Y1 Aboriginal Legends and Teaching
ABS353H1 First Nations Politics in Canada
ABS354H1 Aboriginal Rights and Indigenous Law in Canada 
ABS360H1 Politics and Process of Reconciliation in Canada
ABS371H1 Topics in Indigenous Literatures
ABS398H0 Independent Experiential Study Project
ABS399Y0 Independent Experiential Study Project
ABS491Y1 Topics in International Indigenous Studies
ABS402H1 Traditional Indigenous Ecological Knowledge
ABS403H1 Indigenous Peoples and the Urban Context
ABS404H1 Anishinaabewin Intellectual Traditions, Narrative and Culture
ABS405H1 Indigenous Thought and Expression: Creative Non-fiction
ABS407H1 Indigenous Peoples, Lands and Resources
ABS460H1 Methodology in Aboriginal Studies
ABS493H1 Independent Experiential Studies
ABS494Y1 Independent Experiential 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
HIS263Y1 Introduction to Canadian History
HIS294Y1 Caribbean History and Culture: Indigenous Era to 1886
HIS358H1 How the West was Colonized
HIS384H1 Colonial Canada
HIS419H1 Canada by Treaty, Alliance, Title Transfers and Land Claims
HIS472H1 Indigenous-Newcomer Relations in Canadian History
INI327Y1 Screening Race (pre-requisite required)
LIN351H1 Sociolinguistic Patterns in Language
NEW224Y1 Caribbean Thought I
NEW240Y1 Introduction to Equity Studies
NEW324Y1 Caribbean Thought I
WGS273Y1 Gender & Environmental (In)Justice

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/ABS351Y1.

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 can be found at www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/.

This course is designed to introduce students to the ideas, methods and themes of the discipline of Indigenous Studies. The development of the field of Indigenous Studies in Canada will form an important focus in the first half. The second part of the course will address "history and politics", including an overview of the historical processes of diplomacy, alliances, and treaty-making.

This course will discuss the relationship between spiritual philosophies, beliefs, traditions and practices that contribute to meaning in Indigenous communities. This course will emphasize traditions and teachings and understanding the role of spirituality historically and within contemporary Indigenous societies, including governance, treaties, environment, culture, healing and everyday life.

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.

This course is a study of the ecological and scientific teachings of Indigenous peoples. The course provides and overview of Indigenous peoples' relationships with the natural world in historical and contemporary environmental issues and their implications for Indigenous Peoples and others.

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 presents an overview of expressive Indigenous visual art. Through visual expression, students will learn about the histories, geographies, cultures and traditions of various Indigenous peoples and communities. The course will focus on theoretical and technical aspects of historical and contemporary practice of visual art. 

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 texts.

 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.

A historical and contemporary overview of leadership and politics in First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities in Canada. This course will focus on pre-contact governance structures, contemporary effects of colonization, and processes and strategies for decolonization. Various policy initiatives from Indigenous organizations will be examined.

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 will examine current views about Indigenous peoples' health and relationship to environment. The course will focus on Indigenous people's perceptions of health and contemporary health systems, including policy, politics and practices.

This course will explore the concepts, processes and practices of reconciliation in Canada. Students will critically examine the context and politics surrounding reconciliation discourse.

This seminar provides an in-depth examination of Indigenous literatures in a comparative context. Content in any given year depends on the instructor. See Aboriginal Studies website for more details.

This seminar provides an indepth examination of Indigenous language revitalization efforts in Canada and internationally. Content in any given year depends on the instructor. See Aboriginal Studies website for more information.

This course examines research approaches, strategies, methods and techniques used in Indigenous studies. It explores a range of topical issues including research ethics and protocols, intellectual property rights, research agreements and community-based research. This course includes the study of quantitative, qualitative and Indigenous methodologies. Critically examines research theories, methodologies and practices used by academic disciplines to study Aboriginal peoples. Decolonized research methodologies will form a focus of this course.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/399.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/399.

Aboriginal Studies 400-series courses are open to students who have obtained standing in 10 FCE, ABS201Y1 and 2 FCE ABS designator courses. Students who require a 400-series course to satisfy their program requirements have enrolment priority in the first round of course enrolment. Seminars are designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and practice interpretive and analytical skills at an advanced level. Please note that pre-requisites and exclusions will be strictly enforced.

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.

Critically examines Indigenous peoples' experiences, encounters and interactions in urban areas in Canada. This course explores the historical and contemporary conditions of Indigenous peoples, including urban governance and the development of Indigenous organizations. This course will focus on youth perspectives and how traditions, cultures and knowledges are expressed in urban settings. 

An examination of oral narratives with an emphasis on the significance of language. This course will give students an indepth understanding of Anishinaabewin philiosophies, teachings and values.

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

This course will explore the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society from pre- European contact to the present. The relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada shapes historical and current views of environmental and resource management in a variety of ways. Economic, environmental, political, social and cultural aspects will be discussed. This course will be offered in conjunction with JPG1419, a graduate course in the Department of Geography and Program in Planning.

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)

This course explores the basis of Indigenous knowledge and how that translates into research theory and methodology. Students will design a research project, consider Indigenous research governance and conduct an ethics review. This is a service learning course.

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. Ineligible for CR/NCR.

Students design and implement an independent experiential Indigenous studies research project in consultation with an Aboriginal organization and a faculty supervisor. Enrolment requires written permission from a faculty supervisor and Director of Aboriginal Studies. 

Students design and implement an independent experiential Indigenous studies research project in consultation with an Aboriginal organization and a faculty supervisor. Enrolment requires written permission from a faculty supervisor and Director of Aboriginal Studies.

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. Ineligible for CR/NCR.

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. Ineligible for CR/NCR.

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. Ineligible for CR/NCR.

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. Ineligible for CR/NCR.