Core Course Descriptions

For details of pre-requisites and other course requirements and descriptions please refer to the academic calendar

ERSC –INDG 2150H – Environmental Assessment Techniques for Indigenous Communities

This two week residential field course is designed to provide students with appropriate western scientific theory and basic scientific skills to address environmental assessment and natural resource issues frequently encountered on Indigenous lands. Not open to students in a Bachelor of Science program.

INDG – ERST 2601Y – Introduction to Indigenous Environmental Studies

This course explores Indigenous world views, environmental philosophies, and values through exposure to the perspectives of Indigenous Elders, community people, political leaders, academics, activists and scholars.  Students will be introduced to Indigenous Knowledge as it pertains to the environment. 

 

ERSC/ERST – INDG 3900 – Reading course

This is a research course on a specific topic. The course is only open to majors or joint-majors with two B credits (or better) in Indigenous Environmental Studies courses. Written permission must be obtained from the appropriate instructor and the chair of the Environmental & Resource Science/Studies or Indigenous Studies program before registration.

 

INDG– ERST 3630Y – Issues in Indigenous Environmental Studies

This course explores a wide variety of contemporary environmental issues and solutions that pertain to Indigenous cultures and communities. Studies will include the local, national and international perspectives.  Topics may vary from year to year based upon student interests and current, relevant issues confronting Indigenous Peoples. 

 

INDG– ERSC – ERST 3730Y – Indigenous Peoples Health and the Environment

This course provides an introduction to the multidisciplinary field of environmental health and its application to understanding health among Indigenous peoples.  Students gain understanding of the concepts, theories and methods used in environmental health and apply this knowledge to the investigation of the changing health status of Indigenous populations.  This course may be taken as a science credit by successfully undertaking an appropriate technical assignment.

 

INDG 3860Y – Practicum field placements

An opportunity for students to apply learning in a field setting, reflecting student interests and the availability of agencies willing to take students. Learning about development and culture will be dialectical, through experience (action) and reflection on experience. It will be formal and informal, and at many levels (personal, interpersonal and community).

 

INDG – ERST 4630H – Special topic: Indigenous environmental research protocol and ethics

This seminar based course offers an introductory exploration of research ethics and protocols within the context of Indigenous Environmental Studies. Students will examine how issues surrounding cultural definitions of consultation and sharing the benefits of research influence methodologies in environmental and health studies.

 

ERSC/ERST – INDG 4010Y/4020D – Thesis

This is a major research project counting as two credits in INDG or ERS or a combination. Prerequisite: permission of the chair of the Environmental & Resource Science/Studies or Indigenous Studies program and a minimum average in Indigenous Environmental Studies credit courses of 75%. Acceptance in the thesis course is dependent upon the candidate having made arrangements with a suitable supervisor in the Environmental & Resource Science/Studies or Indigenous Studies program. All students are required to attend a regularly scheduled workshop and orally present their research proposal and final report.

INDG – ERST 4730Y – Sustainable Indigenous Communities

This is a research/reading course that gives students an opportunity to examine concepts of sustainability, to select their own research area and develop a model for a “sustainable” community.  Lectures and seminars provide insight into Indigenous understandings and environmental impacts and a multi-disciplinary approach to resolving issues is encouraged. 

 

INDG – ERSC/ERST – NURS 4740Y – Critical investigations in Indigenous Peoples health and the environment: Indigenous Environmental Studies collegium

This seminar and self-directed reading course will provide students with a critical examination of key environmental and health issues in Indigenous communities in Canada and around the world. Biweekly seminars provide students with direction and a forum for critical examination and discussions on the topic.

 

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