EXNS 2805 - Foundations of Stereotypes: Systems Thinking
Course Description
This microcredential introduces anti-Indigenous stereotypes in North America, outlines how the brain develops and perpetuates stereotypes within North America's settler colonial context, and covers how to interrupt stereotypes when they arise. Including some foundational stereotypes and concepts that are essential to understand, this microcredential outlines the social and political functions of stereotypes and concludes by deconstructing two significant stereotypes - that the Canadian State is a benevolent entity and that Indigenous peoples get everything for free and are largely unemployed. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships to stereotyping are presented.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for beginners interested in understanding the historical and ongoing relationships between Indigenous communities and colonial science in North America.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- 🗸 Learn the definition of a stereotype.
- 🗸 Understand the process by which stereotypes are created and perpetuated.
- 🗸 Understand stereotypes in the context of North American settler colonialism.
- 🗸 Identify the relationships of power within stereotypes.
- 🗸 Create a foundation of knowledge with concepts and terminology to recognize and begin thinking critically about stereotypes found in images, media, and settler worldviews.
- 🗸 Learn about the stereotype of “Canadian benevolence” and its supporting role in colonial expansion and racism.
- 🗸 Describe the central ideas fueling European/North American sense of entitlement to Indigenous lives and lands.
- 🗸 Investigate how Indigenous industriousness was countered with policies that negatively impacted their wealth and livelihoods.
Course / Module Outline
- 🗸 Stereotypes: An Introduction.
- 🗸 Who is Invested in Stereotypes about Indigenous peoples?
- 🗸 The Myth of Canadian Benevolence
- 🗸 Why do “Indians” get everything for free? Colonialism and Political Economies
Notes
Academic Lead
- 🗸 Dr. Tasha Hubbard
Course Creators and Instructors
- 🗸 Molly Swain
- 🗸 Sara Howdle
- 🗸 Dr. Savage Bear
Recommendations
Textbooks
All material is available online and no textbooks are required.
Record of Completion
Non-credit transcript; digital badge
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CONTACT US
Email nsonline@ualberta.ca with any questions.
Testimonials
"Thank you so much for this course. I am an HR professional and the foundation that I received in this class will help me think critically about these issues. I hope to continue to learn more." - Anonymous
Applies Towards the Following Programs
- Countering Stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples Certificate : Required Courses