EXNS 2807 - Systems: Leadership and Institutional Change

Course Description

This microcredential takes a closer look at the relationship between anti-Indigenous stereotypes and socio-political-economic systems in North America. We examine how stereotypes are mobilized to maintain settler systems of power, which suppress Indigenous resistance and lifeways and naturalize the dispossession and subordination of Indigenous peoples. Lectures address stereotypes of criminality, dysfunction, "angry" protestors, and the assumption that Indigenous people should "get over" colonialism. Students are provided with tools needed to analyze, intervene on, and reframe these narratives to support the work and actions Indigenous people are already undertaking. Prerequisite: EXNS 2805.

Who Should Take This Course?

Beginner level

Learning Objectives

Recognize contemporary practices of colonialism within state systems such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, and the penal system, as well as public discourse.
Provide examples of colonialism as an ongoing structure.
Re-engage the concepts of dysfunction and the “deficit lens” as justification for settler colonialism.
Gain introductory knowledge about Indigenous and settler interpretations of Treaty and how those relate to Canada today.
Learn some of the history of Indigenous resistance and struggles to retain, regain, protect, and defend Indigenous lands, waters, and lifeways.
Engage nuanced perspectives with Indigenous community and artistic responses to stereotypes.

Course / Module Outline

“Why are so many of you in prison?” Settler Colonialism and Incarceration
“The Stereotype of the Angry Native Protestor”
“Why is your Family so Dysfunctional?” Current Methods of Assimilation
“Can’t You Just Get Over It?” The Settler Problem

Notes

Academic Lead:

Dr. Tasha Hubbard

Course creators and instructors:

Molly Swain

Sara Howdle

Dr. Savage Bear

Prerequisites

EXNS 2805 - Foundations of Stereotypes: Systems Thinking (Complete)

Recommendations

Textbooks

All material is available online and no textbooks are required.

Record of Completion

Printable certificate; non-credit transcript; digital badge

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CONTACT US

Email nsonline@ualberta.ca with any questions.

Testimonials

"Excellent questions posed about indigenous stereotypes - i have shared resources with MANY people i know." - Anonymous

Applies Towards the Following Programs

Countering Stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples Series : Courses in the Series