Overview
POLI 311 examines the complex issues associated with Aboriginal peoples and their politics. The central issues of this course include the history and context of Aboriginal government and political movements, and the political goals of Aboriginal peoples today. Political Science 311 will help you recognize the efforts of Aboriginal peoples to create and recreate their governing institutions, which is essential for understanding Aboriginal politics. This course will also help you understand the policies of the various levels of government in Canada, particularly the federal government, concerning the circumstances, rights, and self-determination of Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Aboriginal Politics and Government
Unit 2: Ideas about Aboriginal Government in Canada
- Section 2.1: Aboriginal Government Traditions
- Section 2.2: The Indian Act and Aboriginal Governance
- Section 2.3: Citizenship and the “Inherent Right” Movement for Self-Government
- Section 2.4 Treaties and Land Claims in Canada
Unit 3: Issues in Aboriginal Government
- Section 3.1: The Politics and Policies of Self-Government
- Section 3.2: Financing and Economic Development
- Section 3.3: Social Services
- Section 3.4: Justice
Unit 4: Interests in Aboriginal Self-Government
- Section 4.1: Métis and Inuit Issues
- Section 4.2: Urban Issues
- Section 4.3: Canada Compared I: United States and Mexico
- Section 4.4: Canada Compared II: Australia and New Zealand
Evaluation
To receive credit for POLI 311, you will be based on your performance on three written assignments: one on-line quiz and two essays. You must achieve a grade of at least 60 percent on the quiz, and an overall course grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the assignments is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Quiz | 30% |
| Assignment 2: Essay | 30% |
| Assignment 3: Essay | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Belanger, Y. D. 2018. ;Ways of Knowing: An Introduction to Native Studies in Canada, 3rd edition. Toronto: Nelson
Other materials
The course materials include an on-line study guide and course information manual
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the POLI 311 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination.
Challenge for credit course registration form