Indigenous Peoples: History, Diversity, and Internationalism
About the course
The course is mandatory in the Master's Programme in Indigenous Studies (MIS). It can also be taken as a singular course by exchange students and students from other programmes.
This course will present students with an overview of the diversity of global Indigeneity. Students will compare the varied historical, political, and socio-cultural experiences of Indigenous peoples around the world. They will also explore the processes that often link Indigenous peoples, including colonization, marginalization, assimilation, resistance, international solidarity, and social/cultural/political resurgence. Owing to UiT’s location in Sápmi, added emphasis will be placed on the Arctic in general and the Sámi people in particular..
Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 80 ECTS within social sciences, humanities, education or the social practice of law. Applicants must have a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (2,5) in the ECTS scale.
Application code: 9371 (nordic applicants)
Objectives of the course
Knowledge
Students will have:
- advanced knowledge of the historical connections between Indigenous peoples, the United Nations, and the decolonization process of the late 20th century
- advanced knowledge about the historical contributions that both Indigenous women and Sámi people made to the international Indigenous movement
- advanced knowledge of the content and significance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- specialized insight into at least one Indigenous geographical context, and thorough knowledge of the range and variety of these contexts around the world
- advanced knowledge of the key concepts related to Indigeneity and Indigenous rights
Skills
Students will be able to:
- analyze and deal critically with interdisciplinary academic literature, use it to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
- communicate the analyses and conclusions of interdisciplinary academic literature to their peers
- work collectively to carry out limited research and communicate it effectively to their peers
- use the existing concepts connected to Indigeneity to analyze the historical and current definitions, political status and rights, and varied relationships of an Indigenous people
- independently apply multiple academic arguments and concepts to a variety of geographic contexts, and communicate the results orally after limited preparation
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open to incoming exchange students.
Study Level: Master's
Prerequisites:
To be eligible for this course, you must have:
- A completed bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS).
- Specialization of at least 80 credits in history or equivalent.
For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.
Examination
| Oral exam | Duration: 10 Minutes |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Course reading evaluation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Presentation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| In-class quizzes | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the coursework requirements
All students are required to:
- Describe and evaluate a set of weekly course readings
- Research and present one Indigenous geographical context
- Pass 75% of in-class quizzes