Application deadline

Type of course

Admission requirements

Course content

The course offers an introduction to indigenous studies. It takes as a starting point the university's location in Arctic Sápmi, and introduces indigenous studies from a comparative global perspective. In addition, the course addresses the emergence and spread of the international indigenous movement and society.

The course starts with an overview and a thematic conceptualisation of the study field. The lectures introduce indigenous peoples' diverse realities and historical experiences from a comparative perspective. They also introduce different ways of doing indigenous research, theoretically and methodologically. The multidisciplinary basis of the programme is reflected in the course. 

An exercise in practical methods is required coursework. A field school to a Sami community is offered at the beginning of the course.

Objectives of the course

Students who successfully complete the course should have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

• to have a broad understanding of the historical and contemporary situation of  indigenous peoples globally;
• to be aware of the general history of the international indigenous movement;
• to use multidisciplinary approaches to analyse issues pertaining to the indigenous world.

Skills

• to be able to compare the challenges and achievements of indigenous peoples in different historical and contemporary contexts;
• to analyse and deal critically with different concepts of indigeneity;
• to have an overview of current theories and methods in the field of indigenous studies.

Competence

• to apply basic knowledge in research on indigenous issues;
• to engage in critical discussions on relevant academic literature within the fields of humanities and social sciences.

Language of instruction

Teaching methods

Assessment

Early in the semester the students are expected to participate in a practical method exercise and to submit an individual paper of max. 600 words based on this exercise. The paper must be accepted before submission of the final exam. A minimum of 75% attendance of lectures and seminars is mandatory.

The final examination is a take-home exam, where the students are to submit an individual paper of max. 3,500 words (approx. 10-15 pages). Grades are awarded according to a grading scale from A to F, where F is fail.

A re-sit exam will be arranged in the beginning of the following semester in cases of grade Fail (F). Registration deadline for the re-sit exam is January 15. A passing grade is required before the student can start the course IND-3026, Methodology and Methods in Indigenous Studies.

Recommended reading/syllabus