Course Syllabus
Athabasca University
Political Science (POLI) 311
Aboriginal Politics and Governments (Revision 3)
Revision 3 closed, replaced by current version.
View previous syllabus
Delivery mode: Individualized study or grouped study.
Credits: 3 - Social Science
Prerequisite: None.
Centre: Centre for State and Legal Studies
POLI 311 has a Challenge for Credit option.
Course website
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: Aboriginal Governments in Canada: The Context
Unit 3: Aboriginal Governments in Practice
Unit 4: Intergovernmental Relations
Unit 5: Special Issues Related to Aboriginal Governments
Unit 6: Treaty Making, Land Claim Agreements, and Aboriginal Governments
Unit 7: Aboriginal Governments in Canada: Future Directions
Evaluation
To receive credit for POLI 311, you will be based on your performance on three written assignments: two essays and a exam. You must achieve a grade of at least 60 percent on Assignment 3, and an overall course grade of at least “D” (50 percent). The weighting of the assignments is as follows:
| Assignment 1: Essay | Assignment 2: Essay | Assignment 3: Exam | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | 30% | 40% | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbook
Frideres, J. S., and R. R. Gadacz. 2005. Aboriginal Peoples in Canada: Contemporary Conflicts. 7th ed. Toronto: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Other materials
The course materials include a study guide, student manual and a reading file.