BC's Indigenous Public Post-Secondary Institute

FNWS-212 - First Nations Women's Experience, Knowledge and Wisdom - 3.00 Credits

FNWS-212 - First Nations Women's Experience, Knowledge and Wisdom - 3.00 Credits

Course Details
In relation to First Nations women, this course examines the meaning of experience, knowledge and wisdom across time. It will examine what counts as knowledge, question who has access to it, and will examine how this knowledge is transmitted to succeeding generations. A central component of this course will be the analysis of First Nations women's narrative and expository discourse.
Part of the:
  • UNIVERSITY TRANSFER Department
  • Prerequisites : ENGL 060, or English 12 and/or English 12 First Peoples or permission of instructor. Recommended prerequisite FNWS 100.
    Course Outline
    Instructors Qualifications: Relevant Masters Degree.
    Office Hours: 1.5 Per week.
    Contact Hours: 45
    Student Evaluation
    Procedure:
    Assignments 50 - 70%, Final 30 - 50%, Total 100 %. Grading procedures follow NVIT policy.
    Learning Outcomes:
  • Understanding the kinds of skills and knowledge First Nations women in various First Nations cultures possessed prior to contact: social, political, economical, medicinal, and philosophical;
  • Able to discuss analytically the impact of residential schools and modern education on the lives and leadership models of First Nations women;
  • Able to compare the changes in child rearing practices brought about by time, technology and epistemology;
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the role of community support in creating and maintaining healthy families;
  • Knowledge and awareness of First Nations educational practices and approaches to traditional knowledge;

  • Acquire some understanding of the knowledge possessed and passed on by First Nations women Elders;
  • Through participant observation and presentations, define pedagogical approaches to higher education for First Nations women;

  • Ability to comprehend the common threads/themes that connect First Nations women today, with the lives of those who came before;
  • Ability to undertake directed research;
  • Gain greater writing skills;
  • Develop greater critical analytical skills; and
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a group setting.

  • Text and Materials:
  • Garnier, Karie. (1990). Our Elders Speak: A Tribute to Native Elders. White Rock, BC: Karie Garnier.
  • Allen, Paula Gunn. (1991). Grandmothers Of The Light: A Medicine Woman's Sourcebook. Boston: Beacon Press.

  • Miller, Christine, and Patricia Chuchryks. eds. (1996). Women of the First Nations: Power, Wisdom and Strength. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press.
  • Others as identified by instructor
  • Other Resources:
  • Klein, Laura. (1995). Women and Power in Native North America. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
  • Barsh, R.L. and J. Y. Henderson. (1980). The Road: Indian Tribes and Political Liberty. Berkley: University of California.
  • Other books by First Nations' women and dealing with First Nations women's lives will be placed on reserve in the library for the duration of this class.
  • Transfer Credits: For more information visit: www.bctransferguide.ca
    Other Information: Late Assignments: All assignments are to be handed in at the beginning of class on the date they are due. Late assignments will be assessed a 5 % per day penalty. Assignments not submitted within one week of the due date will not be accepted.
    Every effort should be made to have assignments in on the due date. Assignments will not be graded after the due date without a written agreement negotiated between student and instructor. If you know that you will be unable to hand your assignment in on time, you should discuss it with your instructor at least one week in advance of the due date. Extensions are only given in compelling medical or personal circumstances; documentation may be required.
    Papers: Papers should be typewritten if possible but hand-written papers may be accepted. Papers with illegible writing will not be graded. Students should make every effort to acquaint themselves with a computer and a writing program; watch for workshop offered by Student Services which will equip you with the tools you need for researching and writing on a computer. Papers should be completed on 8½ x 11 inch white or recycled paper and secured with a single staple in the upper left hand corner. Papers should carry the date the paper was submitted rather than the date it was due. Students should keep a hard copy of their paper or a photocopy of their paper before you hand it in.
    Attendance: Attendance at lectures is critical because much information on the various topical areas, as well as, the assignments is disseminated in class. Lack of attendance will definitely be reflected in your overall grade. Students are expected to excuse their absences, in advance of the class, through other students or the instructor. Students with three ( 3) or more documented absences may be required to withdrawn from the class and/or face disciplinary action.