- Native Decolonization in the Pacific Rim

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Frances V. Rains (Native studies, U. S. history), Zoltán C. Grossman (geography, Native studies) Major areas of study include Native American studies, geography and world Indigenous peoples studies. Class Standing: Sophomores or above; transfer students welcome. Prerequisites: Students must have a current, valid passport. This program examines the dynamics of settler colonization and Native decolonization in a comparative framework, using the Pacific Rim as a geographic focus. By concentrating on a larger region, students will have an opportunity to broaden Indigenous studies beyond the 48 states, and show common processes of Native decolonization in different settler societies. We will be studying decolonization through treaty relationships, sovereign jurisdiction, and the cultural revitalization of First Nations. In this context, the program will explore the qualitative interaction of human beings and the natural environment. In order to examine the central role of Indigenous peoples in the region's cultural and environmental survival, we will use the lenses of geography, history, art and literature. In the fall quarter, we will emphasize the complexities and intricacies of Native decolonization by concentrating on a particular region, in this case the First Nations of British Columbia, Canada. These Aboriginal peoples did not sign treaties with the Canadian state, and are today in the forefront of defining and mapping their land base. In the winter quarter, we will expand the focus to appreciate the similarities and differences of Indigenous experiences in other areas of the Pacific Rim. These may include the Maori in New Zealand (Aotearoa), Aborigines in Australia, Pacific island peoples, Alaskan and Siberian Natives, among others. We will be focusing on common Pacific Rim concerns such as climate change, natural resource control, and the impacts of trade, tourism, militarization and cultural domination. Students will engage the issues through lectures, book seminars, guest speakers, films and field trips. The program will include a range of research and presentation methodologies such as the production of thematic maps (cartography) and other computer graphics. Students will be expected to integrate readings, lecture notes, and other sources in writing assignments. Total: 16 credits each quarter. Enrollment: 50 Special Expenses: Up to $500 for a field trip to Canada. Students must have a current, valid passport. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in Native studies, geography and global studies. This program is also listed under Native American and World Indigenous Peoples Studies.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

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