Social Relationships & Responsibilities: Theme - Indigenous Politics

CRN

13618

Course Number

203A

Credits

5

Description

Theme: Theories of political mobilization, cultural resurgence and decolonization
This course engages with critical Indigenous thinkers to provide a foundation in theories of political mobilization, cultural resurgence and decolonization.
In this course students will
• Learn to critically and carefully read texts and engage with social and political theory;
• Define and understand principal theoretical assumptions built into modern social and political theory;
• Analyze how theoretical frameworks/explanations are grounded in historical contexts imbued with specific power relations; and
• Articulate your personal theory of social change.

Prerequisites

Materials Fee

7.00

Texts

There will be no textbooks required for purchase. Readings will be available through Canvas and/or the Western Washington University Library Database. These include excerpts from:
Coulthard, Glen. Red Skin, White Masks: Rejecting the Colonial Politics of Recognition.
Kimmerer, Robin Wall Braiding Sweetgrass
Shiva, Vandana. Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace.
Simpson, Leanne Betasamosake As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance.
Smith, Linda Tuhiwai. Decolonizing Methodologies Research and Indigenous Peoples. (Third Edition)
Tuck, Eve, and K. Wayne Yang. “Decolonization Is Not a Metaphor.” Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society

Credit/Evaluation

This course requires close readings and deep engagement with course materials, as well as active participation in building class discussion and community. Assignments include frequent short response papers, class facilitation, constructive peer-review and an original final essay. S/NX grading; narrative evaluation.

Term

Winter 2026

Course Instructor

Mary Baker

Course Subject

FAIR