BA Honours

The Honours BA in Indigenous Studies is most appropriate for students who especially enjoy the serious student of the field and believe that they may want to pursue a graduate degree in Indigenous Studies or a related field such as Indigenous Governance, Law, Business, Social Work, etc. Honours courses are designed to allow for more intensive student participation and are primarily delivered through small seminars. Honours courses are also open to any qualified students who want a more personal and interactive education. Students will gain knowledge on Indigenous cultures, particularly Canada, much of it wish can be applicable in work situations in band, provincial, national and international settings as well as with non-profit and for-profit organizations. Consent of the Department Chair is necessary for participation in the Honours BA.

Because this program offers much freedom of choice, it is important for students to think carefully about their interests and goals when choosing courses. For Degree requirements, see the Course Calendar. For assistance in creating a coherent, valuable program, students should also consult an advisor in Aboriginal Student Services or Student Advising. The DIS faculty are also valuable sources of guidance. See Courses(undergraduate) Honours Options for acceptable electives.

Sample Program

This is an example of one possible path through the degree. Paths will differ, depending on a student’s interests, course availability, and the number of courses he or she takes each year. Consult our current courses for available offerings. Students should also consult an advisor before each registration to ensure they are meeting degree requirements. Please note that IS students may be required to register for prerequisite courses in other departments; in some instances, the prereq is waived.

*Honours students in Indigenous Studies will complete 30 credit hours in relevant 4000-level Honours courses. For double majors, a minimum of 24 credit hours in relevant 4000-level Honours courses is needed. See list below of relevant 4000-level Honours courses.

Year 1: (30 hours total)

-IS 1016 (3): course requirement changed 2011-2012; can also be met by AG 1015(6)
-12 hours in Humanities
- 6 hours in Science
- 3 hours in Academic Writing
- 6 hours in electives

Year 2: (30 hours total)
- CRS 1200(6)
- UIC/IS/BUS 2030(3)
- POL 3400(3)
- 18 hours in 1000-3000 IS electives
*Recommended: IS 1101(6) Introductory Cree, or IS 1201(6) Introductory Ojibwe

Year 3: (30 hours total)
-POL 3405(3)
- 27 hours in 2000-3000 electives
*Recommended: IS 2040(3) Indigenous Women and Resilience; IS/HRGS(6) 2101 Human Rights Local and Global; UIC/IS/POL 2020(3) Colonization and Aboriginal Peoples; IS 2050(3)Indigenous Peoples and Globalization; IS 3101(3) Contemporary American Indian Policy in Cultural Context

Year 4: (30 hours total)
-POL 4440(6)
-27 hours in 2000-4000 electives
*Recommended: IS 4020(3) Indigenous Self-Determination; IS 4021(6) Pathways to Indigenous Wisdom; IS 4022(3) Indigenous Research Methods