FIRST NATIONS CURRICULUM CONCENTRATION IN THE MAS & MLIS DEGREE PROGRAMS
Introduction to the First Nations Curriculum Concentration
The First Nations Curriculum Concentration is designed to prepare information professionals to work effectively with aboriginal communities in support of ongoing developments in aboriginal culture and languages, self-government, treaty negotiation and litigation.
During their program of study, SLAIS students enrolled in the First Nations Curriculum Concentration (FNCC) develop a strong foundation in the degree they receive from SLAIS (MAS or MLIS). In addition, they build a deep appreciation for the range of indigenous perspectives on topics covered within their chosen degree program. As an integral part of the concentration, students are supported in gaining experience working in indigenous-oriented information organizations.
Key Points for Interested Students
- Students in the MAS or MLIS degree programs must indicate their intention to join the concentration to the FNCC Coordinator before completing their first 24 credits. Note: Applicants will be asked to indicate an interest in pursuing the FNCC in the application questionnaire; this is part of the application procedure only. Students must formally declare their intention to the FNCC Coordinator in order to be registered in the concentration.
- FNCC students are expected to take an active and strategic approach to selecting their courses in consultation with the FNCC Coordinator.
- FNCC students who meet the concentration requirements will graduate with "First Nations Concentration" noted on their transcripts.
Expectations
SLAIS FNCC students are welcomed from widely varied backgrounds. Some students are of indigenous heritage with a deep, personal appreciation for contemporary indigenous issues and interests and the ongoing influence of colonization. Other entering students are unfamiliar with indigenous perspectives and alternate histories of colonization. Many students fall somewhere between the two extremes. The versatile structure of the FNCC recognizes, acknowledges, and negotiates these differences. FNCC students are expected to reflect on and respect these differences while selecting courses, engaging with course materials, and interacting with other members of the FNCC and the broader SLAIS community.
Course of Study
For those in the MAS program:
12 credits required courses (the MAS Core)
12 credits First Nations coursework (see First Nations Credits below)
3 credits ARST 596 Professional Experience or ARST 595 Internship
21 credits Flexible – student choice
48 Credits
For those in the MLIS program:
18 credits required courses (the MLIS Core, plus LIBR 504 and 505)
12 credits First Nations coursework (see First Nations Credits below)
3 credits LIBR 596 Professional Experience
15 credits Flexible – student choice
48 Credits
First Nations Credits
For a course to count toward the 12 credits of First Nations coursework, it must be:
- a course specifically designed to provide indigenous perspectives, OR
- a SLAIS course with all assignments approached from an indigenous perspective(s).
For option 1, FNCC students are encouraged to consult the SLAIS FNCC wiki. Courses may be taken from any faculty at UBC, at the 300-level or higher. The wiki is updated annually with information on courses from across UBC that may be of particular interest to SLAIS students.
For option 2, the student must obtain the course instructor's agreement in order to take the course for First Nations credit. This must be arranged in advance of the course start date. Specifics are to be worked out between the FNCC student, the FNCC coordinator, and the SLAIS course instructor.
Electives outside student’s designated program (MLIS or MAS)
Elective courses may be drawn from courses outside of a student’s designated program (MLIS or MAS) and from outside SLAIS. However, permission is required to apply a course outside of one’s designated program (MLIS or MAS) for credit in the FNCC program. Permission must be obtained from the SLAIS Graduate Advisor before beginning the course. Under certain circumstances, FNCC students may be permitted to take more than the usual 12-credit limit on external courses. The FNCC student must obtain permission from the SLAIS Graduate Advisor to waive the limitation at the time of application for external course credit, in advance of taking the course.
FNCC students are strongly encouraged to take courses outside of SLAIS to add depth and breadth to their understanding of indigenous perspectives in areas of particular concern to his or her professional career. Permission to apply the course to the concentration will be based on the course's direct relevance to the individual's work in the FNCC. Any course outside of SLAIS must be at the 300-level or above (or the equivalent at another institution).
Students must complete all core courses in their specific program before taking outside courses. FNCC students are allowed a maximum nine (9) credits of approved First Nations coursework at the 300- or 400-level in their Master's degree program. All other credits applied to the master's degree must be at the 500 level.
For more information on the FNCC program, contact the FNCC Coordinator, Dr. Lisa Nathan or the Student Services Coordinator, Michelle Mallette.
