International politics and indigenous peoples (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Programme:
1. Introduction to the course, goals and requirements. Introduction to key developments in global politics with regard to indigenous peoples.
2. Signs of progress: the United Nations
3. From exclusion to inclusion?
4. Global span of developments
With university lecturer Heidi Sinevaara-Niskanen
5. Problematizing progress

Objective

By the end of this course, the participants are able to:
- Recognise key international political and legal developments with regard to indigenous peoples
- Identify key political changes in international discussions related to indigenous peoples
- Understand the developments in the United Nations in relation to indigenous peoples
- Understand the benefits and problematics of political participation and inclusion
- Critically discuss the idea of progress in international politics and law.

Execution methods

This course is based on independent reading, lectures and active participation. The participants are expected to be present in all the five course meetings. A lecture diary. The course is preferably an in situ course, but it will be possible to participate via an online connection.

Accomplishment methods

We read selected texts and discuss them. The participants are expected to be active in the discussions and take notes during the lessons. Based on their notes, the reading material and the discussions in the lessons, the participants will write a lecture diary. The diary will be evaluated.

Content

This course examines how international politics has treated indigenous peoples. Main developments in international politics and international law with regard to indigenous peoples are covered. The United Nations is the particular forum through which the participation and inclusion of indigenous peoples is discussed. The course problematizes the prevailing understandings of progress in international politics and law. The course benefits all doctoral candidates who are interested in a critical examination of power dynamics in political, legal and social processes of inclusion and participation.

Qualifications

The course is targeted to all doctoral candidates at the University of Lapland.