PFD180 - Diversity and Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Subject Title
Diversity and Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Subject Description
This course merges elements of law enforcement and issues within Diversity and Indigenous communities. This course begins by exploring the basic concepts of diversity, multiculturalism, and human rights from a Canadian context. From there, Canadian human rights legislation is reviewed, and the role policing plays in upholding these rights. Students will further gain an understanding of cultural and religious diversity, in addition to such topics as mental health issues and developmental disabilities. This section of the course concludes by examining the level of cultural competency within Canadian police services and their efforts to diversify the face of policing. The next section of the course focuses on the colonization of Indigenous people and the resulting socio-economic issues. The historical foundation between Indigenous and European cultures will set the tone for past and present relationships. Treaty and land claims generally misunderstood by the Canadian public are explored, in addition to the plight of the residential school system. Inequalities still exist for this population group in the areas of social services, education, labour market, health, and the criminal justice system despite being the fastest-growing portion of Canada's population.

Credit Status
This is a required course in Seneca's Police Foundations diploma (course formerly PFD450 up to Fall 2023)

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

See addendum

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.