3.7 Course Overviews: "N"
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NATIVE STUDIES (NTST)
Introductory Cree I
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Paced Study
This is a beginners-level course intended for students with
no previous knowledge of the Cree language. It is designed to provide a solid foundation for students intending to acquire fluency and university-level writing ability in Cree. The
course introduces students to the Cree syllabic sound system, and how to write the sounds using Roman orthography. It also introduces Plains Cree (Y dialect) vocabulary and grammar. Through reading and speaking Cree, students will develop
an awareness and appreciation of the precision and immense vocabulary of this highly expressive language.
Note: this course may be taken for credit towards a degree program only by students who have not obtained credit for senior matriculation Cree.
Introductory Cree II
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Paced Study
This course is intended for students with some previous knowledge of the Cree language. Together with NTST 111, Introductory Cree II is designed to provide a solid foundation for students intending to acquire fluency and university-level writing ability in Cree.
Prerequisite: NTST 111. Cree 20 is an acceptable equivalent.
Note: this course may be taken for credit towards a degree program only by students who have not obtained credit for senior matriculation Cree.
Introduction to Native Studies I
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course introduces the historical, anthropological, sociological, and political science perspectives on the origins and implications of the major federal and provincial government policies bearing on Native peoples. It analyses, in broad terms, the history of indigenous-European relations from the beginning of contact between the two groups to the present. The course introduces the principal legal and statutory documents such as treaties, the Indian Act, the British North America Act of 1867, and the Constitution Act of 1982, which form the basis of Canadian state policies relative to Native peoples. You will be required to read both primary and secondary materials related to these policies to help you focus your thinking.
Native peoples’ responses to government schemes to assimilate and subordinate them to Canadian culture and interests will, therefore, present diverse viewpoints on whether indigenous people today are oppressed and disadvantaged in the Canadian polity, whether their situation has improved over time, and whether improvements are likely in the foreseeable future.
Introduction to Native Studies II
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course surveys the concepts of internal colonialism and decolonization which are operative in the Canadian society. It analyses an internal colonial relationship which exists between Canada’s Native people and the Canadian federal government. It specifically examines the Canadian federal government’s policy of Native self-government and how such a policy affects indigenous people politically, socially, and economically. Furthermore, it explores Native leaders’ reactions to the federal government’s policy of Native self-government and their attempts to initiate and carry out the process of decolonization that indigenous people believe would enable them to be free from the current colonial oppressive relationship with the federal government.
The course also brings a comparative perspective to the analysis and evaluation of the process of decolonization undertaken by indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, and Greenland. Issues surrounding Canadian Native land claims are explored in the context of treaties and the crucial land-based economy - the basis for the establishment of an effective and sustainable Native self-government.
Prerequisite: NTST 200 (I)
First Year University Cree
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Paced Study
This course is intended for students with a working knowledge of Cree. It is designed to help students feel comfortable and confident when conversing in Cree with First Nations elders, Council members, family members, and friends while also promoting an awareness of the spiritual dimension of the
Cree culture. The course starts off with a major review of
Cree grammar and syllabics before proceeding into a variety
of oral exercises designed to build up the confidence level
of students who will be expected to do a number of oral presentations to their peers.
Prerequisite: NTST 112 or knowledge of Cree as a first language. Cree 30 is an acceptable equivalent.
First Year University Cree II
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Paced Study
This course is designed as a sequel to NTST 211. It is intended to consolidate and expand the command of spoken and written Cree achieved by students who have completed First Year University Cree. Particular attention is given to the study of
the language in an appropriate social and cultural context.
Prerequisite: NTST 211.
Community Development
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course examines the theory and practice of Community Development (CD). It identifies CD concepts and principles and assesses their effectiveness when applied to the design and implementation of social, economic, and health programs or projects in Canadian Native communities. The course also brings a comparative perspective to the analysis and evaluation of CD process or practice undertaken in Asia and Africa. Among the topics discussed are: Concepts and Principles of Community Development; Community Development Practices; Community Development Programming; Community Organizing for Development Process; Needs Identification and Assessment; the Role of the CD Worker in the Implementation of CD Programs in the Communities; and the Canadian Indian Band Governance of Canada in Relation to CD Process Undertaken on the Reserves.
Prerequisite: none.
Health Issues: Health and Healing
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course deals with First Nations health issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. Conceptual tools and theories from the fields of medical ecology, cultural anthropology, history and epidemiology are integrated to provide a comprehensive survey of Native health issues. Healing systems such as Aboriginal healing, Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and scientific medicine are compared. The course also deals with the topics of medical plurism and holistic health care. The overall theme or objective of the course is supplemented by the BBC video series, “The Healing Arts,” and the NFB video, “Poundmakers Lodge: A Healing Place.”
Prerequisite: none.
Issues in Native Education
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Paced Study
This course examines historical attempts to mould the lives
of Native peoples through “Christianization and Civilization.” Course topics examine the impact of the contact experience of Native peoples and the results of their attempts to adapt to a system that has been benevolent, yet has alienated them. Course lectures, seminars, and readings examine critically the tensions, conflicts, and issues that still confront Native peoples within mainstream educational systems.
Prerequisite: none.
Contemporary Aboriginal Issues in Canada
Seminar - 3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Paced Study
This course explores selected contemporary social, economic, and political issues surrounding the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. The course examines five main themes: 1) historical background related to the traditional Aboriginal, social, economic, and political institutions; 2) Canadian federal government “Indian Policy of Assimilation” based on the BNA and the Indian Act; 3) self-government as perceived by Aboriginal peoples; 4) fiscal arrangement and the delivery of programs and services in indigenous communities; and 5) the implementation of the federal and provincial governments’ policy of economic development in Aboriginal communities.
Prerequisite: none. However, it is strongly recommended that before taking this course students should take NTST 200 (I).
Aboriginal Women in Canadian Contemporary Society
3 - Social Science
- Method of Delivery:
Paced Study
This course examines the social, political, economic, and psychological situations of Native women in relation to Aboriginal communities and the dominant society. It deals with issues such as roles of Native women in their communities, the experience and effects of residential schooling, patterns of abuse, the context of colonial systems, women’s spirituality in First Nations traditions, paths to reclaiming self-efficacy, and other current issues affecting Native peoples of Canada.
History of Canada’s First Nations to 1830
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course provides an introduction to the history of First Nations Peoples of Canada from earliest times to 1830. (A related course, NTST 369, deals with the period after 1830.) The course examines First Nations Peoples’ early history, development of agriculture and permanent settlements, civilizations in the Americas, and the character of the societies of the First Nations Peoples and Europe on the eve of European contact. The early interactions of the Europeans and the First Nations Peoples, the fur trade, and intertribal and colonial conflicts are evaluated. The final sections of the course consider colonial policy after the defeat of New France, continental expansion by Europeans, impact of the fur trade on prairie nations and their regional relationships, and the changing patterns of trade and indigenous-European interaction in the Pacific Northwest.
Prerequisite: none. It is strongly recommended that before attempting this course students should take 3 credits in either Canadian history or Native studies.
History of Canada’s First Nations from 1830
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course provides an introduction to the history of Canada’s First Nations Peoples from 1830 to the present day. It begins with the development of the reserves system, and
then examines the origins and assesses the outcomes of British and Canadian government policies towards First Nations Peoples. Also studied are the development of various forms of resistance by First Nations groups, and the growth of modern First Nations political movements.
Prerequisite: none. It is strongly recommended that before attempting this course students should take 3 credits in either Canadian history or Native studies.
The Métis
3 - Humanities
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course traces the historical development of Canada’s Métis from the period of the fur trade to the present. It includes discussion and debates about the origins of Métis nationalism, the validity of Métis land claims, and the character of Métis struggles for social justice from the Seven Oaks rebellion of 1816 through the two Northwest rebellions to the present. Throughout there is an attempt to examine the evolving character of Métis societies and the impact of Euro-Canadian government policies on these societies.
Prerequisite: none. It is strongly recommended that before attempting this course students should take 3 credits in either Canadian history or Native studies.
NURSING (NURS)
Note: It is strongly recommended that all Bachelor of Nursing program students register in ENGL 255 as a first course in the program.
Understanding Research in Nursing
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course is an introduction to the research process. It provides both the methods and the analytical tools to evaluate research reports. Students will develop an ability to critically review research literature and examine nursing research studies. It provides an introduction to both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Prerequisite: none. MATH 215 is recommended.
Precluded course: NURS 425 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for APST 325.
Principles of Management in Nursing Practice
4 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
NURS 432 is an introduction to the theory and practice of nursing management. The emphasis is on understanding the
critical responsibilities of nurse managers, and the development of leadership skills. A practice component is designed to increase the student’s knowledge about the activities, roles, and responsibilities of nurse managers and to enable the student to practice conceptual, technical, and interpersonal management and leadership skills. Students are encouraged to take this course towards the end of the program.
Prerequisite: Current nursing registration and permission of the professor is required before registering.
Concepts in Nursing Practice
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course is an introduction to conceptual frameworks in nursing and to the contributions of selected nurse theorists. It introduces the concepts of health, determinants of health, and health promotion from a variety of perspectives. This course encourages students to develop a theoretical basis for their nursing practice.
Prerequisite: a nursing background.
Health Promotion: Health Assessment with Individuals
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
NURS 450 builds on previous health assessment skills emphasizing the significance of the health history in health promotion activities. Physical assessment techniques are presented and the student’s skill in performing a head-to-toe physical assessment is evaluated. In partnership with a healthy adult volunteer, the student develops nursing diagnoses and plans strategies to achieve identified health promotion goals.
Prerequisite: health care background. BIOL 230 or BIOL 235 is recommended.
Note: There is an additional equipment and examination fee of $45 to be paid directly to the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies prior to the final examination.
Health Promotion with Communities
4 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
NURS 478 is an introduction to the process of health promotion with population groups. Students will complete a community assessment and develop a health promotion-focused plan with a selected community group using the nursing process and a primary health-care model.
Prerequisite: NURS 444, HLST 482, current nursing registration, permission of the professor, and proof of immunization is required before registering. NURS 425 is recommended.
Health Promotion with Families
4 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
NURS 479 builds on the concepts of health promotion and primary health care introduced in NURS 478. The course is introduced using the McGill model of nursing as a conceptual framework, and the nursing process as an implementation framework. The course includes a practicum in which students promote health with selected families in the community.
Prerequisite: NURS 478, SOCI 316 or SOAN 384, current nursing registration, permission of the professor, and proof
of immunization is required before registering.
Trends and Issues in Nursing
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
In this course students examine personal values that influence their conceptualization of issues in health care. Students choose an issue and apply a four-step process which serves as a framework for achieving issue resolution. This process includes strategies (political, ethical, marketing, and clinical) that nurses can use to recognize trends and address issues.
Prerequisite: a nursing background.
Senior Focus
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course provides a guided independent learning experience in a field chosen by the student. The student develops a learning contract with the professor. Strategies
to integrate professional nursing concepts, health promotion, teaching, research, and management are explored in relation
to the chosen field of study.
Prerequisite: This course is restricted to Athabasca University Bachelor of Nursing students, and it must be taken as the last course in the program. Students are requested to discuss possible topic areas with their advisor before registering in the course. Permission of the professor is required before registering.
Nursing Informatics
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
+
Required Computer Component
Nursing Informatics is designed to introduce the many applications of computers to nursing practice, including
their use in information systems, education, research, administration, and practice. Hardware, software, databases, communications applications, computer developments, and legal and ethical issues are addressed. This course is applicable to all health care personnel. Students who do not have access to a microcomputer may use the computers at the Athabasca University learning centres. Contact the learning centres for more information about computer locations.
Prerequisite: a health care background.
Precluded course: any introductory computer course.
Entrepreneurship for Nurses
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
Entrepreneurship for Nurses is designed to acquaint nurses with the processes and issues associated with starting an entrepreneurial nursing venture in Canada. Methods of evaluating entrepreneurial aptitude and identifying possible business opportunities are described. Ethical, legal, and professional considerations are discussed. Students are assisted in developing business, financial, marketing, and operational plans for their own businesses.
Prerequisite: a nursing background.
Home Health Nursing as Community-based Practice
3 - Applied Studies
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This course provides nurses with the knowledge and skills to address complex health needs within home settings. Concepts and principles of home and community-based care are discussed. Short-term health needs, long-term health needs, and palliative care needs are addressed. Included is an analysis of trends and issues related to the independent and interdependent roles nurses assume in home-based nursing practice. Specific trends, issues, and needs of clients and families living with HIV/AIDS in home settings are addressed throughout the course. Students learn how, in partnership with individual clients and their caregivers, to utilize the nursing process in providing primary, secondary, or tertiary level client-centred care in a home setting.
Prerequisite: Permission of the professor, or a nursing background, is required before registering.
NUTRITION (NUTR)
Introductory Nutrition
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
Introductory Nutrition is a survey course that provides the scientific fundamentals of the current understanding of nutrition. The course discusses the characteristics of the
major nutrients-carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins,
and minerals-and describes their dietary roles. Also addressed are the topics of energy balance and the evaluation of nutritional status. Students will use various resources, including a computer program, to evaluate their own diets.
(A computer disk for an IBM-compatible computer is supplied in the course package.) Throughout the course, the selection and preparation of foods to provide optimal nutrition
is emphasized.)
Prerequisite: none. Chemistry 20 is recommended.
Precluded course: NUTR 330 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for NUTR 331.
Note: As a senior level science course, NUTR 330 may not be suitable for the general interest student. It is intended primarily for students who plan to also take NUTR 405. General interest students are advised to take NUTR 331. Permission of the professor is required before registering.
Nutrition for Health
3-Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
or
Paced Study
This general course covers both the scientific fundamentals of nutrition and the role of diet in the causation and prevention of major lifestyle-related diseases (Western diseases). It combines much of the material from NUTR 330 and NUTR 405 but in a condensed form. Characteristics and dietary roles of the major nutrients are covered. Nutrition for the prevention of disease is discussed in relation to heart disease, hypertension, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and colon disease. Dietary therapy for some diseases is also explored. The course includes nutrition at different stages of the life-cycle. As in NUTR 330 the evaluation of nutritional status is addressed. Students will
use various resources, including a computer program, to evaluate their own diets. (A computer disk for an IBM-compatible computer is supplied.) Throughout the course, the selection and preparation of food to provide optimal nutrition is emphasized.
Prerequisite: none. Chemistry 20 is recommended.
Precluded courses: NUTR 331 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for NUTR 330 and NUTR 405.
Nutrition in Health and Disease
3 - Science
- Method of Delivery:
Home Study
This course focuses on the role of diet in the causation and prevention of the major lifestyle-related diseases (Western diseases). Areas covered include heart disease, hypertension, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and colon disease. The course also includes nutrition at different stages of the life-cycle and its role in exercise. The course emphasizes the research evidence and methods on which our present understanding of nutrition is based. The course includes two assignments.
Prerequisite: NUTR 330 .
In the event of a discrepancy between the informal web site version and the printed 1999-2000 Calendar, the latter alone is to be regarded as the authoritative and legally binding source.
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