Offering Colleges (1)
The Master in Indigenous Education and Development program of Kathmandu University is a collaboration with the University of British Columbia. It is a 1 year program which has been the outcome of the series of efforts and discussions on the values and contributions of the Indigenous knowledge and local practices on the ways of knowing and believing the disrupted continuum of nature and culture. Thus, this course aims at exploring local ways out to solve the global problems such as customary laws, traditional governance, and sustainable management of natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Considering the present formal and informal education heavily influenced by the modern education systems which ruptured the wisdom heritage in Nepal and beyond. This course aims at resurrecting the traditional heritages of different geographical, cultural, linguistics, and spiritual, spares of human and nonhuman spices in the motherly planet of earth.
Master in Indigenous education and development is important in four major areas: a) Promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity, b) researching and advocating decolonizing knowledge, c) enhancing critical thinking skills and d) Fostering intercultural competencies of the students. This course aims at developing understanding and appreciation of cultural differences and help to build more inclusive and equitable societies. The course contributes to developing the horizon of thinking and perspectives while dealing with climate change and environmental concerns from the holistic views of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities on the ground.
The course is important in four major areas:
- Promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity,
- Researching and advocating decolonizing knowledge,
- Enhancing critical thinking skills and
- Fostering intercultural competencies of the students.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes of a Master in Indigenous Studies focus on the following outcomes:
- Developing advanced knowledge and understanding of Indigenous histories, traditional knowledge, cultural values, and contemporary issues.
- Enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills by uncovering complex issues and perspectives related to Indigenous peoples and local communities at different levels.
- Building intercultural competencies and cultural awareness through engagement with diverse Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of understanding the world.
- Developing research skills, including the ability to design, conduct, and communicate research on Indigenous topics.
- Developing practical skills and experience related to working with Indigenous and local communities and organizations, such as through internships or field placements.
Eligibility
Students who have passed Masters level from any discipline are eligible to apply for Master in Indigenous Education and Development.
Curricular Structure
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Total Courses (27 Cr.) |
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Core Courses (6 Cr.) |
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Professional Courses (12 Cr.) |
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Specialization courses (12 Cr.) |
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Elective Courses (3 Cr) (Anyone) |
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Practical Courses (6 Cr.) |
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Core Courses
EDUC 509 Theory and Practice of Education (3 Cr.)
(Nature of the Course: Theory and Practice)
This course is about linking educational theories to practices especially indigenous education and pedagogy. Indigenous education and pedagogy aims at promoting cultural revitalization by providing a space for the transmission of Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing. Indigenous education and pedagogy can challenge and decolonize dominant educational systems and practices by foregrounding Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of understanding the world. Indigenous education and pedagogy can foster greater cultural awareness and understanding by providing opportunities for students to learn about and engage with Indigenous cultures and ways of knowing. Indigenous education and pedagogy can contribute to the process of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples by raising awareness of the histories, cultures, and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples and the ongoing impacts of colonization.
Learning Outcomes
- Design culturally appropriate education for people of indigenous peoples
- Evaluate educational and pedagogical provisions for indigenous peoples.
- Apply forms of reconciliation between dominant Western and indigenous forms of education.
EDUC 511 Research Methodology (3 Cr.)
(Nature of the Course: Theory and Practice)
Indigenous research methodology approaches are ways of conducting research that are grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of understanding the world. These approaches may differ from mainstream research methodologies, and may place a greater emphasis on holistic, relational, and participatory approaches to research. This course helps to increase the ability of the students to conduct community-based research and participatory research in communities. This course also prepares students to explore the local ways of doing research such as storytelling, performance and arts based research by following the holistic approaches to research.
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge to carry out community based research, participatory research by respecting for indigenous protocols.
- Apply and evaluate indigenous research skills in their research work.
Specialization Courses (12 Credit Hours)
EDIK 513 Indigenous Peoples and Knowledge Systems (3 Credits)
(Nature of the Course: Theory and Practice)
An Introduction to Indigenous Peoples and Knowledge Systems course may provide an overview of the diverse knowledge systems and ways of understanding the surroundings that have been developed by Indigenous peoples around the world. Potential topics that may be covered in this course could include: The history and contemporary context of Indigenous knowledge systems, including their diverse forms, manifestations, and functions, the role of Indigenous knowledge systems in shaping Indigenous cultures and ways of life, the ways in which Indigenous knowledge systems have been impacted by colonization and globalization, the relationship between Indigenous knowledge systems and Western knowledge systems, including the potential for dialogue and exchange and the contributions of Indigenous knowledge systems to fields such as environmental management, climate change, health care, and education.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the concepts associated with indigenous education and knowledge systems.
Analyse the contemporary development perspectives from indigenous perspectives.
EDIK 519 Decolonial Education Practices (3 Credits)
(Nature of the Course: Theory and Practice)
This course aims to explore the concept of decolonial educational practices and its relevance in the current educational landscape. Students will examine the historical and social contexts that inform decolonial educational practices, including colonialism, imperialism, and systemic oppression. They will also explore the intersection of decolonization and education, considering the ways in which educational practices have been used as a tool for colonialism and how decolonization can be used as a tool for liberation. The course will cover a range of topics, including pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, and community engagement, as they relate to decolonial educational practices.
Learning Outcomes
a) Understand the historical and social contexts that inform decolonial educational practices,
b) Evaluate the ways in which educational practices have been used as a tool for colonialism
EDIK 521 Customary Governance Praxis (3 Credits)
(Nature of the Course: Theory and Practice)
This course explores the concept of customary governance and its importance in the context of community development and social justice. Students will examine the historical and social contexts that inform customary governance practices, including the impact of colonialism and globalization. The course will also examine the principles and values that guide customary governance, including community participation, consensus-building, and stewardship of community and natural resources. Students will learn how customary governance can be used to address contemporary social issues, such as environmental degradation, gender-based violence, different forms of exclusion and economic inequality.
Learning Outcomes:
a) Understand the historical and social contexts that inform customary governance practices
b) Apply the principles and values that guide customary governance, including community participation, consensus-building, and stewardship of community and natural resources.
EDIK 523 Ethno Education and Development Approaches (3 Credits)
(Nature of the Course: Theory and Practice)
This course provides an overview of the principles and practices of ethno-educational and development approaches. Students will explore the ways in which these approaches integrate the cultural practices and values of local communities into educational and development initiatives. The course will examine the historical and social contexts that inform these approaches, including the impact of colonialism and globalization. Students will learn how ethno-educational and development approaches can be used to address contemporary social issues, such as environmental degradation, gender-based violence, different forms of exclusion and economic inequality.
Learning Outcomes:
a) Understand the principles and practices of ethno-educational and development approaches
b) Develop skills in implementing ethno-educational and development approaches, including inclusive community mobilization, conflict resolution, and participatory decision-making.
Elective Courses (Any One)
EDIK 525 Political Ecology and Conservation (3 Credits)
(Nature of the course: Theory and Practice)
This course explores the complex relationship between conservation and political ecology. Students will examine the social, economic, and political factors that influence conservation policies and practices. The course will explore the ways in which conservation can be used as a tool for social justice and community empowerment. Students will learn about the theories and methods of political ecology and how they can be applied to the study of conservation.
Learning Outcomes of the course
- Identify the social, economic, and political factors that influence conservation policies and practices
- Develop skills in applying political ecology theories and methods to the study of conservation.
EDIK 527 Local Innovation for Climate Action (3 Credits)
(Nature of the course: Theory and Practice)
This course explores how local communities can use innovative approaches to take action on climate change education. Students will examine case studies of successful local climate action initiatives and learn about the strategies and tools used to implement them. The course will also explore the role of innovation in addressing climate change, including the use of new technologies and creative solutions. Students will develop skills in project management, community engagement, and policy analysis.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the role of local innovation in addressing climate change
- Develop skills in inclusive project management, community engagement, and policy analysis.
EDIK 529 Traditional Livelihoods and Cultural Practices
The course aims at understanding the situation of the traditional livelihood and cultural practices of the local people. People follow traditional livelihood practices which have been in threats with the modern development initiations. Students assess the changing pattern of the livelihood and cultural practices of the people by conducting a case study in a particular village of Nepal and beyond.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the shifting livelihood practices because of development initiation.
- Evaluate the changing livelihood practices from sustainability perspective.
Practical Courses
EDIK 526 Research Dissemination (3 Cr.)
(Nature of the Course: Practice)
The main purpose of this research dissemination is to enable the students to develop and share their academic research products such as papers, arts, performance, and documentary. Under the supervision of a faculty member, the students work in different stages of conducting research. The students are guided to collect the data, interpret them, and discuss the data integrating the theoretical insights in the process of preparing research outcomes.
- Apply indigenous/decolonial approaches the research
- Demonstrate effective research and dissemination skills
EDIK 528 Professional Engagement/Internship (3 Cr.)
(Nature of the course: Practice)
Professional engagement / Internship is organized to provide an opportunity for students to practice the learned knowledge and skills in their specialization in a real work situation. Objectives, outcomes, and activities of the professional engagement program are developed by the individual student under the guidance of the department.
Learning Outcome
- Demonstrate real life work based learning to preserve and promote indigenous education and development.