B. A. (in Economics) University of Calgary, Canada
M.Phil. (in Islamic Studies) University of Cambridge, UK
M.Sc. (in Social Policy and Planning in Developing Countries) London School of Economics, UK
Ph.D. (in Natural Resource Policy and Management with concentrations in Socio-Anthropology and Community Sociology) Cornell University, USA
Information
Research Interests:
Applied research that has immediate impact and is of relevance to communities
Current Research:
Arctic social science,
Bio-cultural diversity,
Circumpolar cultures and change,
Climate change and its impacts,
Community economic development,
Gender analysis,
Human ecology,
Indigenous knowledge (ways of knowing),
Indigenous land and marine use,
Natural resource policy and management
Participatory action research, and
Social change in indigenous communities.
Teaching Interests:
Dr. Kassam believes that students are not only consumers of information but producers of insights.
Human ecology of circumpolar indigenous communities (NPDS 401), Indigenous knowledge, ways of knowing and validity (NPDS 405),
The development of the Canadian North - Homeland or Frontier? (CNST 309),
Critical Perspectives on Development Practice and Research (DEST 591), and
Relationships between biological and cultural diversity (COMS 717.72)
Students:
Supervisor of Robert A. Hawkesworth, Master of Arts (MA), Thesis Topic: Evaluating Community Participation in an Action Plan to Decrease Homelessness in Calgary, the Resources and the Environment Program, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Calgary. Calgary Alderman Bob Hawkesworth successfully completed his dissertation and defense evaluating the most adequate methods to promote participation by all stakeholders in reducing homelessness in the city of Calgary (Graduated 2003).
Supervisor of Darwin Peter Bateyko, Master’s Degree Project (MDP), Thesis Topic: Evaluating Co-Management: A Framework for Analysis, Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary. Mr. Bateyko examined the role of co-management of natural resources in aboriginal northern communities as a result of Land Claim Agreements. Undertaken in partnership with Sahtu Renewable Resources Board, this research is intended to have real and practical impact on the governance structures of the Sahtu Land Claim Agreement (Graduated 2003).
Supervisor of May Mah, Honour’s Thesis, Topic: Canadian Development Assistance and Human Rights in China, Development Studies Programme, Faculty of Communication and Culture, University of Calgary. Successfully completed with First Class Honours in Development Studies, Ms. Mah’s research evaluated development assistance by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and its stated policy towards human rights in China (Graduated 2002).
Committee Member/Examiner of Jennifer McKillop, Master’s Degree Project (MDP), Thesis Topic: An Approach to Land Management and Development: Assessment for Fort McKay First Nation, Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary. Dr. Kassam's responsibilities involved assignment of readings and engaging the student in critical discussion. Time was spent concentrating on methods used for collecting indigenous knowledge and methodology for aboriginal community participation in research (Graduated 2002).
Committee Member/Examiner for Frederick McDonald, Masters of Fine Arts (MFA), Topic: Ancestral Portraits, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Calgary. Mr. Frederick McDonald is a Native Cree artist from Northern Alberta. Dr. Kassam’s contribution included assisting Mr. McDonald in asking questions such as: what is the role of representation in art, how does art challenge stereotypes and cultural imperialism, and what is the role of cultural identity in art? Frederick McDonald successfully defended his dissertation and exhibition at the Banff Centre Gallery. The dissertation he wrote became a book published by the University of Calgary Press to which Dr. Kassam wrote the introductory preface (Graduated 2002).
Mentored Sean K. Maher, Murray Fraser Graduate Research Assistant to the Murray Fraser Professor of Community Economic Development (1998-2000). Dr. Kassam assisted Mr. Maher in his studies and worked with him in developing his research and teaching profile. Mr. Maher contributed to Dr. Kassam’s various research projects. He is currently completing his doctorate at the University of Cambridge, UK.
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