American Indian Studies (AIS)
Introduction to critical issues related to American Indian peoples. Examines cultural, political, economic, educational, social, and environmental issues. Focuses on contemporary issues and factors influencing American Indian communities. Prerequisites: None.
Survey of American Indian history with emphasis on the last 200 years including developments in the 20th century. Focuses on selected groups such as the Cherokee, Iroquois Confederation, Navajo, Sioux and Indians of the Southwest in relation to cultural, economic, political and social continuity and changes. Topics include development and influence of federal policies, past and present issues confronting Native Americans and how Native American individuals and communities maintain their identities as they confront social changes. Prerequisites: None.
Explores the sovereign status of American Indians as it relates to social relationships, traditions, and culture of American Indians. Reviews historic relations with non-Indian societies, the development of federal Indian law, tribal governments and their functions. Examines treaty rights, environmental issues, public policy, economic development, other current issues, and contemporary social problems. Prerequisites: None.
Analyzes the legal system of the United States Government as it applies to American Indian Nations. Examines how United States legal institutions have impacted Indian sovereignty. Units of analysis include the development of Indian law, United States Supreme Court decisions, Congressional Acts, treaty rights and the development of tribal governments. Focuses on legal institutions that have abridged the property rights of Indian Nations. Prerequisites: None.
Provides a practical understanding of the economic development process. Examines ways in which development can be initiated and financed. Focuses on how budget systems can be used as management tools. Reviews fundamentals of proposal writing and budget management for grants. Prerequisites: None.
An examination of the historical and cultural background of diverse life ways and worldviews belonging to the peoples indigenous to the North American continent over time, including a study of modern day American Indian beliefs and practices. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.