Native American Studies (NAMS)

NAMS 1100  INTRODUCTION TO NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES (3 credits)

This course will introduce the diverse cultures of Native Americans. Using both historical and contemporary experiences, students will learn about the cultural, historical, social, economic and/or political factors that have shaped Native experience in North America. Students will also acquire new insights about American history and culture by looking through the lens of contemporary native cultures, nations and individuals.

Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course and U.S. Diversity General Education course

NAMS 4060  FIRST NATIONS: SPIRIT IN ARTS AND CULTURES (3 credits)

First Nations: Spirit in Arts and Cultures explores how contemporary Indigenous/Native (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) artists in the lands now known as Canada express their cultures, especially beliefs, through the fine arts. While we will focus on visual culture (sculpture, painting, film, mixed media), literary works (a novel, poetry) and music will also be included. First Nations, Metis and Inuit artists often simultaneously express traditions, their own experiences, and reflections on the present and past through their work. By doing this, they share valuable perspectives on health and healing as well as the national process of Truth and Reconciliation. Trying, so much as possible, to let the artists speak for themselves, we will explore how spirituality manifests itself in contemporary cultures for these Indigenous artists north of the border. (Cross-listed with RELI 4060, RELI 8066, NAMS 8066).

NAMS 4140  INDIAN GAMING (3 credits)

This course will be an in depth study of the history and development of Indian Gaming law and policy. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4430).

Prerequisite(s): NAMS 1100 or permission of the Instructor.

NAMS 4240  CONTEMPORARY TRIBAL NATION BUILDING (3 credits)

This course applies traditional North American tribal governance and leadership beliefs and practices in a critical examination of contemporary tribal governments, tribal courts and programs, and tribal leaders. This course challenges students to assess present tribal governments and leaders concerning their effectiveness in meeting the needs of tribal people today. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4450).

Prerequisite(s): NAMS 1100

NAMS 4270  DECOLONIZING NATIVE AMERICAN HEALTH (3 credits)

This course will utilize an interdisciplinary lens to interrogate Native American health and wellness grounded in the decolonizing theoretical and methodological tools drawn from Medical Anthropology and Native American Studies. Topics covered will include: Health Disparities, Federal Indian Health Policy, Historical Trauma, Medical Mistrust, Traditional Healing, Food Sovereignty and Research Ethics. (Cross-listed with ANTH 8276, ANTH 4270, NAMS 8276).

Prerequisite(s): NAMS 1100 or Instructor permission

NAMS 4400  HISTORY OF NATIVE AMERICAN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (3 credits)

This survey of North American Indigenous peoples provides a historical overview of the peoples and their interactions with settlers, wars, policies, and other events that have shaped modern Tribal and U.S. relations. (Cross-listed with HIST 8406, HIST 4400).

Prerequisite(s): NAMS 1100; Junior standing or permission of instructor.

NAMS 4440  FEDERAL INDIAN LAW (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of tribal legal authority as it exists within federal law. It includes traditional North American tribal governance and leadership practices. Key topics include the federal-tribal trust relationship, Indian treaties, federal Indian policies and case law, and 20th Century establishment of modern tribal governments and courts. (Cross-listed with PSCI 4440).

Prerequisite(s): NAMS 1100

NAMS 4900  INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-6 credits)

An individualized course of study with a member of the Native American Studies faculty. Either independent research or advanced readings may be pursued. May be repeated, for credit, up to six hours, under a different topic.

Prerequisite(s): NAMS 1100 and permission of the instructor

NAMS 4920  SPECIAL TOPICS IN NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES (3 credits)

The content of this course varies from semester to semester, giving instructor and students an opportunity to investigate a variety of topics in Native American Studies. May be repeated for credit as long as the topic differs.

Prerequisite(s): NAMS 1100 and/or permission of instructor.