DGS 155 - Native American Studies

5 Credits

Introduces an interdisciplinary survey of the United States’ contemporary Native American cultures and the complex issues confronting them. Study of American Indian history, literature, music and film. Particular emphasis upon Native peoples’ historical and contemporary relationships with other American ethnic groups, the persistence of indigenous languages and traditional cultural values and current political events in Indian country.

Course Note Previously CGG 155.
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Designed to Serve Students desiring knowledge and understanding of Native Americans and their diverse histories and cultures. Students interested in the specific ways that Native Americans have strongly influenced American culture (and vice versa). Students who wish to explore the exciting field of interdisciplinary, cross-cultural studies with a broad humanities (literature, history) focus.
Active Date 2011-08-15

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 38
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Worksite 0 Clinical 0 Other 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Diversity & Globalism
Humanities Area I

Course Outline
I. Surviving Columbus: Historical/Geographical Contrast of Native America at time of European contact (invasion) and today. II. Stories vs. History: Contrast of Native and non-Native views of the history of conquest. III. Identity and the Land: The complex elements of contemporary native American individual and tribal idenetities, especially as they are related to the land. Who is/is not a Native American? IV. Indian Country Today: native American acculturation, assimilation, resistance, continuity and change in the twentieth century. Persistence of Native American languages and traditions of the sacred. Contemporary political and cultural issues in Indian Country.

Student Learning Outcomes
To appreciate the unique and continuing contributions of Native peoples to American culture and to the world at large.

To recognize the historical, environmental, spiritual, political and artistic forces that shape contemporary Native American cultures, especially as these forces are revealed in recent and contemporary works by Native writers, musicians, and film makers.

To understand and appreciate the multicultural richness and diversity of Native American cultures. To recognize the complex interweaving and overlapping of Native American cultures with other American cultures.