Exposing students to North American & Global Indigenous histories and cultures that are otherwise ignored in mainstream pre-collegiate curricula
Native American and Indigenous Studies provides opportunities for students to become acquainted with members of various Native tribal communities which they might not otherwise experience. It also offers students a chance to enhance their knowledge and understanding of broad themes in the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples throughout the world. Students explore topics such as federal Indian law and policy, Indigenous foodways, the colonization of the United States and Mexico, and Native American literature.
A certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies enriches an undergraduate or graduate liberal arts degree by exposing students to Native American & Indigenous Studies; topics that are often ignored in mainstream elementary, high school and college curricula. The courses required for the certificate help broaden the scope of students' understanding of United States history, with special reference to Native Americans' role in its founding, economy, Indian-white relations, and contemporary society. They also serve to make students aware of opportunities for further study and concentration in areas such as history, literature and the arts.
All course offerings and more detailed requirements are available in the UI General Catalog.
Minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies
The minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies effectively complements degrees in professional areas such as social work, law, education and public health, and better prepares graduates in those area to understand and address issues related to the American Indian people they will serve.
Learning Outcomes
- knowledge of Native American history as the foundation of US history, of Indigenous cultural expression through literature and the arts, and of Indigenous societies before and after contact;
- an understanding of the concept of tribal sovereignty and self-determination;
- familiarity with conventional archival sources, maps, and material culture; and
- the ability to see American Indian and US history as intertwined.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.
Certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies
The undergraduate certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies effectively complements degrees in professional areas such as social work, law, education and public health, and better prepares graduates in those area to understand and address issues related to the American Indian people they will serve.
Learning Outcomes
- knowledge of Native American history as the foundation of US history, of Indigenous cultural expression through literature and the arts, of Indigenous societies before and after contact;
- an understanding of the concept of tribal sovereignty and self-determination;
- the ability to evaluate and analyze conventional archival sources, maps, and material culture; and
- the ability to see American Indian and US history as completely intertwined.
Want to get started?
Learn more about the program, including courses, curriculum, and requirements here.