NAIS 201: Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Studies

NAIS 201-002: Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Studies
(Fall 2014)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM R

Krug Hall 253

Section Information for Fall 2014

An introduction to the history, social organization, political experience, and artistic expression of Native Americans. As much as possible, we'll develop a Native-centered understanding of both Native history and Indian-white relations.  As we do so, we will work with methods and materials drawn from many distinct though related fields of study such as History, Film Studies, and Ecology.  You will learn about Native American habitation prior to European exploration and settler colonialism, and then examine the political, economic, cultural, legal, and demographic consequences of this colonialism.  The course will also take up a variety of other issues in contemporary American Indian communities, including the Indigenous sovereignty, nationanhood agency, resistance, and survival.  Course themes will include the contemporary relevance of traditional values, as well as, the ways in which the deep past continues to affect the present and future of Indian peoples.

Readings for NAIS 201 will include one or two works of American Indian literature as well as stories and essays from a variety of other fields of study.  We will also very likely screen at least one Native-made film.  Also, November is Native Heritage Month at Mason; we will participate in Heritage Month activities on campus, particularly the renowned annual GMU Veterans' Day Powwow.

This course is required of all students interested in the new interdisciplinary minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS).  Whether or not you have prior experience with Native American cultures, we assume you have valuable and insteresting knowledge to bring to the table as well as good, provocative questions and insights to contribute.

Course Information from the University Catalog