Skip Navigation

Native American Studies

Select a different Catalog:

2008 - 2009 Catalog

Native American Studies

Taylor 018B
541-552-6751
David West, Coordinator

The minor in Native American studies emphasizes the culture, history, art, and literature of the indigenous peoples of the United States and Canada.

Requirements for the Minor

  1. A minimum of 24 credits, 15 of which must be upper division and 4 practicum.
  2. Choose from among the following courses with a Native American subject focus (16–20 credits):

    Introduction to Native American Studies (NAS 268)4
    Introduction to Intertribal Dance (NAS 270)4
    Native American Topics: Historical (NAS 368)4
    Seminar: Native American Culture (NAS 407/507 or ED 407/507)2
    Native American Psychology (PSY 489)4
    Native American Topics: Contemporary (NAS 468)4
    Pacific Cultures (ANTH 317)4
    Native North America (ANTH 318)4
    Cultures of the World: Native Peoples of Latin America (ANTH 319)4
    Native North America: Special Studies (ANTH 334)4
    Archaeology Field School (ANTH 375)4
    Cultural Resource Management (ANTH 462)4
    Cultural Rights (ANTH 464)4
    Contemporary Issues in Native North America (SOC 338)4
    Introduction to Native North American Art (ARTH 199)4
    Native American Narratives, Fiction, and Poetry (ENG 240)4
    Native American Myth and Culture (ENG 239)4
    Major Forces in Literature (ENG 447)*4
    Major Figures in Literature (ENG 448)*4
    Ethnobotany and Cross-Cultural Communication (BI 384)3
    Oral History Methods (HST 412)4

    *Applicable to the minor when Native American authors are featured.

  3. Synthesis (4–8 credits) and Practicum (minimum 4 accumulated credits). Choose from a combination of:

    Practicum (NAS 209)2–4
    Practicum (NAS 309)2–6
    Practicum (NAS 409)2–8

Native American Studies Courses

See Course Prerequisites Policy

Lower Division Courses

NAS 209 Practicum
Credits to be arranged

NAS 268 Introduction to Native American Studies
4 credits
Introduces the indigenous peoples of North America through history, art, music, culture, literature, and oral tradition. Focuses on creation through the prophecy period. Provides a foundation for other course offerings. Incorporates experiential learning through attendance at Native American events.

NAS 270 Introduction to Intertribal Dance
4 credits
Provides an overview of the powwow and its basic structure, protocol, and key participants. Discusses traditional and contemporary concepts, as well as how they are related to the dancer, community, and Indian country. A daily dance class applies relevant teachings and concepts of intertribal and social dances. Enhances student understanding, participation, and respect for the powwow and Native America.

Upper Division Courses

NAS 309 Practicum
Credits to be arranged

NAS 368 Native American Topics: Historical
4 credits
Uses Native voices to examine the historical period and prophecy to 1890. Presents material from the perspective of the indigenous peoples relative to the foretold coming of a new people, colonization, and westward expansion. Examines the impact upon Native life relative to federal and state policies, land acquisition and treaties, removals, reservation and boarding school development, and the major changes in the lifestyles and culture of Native America. NAS 268 recommended.

NAS 407/507 Seminar
1 to 4 credits
(Cross-listed with ED 407/507.)

NAS 409 Practicum
2 to 8 credits

NAS 468 Native American Topics: Contemporary
4 credits
Progresses from 1890 to contemporary times. Examines Native American culture, history, art, literature, music, and dance. Explores applications of Native wisdom and knowledge correlating to the student’s major program of study. Promotes the concept of inclusion by bridging cultures to eliminate stereotypical imaging. NAS 268 and 368 recommended.
Web site ©2008 Southern Oregon University 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR 97520 541-552-7672