AMST 105 - Introduction to Native American Studies

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

This course is an introduction to the discipline of Native American Studies. Because the area of study is interdisciplinary, we will take into consideration the histories, legal traditions, linguistics, material cultures, geographies, politics, and religions of tribal communities through Indigenous perspectives. Utilizing principles stemming from vast and various Native North American belief systems, worldviews, and cultural frameworks, we will learn to objectively examine key Native American Studies terms such as sovereignty, nationhood, language, land, relationality, and Indigenous consciousness among others. We will investigate how tribal epistemologies inform and shape the way Indigenous peoples conceive of themselves, their communities, and their futures. We will also work to deconstruct hurtful and derogatory myths and misconceptions about Indigenous nations stemming from ongoing colonialities. Course materials will demonstrate the breadth of the discipline amongst the various backgrounds, cultural beliefs, and geographical locations of Native North American tribes. Since this course, for most, will be an introduction to Native American texts and materials, we will work to unpack the fundamental vocabulary of the field. Overall, we will be introduced to the key scholars and artists of Indigenous North America as they work to center Native voices and perspectives against systems of violence and cultural genocide.

Either AMST 100 or AMST 102 or AMST 105 satisfies the 100-level core requirement of the American Studies major. Leora Gansworth.

Priority given to first-year students and sophomores.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS