1. To illumine the hermeneutic issues involved in understanding religion across cultures.
2. To introduce fundamental aspects of traditional Native American life by examining
elements of a variety of Native societies.
3. To demonstrate the diverse factors that affect human life by observing the
influence of historic, geographic, and economic factors on Native beliefs and practices.
4. To challenge simplistic notions that religion is intrinsically a matter of
"personal belief" by exploring the Native emphases upon the social and ritual
dimensions of religion.
5. To assess the impact of the arrival of Europeans and Americans upon the evolution
of religion among Native Americans.
6. To combat common stereotypes about Native Americans, and the widespread
exploitation of Native beliefs and practices.
7. To explore how selected writings by Native authors illumine the issues outlined above.

Communicate Effectively through Writing

To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of
projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations.

Communicate Effectively through Speech

To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means
such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations.

Computer Literacy

To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web,
email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral
class reports and completion of written assignments.

Critical Thinking

To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion
and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations.

Moral Reasoning (Ethics)

To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection
by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and
needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and
ethical bases of constructive social interactions.

1. Understanding Religion Across Cultures
2. How NOT to Study Native American Religions
3. Overcoming "Spiritual Colonialism"
4. Approaches to Religion in Native American Cultures
5. Problems in Studying Native Cultures: The Southeastern Peoples
6. Ways of Being Religious: The "Koyukon" of Alaska
7. Ways of Being Religious: The Ojibwa of the Great Lakes Region
8. Ways of Being Religious: The Peoples of the Great Plains
9. An Intertribal Complex:  The "Sun Dance"
10. Ways of Being Religious: The Pueblo Peoples
11. Ways of Being Religious: The Navajo
12. Christianity, Peyote, and Restoration: The Effects of Modernity

All academic work must meet the standards contained in the document titled "A Culture
of Honesty."  All students are responsible for informing themselves about those
standards before performing any academic work.