To prepare students for further work in law or tribal governance, as well as approaching tribal sovereignty as an International Relations issue. Students will gain knowledge of tribal legal systems and laws as well as U.S. law and policy pertaining to indigenous peoples. Students will also learn basic tenets, research methods, and theories of legal studies in the field of Native American and Indigenous Studies.

Part I- Native American Law Ways. This unit explores a range of tribal laws from pre-colonial history and legal traditions of tribal groups to the political and social responses of tribes to colonial and imperial powers since 1500.

Part II - U.S Law and Policy. This unit looks closely at the history of U.S. Indian Law, the six different policy eras, and major shifts in policy toward tribal governments.

Part III - Tribal Sovereignty. This unit covers crucial aspects of political sovereignty, the interplay of federal, state, and tribal sovereignty, and how cultural revitalization and self-determination policies have affected tribal societies in the U.S.