Course Description
This course explores the historical and contemporary circumstances that have shaped Native American and First Nations peoples from the sixteenth century to the present. This includes legacies of settler colonialism, displacement, and structural violence, processes of revitalization, activism, and the reestablishment of Native sovereignty.
Athena Title
Contemporary Native America
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ANTH 3410, NAMS 3410, ANTH 3410H, NAMS 3410H
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
- To examine and understand the effects of historical events on Native Americans today - To examine and understand issues related to the representation of Native American peoples, including imposed stereotypes as well as self-representation and reclamation of identities - To explore how Native American political and social action has improved the rights and lives of Native Americans - To engage with contemporary issues facing and involving Native American and First Nations populations in North America
Topical Outline
1. Race, ethnicity, stereotypes, and prejudice 2. European contact and settler colonialism 3. Indigenous History of North America: wars, removals, and genocides 4. Sovereignty and treaty-making 5. The reservation system and life on reservations 6. Residential schools and Native American education 7. Native American activism and self-governance 8. NAGPRA and the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples 9. Belief, spirituality, and religion 10. Gender and sexuality in Native American lifeways 11. Contemporary Native American health: Mental health, AIDS, diabetes, alcohol 12. Representation and popular culture 13. Contemporary Native American arts and music – media, hip hop 14. Contemporary political issues: #noDAPL, fracking, oil, and the environment 15. Contemporary political issues: Border walls, truth and reconciliation, moving forward
Syllabus