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American Indian Studies
In the College of Arts and Letters
Office: Adams Humanities 3104
Telephone: (619) 594-6991
Fax: (619) 594-2646
Chair: Parker
Associate Professors: Kilpatrick, Parker
Adjunct: Cooper, Cox, Johnson, Rodriguez, Shipek, Watson, White
Minor in American Indian studies.
Courses in American Indian studies.
Major work in American Indian studies is not offered.
A minor in American Indian studies provides students with a liberal education which focuses on cultural diversity. Individuals will attain competency in a broad understanding of the human condition which will relate closely to the areas of public relations, cultural pluralism, and race relations. Students pursuing careers in mass media, politics, journalism, and education will find that a minor in American Indian studies opens a new spectrum of human understanding and critical analysis of professional life.
The American Indian studies program focuses on individual elements that comprise the native American cultures. Using literature, art, history and politics as touchstones, students come to understand the individual as well as tribal character of the Indian peoples. The academic area also draws comparisons between American Indian life and the life of other members of American society.
Career opportunities for graduates include jobs in business, education, government, politics, social sciences, and health and human services. Students have also found positions in programs for Indian tribes and reservations. Federal agencies also seek people with knowledge about and experience with American Indian people and their culture. Agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Services, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forestry Services.
The minor in American Indian studies consists of a minimum of 15 units to include American Indian Studies 110; nine of the 15 units must be in upper division courses selected from American Indian studies or other appropriate departments (e.g., anthropology or history) in consultation with the departmental adviser.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
110. American Indian Heritage (3) I, II
Major American Indian themes, beliefs, and practices and their impact on Western civilization through institutions, art, literature, philosophy, and religion.
265. American Indian Art (3)
American Indian as a creative person and artistic products from earliest examples to present surveyed through cultural elements affecting symbols, material, and media. Diverse forces generating forms which have become tradition will be central to the study.
296. Experimental Topics (1-4)
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
300. American Indian Oral Literature (3) I
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
Pre-twentieth century American Indian oral and symbolic traditions including creation and origin legends, coyote stories, ceremonial songs, oratory, and memoirs.
303. American Indian Women in American Society (3)
Historical and contemporary analysis of the role of Indian women in both Indian and dominant society.
320. American Indians in Contemporary Society (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.B., Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Sociological understanding of the American Indian groups in contemporary society with emphasis on the relationship to dominant society and why the focus has been on Indians as social problems.
400. The American Indian Political Experience (3)
Social and political response to dominant group policies by the American Indian as compared to other minority groups.
420. Indian Peoples of California (3)
Indian peoples of California. Their histories and cultures from oral traditions to contemporary issues. Focus on selected Indian tribes and communities.
425. Indians of the Plains (3)
Indian peoples of the Plains. Their histories and cultures from oral traditions to contemporary issues. Focus on selected Indian tribes and communities.
430. American Indian Poetry and Fiction (3) II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
Contemporary American Indian poetry and fiction explored in works of Welch, Ortiz, Momaday, Silko, Deloria, Allen, Erdich, and others.
435. Indians Through Film and Television (3)
Images of Indians in film and television. Impact of movies and television on popular concepts of Indians. Films viewed in class.
440. American Indian History (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
Historical analysis of Indian-White contact. Emphasis on the impact of historical events upon the various cultures.
470. Roots of Indian Tradition (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.C., Humanities.
Spirits, prophesies, and renewals of the Indian way compared through symbols and ceremony. Religions will be surveyed as they have been influenced by foreign elements and philosophies. Influences on values and tribalism as reflected through symbols and other measures.
496. Topics in American Indian Studies (1-3)
An undergraduate seminar. See Class Schedule for specific content. Maximum credit six units. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
499. Special Study (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Individual study. Maximum credit six units.
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