This course examines a body of politics identified with Native America specific to historical and contemporary relevance for understanding Native American/Indigenous/American Indian nations and communities. Students are challenged to identify issues and debates based on selected readings, films; case examples; and guest presentations to engage in informed discussions about the socio-political experience of Native Americans within the U.S. and indigenous peoples internationally, including ‘global’ activist movements. The course will use a seminar discussion format to present key (theoretical-methodological) approaches to developing a critical understanding of social and political issues impacting Native Americans today. To make the ‘intangible’ i.e., thinking, values, and belief systems but not limited to policies and political behavior, cultural expression that result in tangible actions affecting Native American peoples. Students are expected to develop and refine their skills in articulating verbal and written critiques of sociopolitical concepts identified.

Examination of the research processes and techniques involving various methodological designs. Emphasizes attention to culturally appropriate research and potocols for conducting research in Native communities. Includes practical experience in conducting a research project involving Native American issues

Examines the role of Indigenous people and communities in self-determining their education by redefining educational approaches and curriculum for Indigenous students. Special emphasis on resistance to assimilation practices and policies.

This course offers an interdisciplinary academic exploration of perspectives on Indigenous arts and literature, cultures, education, language, and language re-vitalization. The environment and the emerging international legal norm of self-determination for Indigenous peoples are also examined.

How economic, political and social power influences the education of indigenous youth is the emphasis of the course. Topics include who defines the concept of an “educated person” and in what contexts.

Analyzes the emerging norm of self-determination and its impact on indigenous peoples in the international legal system. Colonization, liberation, and the political futures of culturally distinct peoples are examined from inter-disciplinary perspectives.

Examines Native identities in law, biology, culture, and via self-identification within an interdisciplinary context. Discussion will focus on federal intrusions, misappropriation, and adaptations that strengthen the sovereignty of Native Nations.

Complex ways in which Native peoples form relationships with their environment are examined. Differences and similarities between Native and dominant cultural conceptions of the environment and environmental justices are considered within an inter-disciplinary context.

An examination of philosophical thought by Native peoples in both historic modern context in science, government, law, education, psychology, and cosmology. Native social system and Native philosophical contributions to the world's societies are examined.

This course critically engages Indigenous community revitalization dynamics and its relationship to culture, Indigenous thought, and decolonization. Principals relating to political sovereignty, cultural self-determination, economic viability, social and economic justice, and strategic planning underlie the notion of Nation Building for Native people.

How economic, political and social power influences the education of indigenous youth is the emphasis of the course. Topics include who defines the concept of an “educated person” and in what contexts.

This course provides graduate students with the opportunity to work one-on-one with an instructor to facilitate a rigorous study of a subject or the completion of a project.

Analyzes the emerging norm of self-determination and its impact on indigenous peoples in the international legal system. Colonization, liberation, and the political futures of culturally distinct peoples are examined from inter-disciplinary perspectives.