ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

Native American Studies

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This degree program is designed for individuals who seek knowledge and experience of indigenous history, culture, language, literature, the arts, philosophy, political and social science, legal status and sovereignty. Student learning focuses on Ojibwe culture and the interaction between traditional and contemporary knowledge and activities within the academic context. Students shall learn to understand the specific value systems of the Ojibwe people, to appreciate qualities of indigenous lifestyles, to examine the historical relationship between Native and non-native peoples, to appreciate the unique status of Native Americans as nations with sovereign powers, and to understand the importance of language as a means of cultural expression. This degree provides special emphasis on the language, culture, and traditions of the Ojibwe of the Great Lakes Region.

STUDENT PROFILE

As a Native American Studies student, you should be willing to:

• achieve an understanding of Native peoples and their experiences

• gain a greater understanding of history, language and culture of Native people and their respective communities

• maximize cultural experiences beyond the classroom setting

• think critically when evaluating information and research material

PREPARATION FOR ADMISSION

The following qualities and/or experiences may help prepare you for entry into this program:

• prior knowledge and experience with Native communities and the issues/topics related to Native people

• previous employment or volunteer experience working with Native communities

• basic computer skills

• basic communication and human relations skills

• critical thinking skills

• a desire to help people

CAREER PREPARATION

This program provides a starting point for further exploration of topics and fields relating to Native people and communities. Because N.A. Studies is not defined by any single discipline, but rather a combination of many, great potential exists for development of skills in various fields and practices.

CAREER OUTLOOK

A variety of career options are available. In addition, a degree in Native American Studies will allow you to enter further undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Some of the areas into which a degree in NAS might lead include work or further study in:

• Native American organizations

• Federal, state, and tribal organizations

• Public health

• Law and politics

• Museum and archival work

• Social work and counseling

• Research specialization

• Private counseling

• Journalism and other media

• Teaching, training and development

• Research specialization

• Art and music

 

Course#	Title	Cr
BASE COURSES
EDC 110	Intro to Higher Education	3
ENG 101	Composition I	3
ENG 221	Basic Communications	3
MTH 106  OR  MTH 111	Financial Mathematics  Pre-Algebra	3
NAS 100	Anishinaabe Bimaadiziwin  - Introduction to Tribal Cultures	3
KNOWLEDGE COURSES
	Humanities & Social Sciences - elective	3
	Physical & Natural Science - 1 lab required	7
	Aesthetic Experience - elective	3
Core Courses
CPS 100	Computer Basics	3
NAS 101	Ojibwemowin I	4
NAS 102	Ojibwemowin II	4
NAS 205	Ojibwe History	3
NAS 110	Intro Native American History	3
NAS 212	Wisconsin Native History
NAS 213	US Federal Indian Policy and Law	3
NAS 219	Native American Literature	3
NAS 230	Ojibwe Literature & Stories	3
NAS 242	Nenda-nibwaakanng (Native American Philosophy)	3
Choose ONE:
NAS 222	Tribal Government	3
POL 110	American Government	3

Program: 63 Credits

ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES - OJIBWE LANGUAGE EMPHASIS