Information for:
Minor in Native American & Indigenous Studies
Native American and indigenous studies is an interdisciplinary field of study committed to understanding both the unity and the diversity of present and past Native American tribes, cultures, and experiences. This interdisciplinary minor will help students think critically and respectfully about the complex dynamics of Native American cultures, considered both individually and comparatively. In addition to practicing and developing critical thinking and writing skills, students in this interdisciplinary minor will learn how value systems operate in different cultures, examine the roots of conflict and resolution across a broad historical and cultural spectrum, better understand the importance of language as a means of cultural expression, and heighten their appreciation of the unique status of present-day Native American tribes as nations with certain sovereign powers within the boundaries of the United States.
In addition to a required course that introduces key concepts, events, figures, and methodological approaches, students will take five 3-credit elective courses from no fewer than three departments. The course work for this minor will enable students to examine Native American cultures from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including those that are anthropological, historical, artistic, philosophical, and political.
Degree Requirements (Catalog Year 2008-2009)
See the university catalog for policies governing all minors.
Students pursuing in this minor complete 6 courses (18 credits) distributed as follows:
- One required course (3 credits): NAIS 201
- Five elective courses (15 credits), chosen from ANTH 301, 302, 307, 399, 428; ENGL 311, 333; HIST 340, 391, 401, 403, 404, 418; MUSI 103; SOCI 308
Special topics courses and summer field work offerings, when relevant, may be used to fulfill elective credits for the minor with prior approval of the coordinator.
No more than two courses from a single department can be applied to the minor. No more than 3 credits can be applied to both university general education requirements and the minor. A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required for course work in this minor.
Contact Information:
Eric Anderson
Robinson Hall A405 C
Fairfax, VA 22030
703.993.4418
eandersd@gmu.edu
Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.