2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor


Banner Code: NAIS

Web: english.gmu.edu

Phone: 703-993-1161

Faculty

Anderson (coordinator), Benitez, Bristol, Karush, Scully, Snead, Tichy, Yocom

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 take five 3-credit elective courses from no fewer than three departments. The course work for this minor enables students to examine Native American cultures from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including those that are anthropological, historical, artistic, philosophical, and political.

This program of study is an interdisciplinary minor offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences .

For policies governing all minors, see the Academic Policies  chapter of this catalog.

Course Work


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.

Five elective courses (15 credits) chosen from:


Special topics courses and summer field work offerings, when relevant, may be used to fulfill elective credits for the minor with prior written approval of the director.

Total: 18 credits