INDS 1101 Introduction to Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies

Description

Introduction to Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies (INDS) focuses on understanding the “pan-Indian” view of Indigenous people in a contemporary setting. The course materials will focus on the socio-political history of interactions between Indigenous people and settlers coming to the United States. Aspects of Indigenous epistemology, culture, and their complexities interacting in a modern-day world will be explored. There will be an emphasis on the Oceti Sakowin (7 Council Fires)-(Eastern Dakota/Western Dakota/Lakota), highlighting their struggle and resistance throughout history. Sociopolitical ideas of settler colonialism, decolonization, and tribal sovereignty will be key frames of understanding throughout the course work. The coursework will benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike -- unpacking generalizations, assumptions, and stereotypes that are continually perpetuated in mainstream society as well as providing a detailed history of the land in Mni Sota Makoce (Minnesota).

Credits

3

Prerequisite

ENGL 0090 or placement by multiple measures

Topics to be Covered

1. Indigenous tribes in the United States

2. Terminology

3. Indigenous history, culture, and resistance

4. Indigenous history and culture within the region

5. Indigenous history and culture within Minnesota

6. Contemporary Indigenous issues

7. Tribal identities

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop understanding of contemporary status of Indigenous tribes in the United States

2. Discover meaning of key terminology

3. Examine grounded perspectives in traditional Indigenous history, culture, and resistance.

4. Critique written history of Indigenous people within the region

5. Describe the inherent multi-disciplinary nature of “Indigenous Studies”

6. Explain how “Indigeneity” interacts in a contemporary setting

7. Insight to a variety contemporary issues Indigenous people encounter on a daily basis (Repatriations, dehumanization, treaty rights, representation, tribal sovereignty and etc.)

8. Characterize the unique tribal identity of individual tribes vs. the “pan-Indian” ideas that have been assumed as truth for all tribes.

Credit Details

Lecture: 3

Lab: 0

OJT: 0

MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 05 - History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal Area 07 - Human Diversity

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies

Goal Area 05: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

1. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

3. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal Area 07: Human Diversity

1. Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States’ history and culture.

2. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.

3. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

4. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

5. Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in society with great population diversity.