Add a Minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies
Native American and Indigenous Studies provides opportunities for students to become acquainted with members of various Native tribal communities which they might not otherwise experience. It also offers students a chance to enhance their knowledge and understanding of broad themes in the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples throughout the world. Students explore topics such as federal Indian law and policy, Indigenous foodways, the colonization of the United States and Mexico, and Native American literature.
The minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies effectively complements degrees in professional areas such as social work, law, education and public health, and better prepares graduates in those area to understand and address issues related to the American Indian people they will serve.
Requirements
The undergraduate minor in Native American and Indigenous studies requires a minimum of 15 semester hours, including at least 12 semester hours completed at the University of Iowa. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor.
Students complete one introductory course and 12 semester hours in elective coursework as indicated below. Elective courses reflect the program’s emphasis on Indigenous histories in the Americas, Indigenous cultures and literatures, and Indigenous Peoples in global perspective. Elective courses from several departments ensure that students are exposed to different themes. Students may consult with the Native American and Indigenous Studies coordinator.
Coursework requirements
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Introductory Courses | 3 |
| Electives (with Indigenous content) | 12 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge of Native American history as the foundation of US history, of Indigenous cultural expression through literature and the arts, and of Indigenous societies before and after contact
- An understanding of the concept of tribal sovereignty and self-determination
- Familiarity with conventional archival sources, maps, and material culture
- The ability to see American Indian and US history as intertwined
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