American Indian Studies (B.A.)

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Program Coordinator/Contact

Mark Freeland, AIS Coordinator
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
West Hall 106, Box 510
605-688-4311

Program Information

This is an inter-college program of American Indian culture studies. Coursework in various departments of the University provides a broad base for understanding the past, present, and possible futures of American Indian people. The program recognizes the historical and contemporary significance of American Indian experiences. Study of these experiences promotes understanding of the pluralist nature of the United States and responds to the growing need for multicultural sensitivity and awareness. Students desiring more information or interested in the program should consult with the coordinator and their academic advisor.

Student Learning Outcomes

Discipline-Specific Knowledge - Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of tribal sovereignty; government and policy; American Indian history, religion, and literature.
Communication - Graduates will demonstrate a basic proficiency in a tribal language; And to present effective oral and written presentations on research involving American Indians.
Critical Thinking - Graduates will demonstrate a mastery of problem-solving skills that integrate research with contemporary issues that confront indigenous people both locally and globally.

Course Delivery Method

Courses for the AIS major are delivered in face to face environments, utilizing lectures, discussions, and applied learning.

Requirements for American Indian Studies Major: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication :
ENGL 101
and
ENGL 201
or ENGL 283 Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication : Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity : Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity : Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics : Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences : Credits: 6

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 9+

Modern Foreign Language Including the 202-Level Credits: 6+
AHSS 111 - Introduction to Global Citizenship and Diversity Credits: 3
One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
Capstone course in the major discipline
Upper division coursework Credits: 33

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts specifications.

Major Requirements

AIS 100 - Introduction to American Indian Studies Credits: 3
AIS 101 - Introductory Lakota I (COM) [SGR #4] Credits: 4
AIS 102 - Introductory Lakota II (COM) [SGR #4] Credits: 4
AIS 201 - Intermediate Lakota I (COM) [SGR #4] Credits: 3
AIS 202 - Intermediate Lakota II (COM) [SGR #4] Credits: 3
AIS 368 - History and Culture of the American Indian Credits: 3
AIS 445 - American Indian Literature Credits: 3
or AIS 447 - American Indian Literature of Present Credits: 3
AIS 462 - Formation of Federal Indian Policy Credits: 3
AIS 490 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 3 (Capstone)

Major Electives

Select nine credits from the following. Credits: 9

AIS 103 - American Indian Cultures and the Classroom Credits: 3
AIS 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (COM) [SGR #3] Credits: 3
AIS 238 - Native American Religions Credits: 3
AIS 256 - Literature of American West (COM) Credits: 3
AIS 362 - Indigenous Feminisms Credits: 3
AIS 400 - Education and Native Peoples (COM) Credits: 3
AIS 410 - North American Ethnology Credits: 3
AIS 421 - Indians of North America (COM) Credits: 3
AIS 445 - American Indian Literature Credits: 3
AIS 447 - American Indian Literature of Present Credits: 3
AIS 467 - Geography of the American Indian Credits: 3
AIS 491 - Independent Study (COM) Credits: 1-3
AIS 492 - Topics (COM) Credits: 1-3
AIS 496 - Field Experience (COM) Credits: 1-12

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120

Summary of Program Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
System General Education Requirements	30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements*	9+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements	38 Credit Hours
Electives**	49 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.