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North American Indians

AIST/ANTH 329  Learning Outcomes

 

Course Learning Outcomes:  Several learning outcomes are sought in this course, each of which is linked to the appropriate Learning Outcomes of the American Indian Studies Program, the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Justice Studies, and the University of Idaho.  Not all AIST, Departmental and University Learning Outcomes will be addressed in this course.

A.  Three primary learning outcomes:

  1. The first primary outcome of this course is to allow you to gain a heightened understanding of and appreciation for Indian Peoples, their sovereign status, along with their cultural, spiritual, aesthetic, literary, philosophical, social/family, political, and economic/subsistence expressions, and, as well as the diversity of those expressions within the contemporary world.  Each tribal community is to be appreciated for its uniqueness and individuality.  

  2. The second primary outcome is dual-fold.  By juxtaposing that which is culturally distinct along side that which is immediate though often veiled, the contours of the landscape of one’s own culture and world view become clearer.  You will gain a heightened understanding of your own unique cultural traditions and world view, as well as realize the common threads of our shared humanity, transcending the cultural differences between Indian and non-Indian communities, and between Indian communities.  

  3. The third primary outcome is to have you explore within yourself and articulate how you are going apply the knowledge and skills gained from your major field of study and this course to "make a difference" and provide a positive contribution to the quality of life of others within your own family and community.  

B. Six specific learning outcomes:

  1. You will gain an appreciation of the central role the oral traditions and the First Peoples play in creating and maintaining all aspects of the traditional Indian world, as expressed in art and architecture, in ceremonial life, in social and family life, and in hunting and fishing relations with the Animal Peoples.  

  2. As contact with Euro-American culture has had an critical impact on Indians society, you will gain an appreciation of the history of Indian-white relations and the colonialization of Indians.  

  3. As you are attempting to understand a world view distinct from Euro-American culture, you will gain an awareness of the epistemological and pedagogical issues associated with Indian "knowing" and "education."  

  4. In attempting to understand American Indian world view, as well as attempt to apply what you have learned from this course, you will be introduced to the value of an interdisciplinary approach, and will be able to apply the tools of an interdisciplinary approach outside this course.  Among the disciplinary approaches relied upon are American Indian Studies, Anthropology, History, Law, Literature,  Sociology, and Political Science.  

  5. In our ethnically diverse society and culturally pluralistic world it is critical that we develop a tolerance of and respect for the varied world views of other cultures and peoples. An understanding of the Indian world view is an essential first step in facilitating an heightened ability for Indian-white communication, cooperation and collaboration.  

  6. In acknowledging the sovereignty of each Indian Tribe, an appreciation of the ethical considerations associated with intellectual and cultural property rights will be gained. When Indian culture and history are presented in an academic classroom or in any public forum, and to help assure the "authenticity" and "appropriateness" of what is considered most cherished by Indian peoples, a collaboration between the instructor and tribal representatives should occur.  

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Course Syllabus

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