GOVT 6051

Being Native in the 21st Century: American Indian & Alaska Native Politics, History, and Policy

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

The course examines the historical political landscape of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States and the interplay between tribal interests, politics, and the federal government. The course also looks at contemporary Native issues, federal policy and programs, tribal governance, relations between Tribal Nations and states and between Tribal Nations and the federal government. Finally, the course will explore Indigenous pop-culture and its influence on federal policy.  Classes will all be in person and will be a mixture of lectures and discussion-based seminars. The majority of classes will have a guest lecturer related to that week's topic. Guest lectures will include, but not limited to, political appointees, congressional staff, political advocates, elected tribal leaders, and more.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Recommended prerequisite: GOVT 1111.

• This course will teach students the political science of Native American tribes and their interactions with the U.S. government, developing their skill in applying a disciplinary framework (Political Science) and gaining expertise in a specific policy area (Native American Policy).

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