Program Learning Outcomes

Native American Studies

Critical Thinking

• Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret data in both lower-division and upper-division Native American Studies (NAS) courses.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop conclusions from multiple sources.

Communication Skills

• In all NAS GE courses, the students will demonstrate the ability to clearly and effectively write about the experiences of Native American peoples. This includes indigenous populations in North American (the U.S. and Canada), Mexico and Central America, and South America since NAS emphasizes a Western Hemispheric approach to the study of indigenous peoples. The subject matter also includes how indigenous people identify and organize themselves in a number of ways: tribal identification, intertribal identities and organizations, and even globally (the Fourth World concept).
• Students enrolled in NAS courses will demonstrate the ability to engage in critical dialogue and debate regarding various aspects of NAS.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively in in-class group activities.

Research Skills

• The students will demonstrate familiarity with research trends and new directions in Native American Studies.
• The students demonstrate knowledge of qualitative research methods.

Content Mastery

• Explain various concepts commonly used in the discipline of Native American Studies, including the concept of tribal sovereignty.
• Understand the historical development of tribal governments and the current functions of those governments at the current time.
• Understand and appreciate the roles of art, culture, history, literature, and politics in the development of the tribal world that relate to contemporary Native American issues.
• Recognize stereotypes about Native Americans and explain how and why these images became popular over the years.
• Understand historical experiences and contemporary issues in the U.S. as well as the larger Western Hemisphere.

2012