About the Minor in Native American Studies

The minor in Native American Studies introduces you to an important area of study which until recently, was not especially visible on American college campuses: the religious, historical, political, and aesthetic dimensions of the lives of indigenous peoples of the Americas from the earliest cultures to the present. Archaeological evidence for the Native American presence extends back 11,000 years or more. The very nature of the records suggest that the study of these complex societies will be rooted in the archaeological and anthropological evidence. The interdisciplinary training of the faculty teaching courses in this area of study, gives you the chance to approach a closely integrated body of literature and knowledge from diverse perspectives. Being located in the heart of Haudenosaunee country, (Haudenosaunee is the Iroquoian term for "people of the longhouse") makes Syracuse University an ideal setting for promoting cross cultural dialogue and work on issues of concern to Native Americans. In electing this minor, you develop a curriculum with the help of the Director of Native American Studies. Your decisions about your minor will reflect your own interests and plans. Native American Studies is open to all students at the University.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Richard R. Loder, Director
Native American Studies Program
College of Arts and Sciences
314 Tolley Hall,
Syracuse University
Syracuse , New York 13244 .
[rrloder@maxwell.syr.edu]

Minor Requirements

Eighteen credit hours from at least two different departments are required for the minor. Twelve of the 18 credit hours must be from courses numbered above 299.

Typical Courses

Examples of available courses leading to a minor in Native American studies could include but are not limited to:

• Archeology of North America
• Contemporary Experience in Native North America
• Contemporary Native American Fiction
• Contemporary Native American Film
• Early American History: From Invasion to Empire, 1607-1697
• Ethnic Literary Traditions-Native American Literature
• Foundations of Federal Indian Policy and Native American Identity
• Haudenosaunee Languages and Culture
• Indigenous Religions
• Land and Culture: Native America Perspectives on the Environment
• Museums and Native Americans
• Native American Movements
• Native American Religion
• Native North American Art
• Peoples and Cultures of Native North America
• Public Policy and Archaeology
• Religion and the Conquest of America
• Religion and American Consumerism
• Representations of Indigenous Peoples in Popular Culture

Other topical courses may apply when content is appropriate and the Director of Native American Studies has given approval.