American Indian Studies (AIS) is an interdisciplinary academic department offering coursework committed to broadening knowledge of the worldview, histories, languages, literature, cultures, arts, and contemporary experiences of American Indian nations and peoples. As American Indian nations maintain a distinct political relationship with the federal government rooted in historical treaties, congressional laws, and executive orders, AIS promotes awareness for and understanding of tribal sovereignty and self-determination. AIS strives to protect the integrity and identity of the indigenous population of North America and to create an intellectual learning environment conducive to critical and creative thought.
A degree in American Indian Studies is designed to give students a broad background while allowing concentrated study in an area(s) of interest. The program includes study in Ojibwe language, historical and contemporary foundations, politics and law, art and literature, and societies and cultures. Majors and minors develop skills in analytical and critical thinking, as well as verbal and written communication. They acquire knowledge of historical and contemporary American Indian experiences, cultures, and (inter)governmental affairs.
Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of professional fields, including social services, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, tribal, local, state or federal government, criminal and social justice fields, tribal economic development, as well as business and management. In addition, some graduates pursue advanced degrees in law, health, business, social work, education, museum studies, and fine arts.
The program is supported by dedicated, knowledgeable faculty actively producing scholarship and research that influences the field today.
For detailed degree requirement information, consult the AIS major's catalog listing. For information and to apply, visit UMD Admissions.
For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call or text 218 316 7332.
"The coursework in American Indian Studies at UMD allowed me to explore my interests while building key skills like critical thinking and analysis, which provided me with a solid foundation for law school." – Joy Parker (Abenaki), 2018
Program Learning Outcomes
- summarize and analyze American Indian governance, sovereignty, and related law and policy emanating from tribal, settler, and international frameworks.
- articulate interdisciplinary appreciation of American Indian arts and literatures as expressions of American Indian culture, history, language, politics, and worldviews.
- explain the role of Native languages and cultures at the foundation of American Indian societies and worldviews.
- communicate through effective writing and interactive dialogue.
- trace the the past, present, and futures of American Indian peoples and of American Indian studies as a scholarly and professional terrain with broad applicability and relevance.
More Information
Requirements
Core Requirements (12 Cr.)
- AMIN 1001 - Introduction to American Indian Studies (3 Cr.) [Cultural Diversity]
- AMIN 1010 - American Indian Experience to 1900 (3 Cr.) [Cultural Diversity]
- AMIN 1020 - American Indian Experiences: 1900-present (3 Cr.) [Cultural Diversity, Humanities]
- Take 3 credit(s) from the following:
- AMIN 3997 - Internship in American Indian Studies (3 Cr.)
- AMIN 4990 - Directed Research in American Indian Studies (3 Cr.)
Subject Area Electives (24 Cr.)
One course from four of the five subject areas is required, a minimum of nine AMIN credits must be at the 3xxx-4xxx level and one course from the optional elective area (see course catalog) may apply to the 24 credit total. AMIN 3997 and 4990 do not count toward this requirement.
The five subject areas are:
- Language
- Politics and Law
- Art and Literature
- Tribal Administration
- Societies and Cultures
Sample Courses
- AMIN 2015 - Ojibwe History and Modern Culture (3 Cr.) [Sustainability]
- AMIN 3444 - Traditional Ecological Knowledge Systems (3 Cr.)
- AMIN 4230 - Introduction to Federal Indian Law (3 Cr.) [Cultural Diversity, Social Sciences]
- AMIN 4640 - American Indians in the Movies (3 Cr.) [Cultural Diversity, Humanities]
- AMIN 4840 - Current Issues and Opportunities in Tribal Administration and Governance
Departmental Honors
Requirements: Students must have a 3.75 GPA in the major.