HIS-206 North American Indian History and Cultures
This course introduces students to the historical and cultural experiences of the various indigenous populations of North America. Additionally, special emphasis will be given to a number of specific indigenous groups within the 10 cultural regions of North America as we examine this topic from a compassionate yet unromanticized historiographical and cultural perspective. In short, we will work from the premise that Native Americans were active participants in producing that past, both before and after the European contact as opposed to being solely victims of oppression; we do this in order to gain a greater appreciation for their rich and diverse history and cultural status today. Through the lens of anthropology and history, this course will discuss and examine the various native cultures of North America including their origins and cultural development through time; the underlying similarities and the wide range of variability within these native societies; the impact of European cultural systems on these groups, and finally, we examine Native American societies as they are today. This course carries SUNY General Education credit in World History & Global Awareness and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice.
Cross Listed Courses
ANT-206
Course Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of a broad outline of world history and the development of the distinctive features of at least one Native American culture in relation to other regions of the world.
- Analyze the role that complex networks of social structures and systems play in the creation and perpetuation of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, and opportunity as it relates to native and non-native interaction and describe the historical and contemporary societal factors that shape the development of individual and group identity involving race, class, and gender.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the structures, systems, and interrelationships among native populations within prehistoric, historic, and contemporary contexts as it relates to contact with other native and non-native groups in order to understand the impact on well-being and sustainability.
- Apply the principles of rights, access, equity, and autonomous participation to past, current, or future social justice action by discussing the nature of Native American cultural heritage within a non-indigenous framework (ex. treaties, boarding schools, casinos, etc.).