Native Society: Past and Present (277-0-20)
Instructors
Beth Redbird
As a student, I hated math. Imagine my surprise, when I grew up to be a computational social science professor. It wasn't until I discovered statistics that I started to love numbers. Math is too often taught as though the mysteries of the universe were discovered long ago. In contrast, statistics is one large puzzle, an ever moving and changing enigma with no "right" or "wrong". There is no single way to solve this puzzle - and each method has unique strengths and weaknesses. Thus, the greatest scientists are those with the greatest imagination. This class is not your usual statistics course. Instead of presenting statistics beginning with the math, we begin with the mystery, learning the math along the way - not as the ultimate goal, but as a guidepost for unlocking life's unending hidden questions.
Meeting Info
Lutkin Hall: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
Provides an overview of the culture and history of Native groups and how these histories influence modern Native America. Explores the current economic and social experiences of Indians and tribes.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the challenges faced by Native populations in the U.S., with a focus on how contemporary Indian Law and policy has created modern Native inequality, and describe how Native populations have countered and transcended these challenges.
- Understand the history of Native populations in the U.S. with an emphasis on power and inequality, and examine how this history shapes contemporary relations and social and political issues.
- Critique existing sociological theories that seek to analyze and explain how Native populations have responded to political and economic institutional forces and cultural influences.
- Explore and reflect upon Native autonomy, resistance, revitalization, and the enduring spirit of America's first Nations.
- Understand the contributions Native society has made to the U.S. and the world, with an emphasis on the modern lived experience of Indigenous peoples.
Teaching Method
Lecture
Evaluation Method
Papers and final exam
Class Materials (Required)
All materials for this course will be made available on Canvas - no purchase necessary.
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Historical Studies Distro Area
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area