American Indian Studies

Program requirements

Minor: 24 credits

Financial aid

The Indian Scholarship Program is offered by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, often in cooperation with state education departments, for individuals of American Indian descent who meet eligibility requirements. These grants may cover up to full demonstrated need. Inquiries should be addressed to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office nearest you, or to the state office having program jurisdiction.

Students may also qualify for the Minnesota Indian Scholarship or other scholarships for American Indian students. Students should also consult their respective tribe for possible tribal scholarships.

Career outlook

American Indian graduates are currently employed in a variety of fields. including:

• Education: Teaching in nursing programs, Indian studies and at elementary and secondary schools
• Administration: Directors of health care programs, tribal leaders
• Health care service providers: Reservation, Indian health service and other healthcare providers
• Social work: Reservation, school and county social services

Recognition

The College of St. Scholastica was one of just five Minnesota colleges named on the list of Top 200 Colleges for Native Americans by Winds of Change magazine.

Sample curriculum

Here are some classes you could take as part of this minor. Please note that you would not necessarily need all of these courses to fulfill a minor. This list doesn't include general education courses. Be sure to create your course plan in consultation with your advisor.

Coursework  INS 2201 - American Indian History I Political, economic, social and cultural development of the American Indian from precontact through conquest.  INS 2202 - American Indian History II Political, economic, social and cultural development of the American Indian from conquest to the present.  INS 2203 - American Indian Literature Myths, legends, stories from Indian folk literature, as well as American Indian novels and contemporary fiction by American Indian authors.  INS 2204 - American Indian Art and Music Meaning and development of American Indian art forms. Expressions in symbolic form of Indian philosophy and religion are presented. A study of the traditional and contemporary forms of American Indian music including local and alternative music is included.  INS 3301 - American Indian Philosophy Philosophy and religious systems, shamanistic and priesthood societies, reversion and amalgamation religions, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, philosophy and social movements.  INS 3308 - Ojibwe History History and culture of the Ojibwe people.  INS 3320 - American Indian Women: Myth/Rl Issues of early American Indian/white relations, spirituality and religion, economic roles, policy, cultural persistence, land tenure, socialization and property rights, and the role of mothers from the Indian female perspective.  INS 4401 - American Indian Law & Policy American Indian traditional and contemporary governments, legal-political status, changing codes and statutes and social policy issues.