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Academic Year 2003/2004

Topics in Native Studies
AMST 260 FA
Crosslistings:
ANTH 261

This semester, the topic in Native Studies will be Sovereignty Politics. The course will survey selected historical moments, geographical and institution sites, cases and periods in order to explore the complexities of life for Native peoples in the United States-including American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians, Chamorros, and American Samoans. We will examine legal issues in relation to the recognition and assertion of collective rights; treaty rights, land title and claims, and variations of the federal trust relationship. Through a focus on contested issues of citizenship and self-governance, students will learn about self-determination, constitutional development, and indigenous politics vis-à-vis the states, the U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Supreme Court, the United Nations and the World Court. Films and guest lectures will complement the course readings.

MAJOR READINGS

Jo Carillo, Ed., READINGS IN AMERICAN INDIAN LAW
Troy R. Johnson, Ed., CONTEMPORARY NATIVE AMERICAN POLITICAL ISSUES
Francis Paul Prucha, Ed., DOCUMENTS OF UNITED STATES INDIAN POLICY
W. Dale Mason, INDIAN GAMING: TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY AND AMERICAN POLITICS
David E. Wilkens, AMERICAN INDIAN POLITICS AND THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
John M. Meyer and David Wilkens, AMERICAN INDIANS AND U.S. POLITICS: A COMPANION READER

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Students will be required to complete all course books and articles, a group project, homework assignments, and response papers that address the weekly readings. There will be an in-class mid-term exam and a take home final exam. Class evaluation will be based on class attendance, all assignments and participation (50%), a mid-term exam (20%), and the final exam (30%).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Outside of regular class time, students will be required to 1) go on a fieldtrip to the Mashantucket Museum and Research Center; and 2) attend an evening speakers' forum on the politics of federal recognition for tribes in Connecticut. Course Fee: $25

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS AMST    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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