Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor
Though only 1.9% of the US population, Native Americans have played and continue to play an important part in American society. Largely invisibilized by the foregrounding of other ethnic minority groups, Native Americans in the US struggle for recognition (federal, state, and local), for survival as cultural groups (cf. Ile de Jean Charles evacuation/resettlement), and for basic rights (legal protections, religious freedom, education, health services, and subsistence). Researchers at Tulane are actively involved with Native American tribes of Louisiana, working with them on issues of language and culture revitalization, displacement due to coastal erosion, health concerns and services, and equity issues. There are many courses at Tulane that deal with Native American culture, history, and languages. Through a structured introduction to these peoples and cultures, Tulane students can gain an appreciation for continuing contribution of these communities to the American story. Students will also have an opportunity to work closely with researchers collaborating with Native communities, learning as they contribute to projects bolstering indigenous lifeways.
Situated in Bvlbancha, "the place of other tongues", Tulane is committed to increasing diversity and engagement. Recognition of Native American presence, persistence and legacies (tangible and intangible) contributes to our educational mission.
Mission: To further understanding of indigenous peoples and the issues confronting their communities through engaged learning and research.
The Native American Studies minor requires five courses (15 Credits).
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 6 | |
| Choose two of the following | ||
| Native America: Introduction | ||
| Native American Language and Linguistics | ||
One archaeology course | ||
| Electives (Choose Three) from any of the lists below 1 | 9 | |
| Archaeology Course Offerings: | ||
| ANTH 3060 | Ethnology of South America | 3 |
| ANTH 3240 | Ancient Civilizations of Mesoamerica | 3 |
| ANTH 4120 | Conquest and Colonialism | 3 |
| ANTH 4130 | North American Prehistory | 3 |
| ANTH 4410 | Olmec and Maya Civilization | 3 |
| ANTH 6100 | South American Archaeology | 3 |
| ANTH 6130 | Southeastern U.S. Prehistory | 3 |
| Linguistic Electives: | ||
| ANTH 3535 | Native American Language and Linguistics | 3 |
| ANTH 4930 | Languages of Louisiana | 3,4 |
| ANTH 6700 | Spoken Nahuatl | 3 |
| ANTH 6800 | Spoken Yucatecan Maya | 3 |
| ANTH 6840 | Beginning Kaqchikel (Maya) Language | 3,4 |
| ANTH 6845 | Beginning K'iche' Language | 3 |
| ANTH 6850 | Intermediate K'iche' Language | 3 |
| ANTH 6855 | Advanced K'iche' Language | 3 |
| LING 3000 | Tunica La's Sleeping Language | 3 |
| Other electives: | ||
| ANTH 3570 | Indigenous Movements in Latin America | 3 |
| ANTH 3580 | The Politics of Fieldwork | 3 |
| ANTH 3710 | Historical Ecology of Amazonia | 3 |
| ANTH 6860 | Introduction to K’iche’ Culture | 3 |
| ANTH 6870 | Kaqchikel Maya Culture | 3 |
| ARHS 3700 | Art and Architecture of Ancient America | 3 |
| MUSC 4270 | Indigenous media and sound in Latin America | 3 |
| THEA 2750 | Native America on Stage and Screen | 3 |
- 1
Courses not listed above with 60% or more Native American content can be added to the student’s program by approval of the director.
Additional courses:
TIDE 1265 Indian Tribes on the Bayou (1 c.h.)This is a one credit TIDES course and does NOT count toward the minor, but may be taken during a student’s first semester as an introduction to indigenous cultures of Louisiana. Full title: TIDE 1265 Indian Tribes Down The Bayou: Native American Communities of Southeastern Louisiana.