American Indian Studies, Certificate

(Code 530-601)

The American Indian Studies certificate is a stand-alone credential which can enhance all students' majors and minors. It is designed for students with an interest in American Indian Studies but are unable to complete a major or minor in American Indian Studies. The certificate is of particular value to health care professionals; educators; social workers; and business managers and administrators in tribal enterprises. In addition to personal growth in cultural competency, this certificate will provide students from all backgrounds with the fundamental knowledge and skills for various career paths that connect with Indigenous or diverse populations.

Eighteen semester credits, six credits must be 300-level or higher, including:
AIS 101Introduction to American Indian History and Cultures3
AIS 102Introduction to American Indian Expressive Cultures3
AIS 243Introduction to Contemporary American Indian Communities3
Remaining credits selected from:
Studies in American Indian Languages I 1
Studies in American Indian Languages II 1
Beginning Ojibwe I 1
Beginning Ojibwe II 1
Introduction to American Indian Literatures
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
American Indian History
The American Indian in Literature and Film
American Indian Literature of Healing
Tribal Nation Governments
American Indian Politics
Chippewa Reserved Treaty Rights
Special Topics
Native Geographies
Survey of North American Indian Art
Indigenous Religions of the Americas
Ancient Art and Architecture of Mexico and Central America
Art of Tawantinsuyo
Contemporary American Indian Communities
American Indian Autobiography
Major Works in American Indian Literature
Studies in American Indian History
Wisconsin Indian History
Directed Studies
Independent Study
Indigenous Theory and Methodologies
Capstone
Special Topics
Internship
Independent Study
1

A maximum of one language course can count to the certificate.

Note:  A maximum of six credits may be applied to both the student's major and the certificate program. 

 Program Learning Outcomes 

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Define and apply the concept of tribal sovereignty in contemporary America; the ability to do so is particularly necessary where there are jurisdictional issues at hand such as within criminal justice as it is necessary to understand the differences between state, tribal, and federal jurisdiction.
  • Explain the status of federally recognized tribes in relation to federal, state, and local governments, as well as private enterprise.
  • Identify examples of stereotypes and issues of cultural appropriation/exploitation of Indigenous people.