American Indian Studies
AIS 101 Introduction to American Indian History and Cultures (3 crs)
Introduction to the different disciplinary perspectives available for the study of American Indian cultures, with an emphasis on history, anthropology, and law.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IIIG Social Science-Interdisciplinary Study, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 102 Introduction to American Indian Expressive Cultures (3 crs)
Introduction to a broad range of American Indian expressive cultures, from traditional to contemporary forms, in art, literature, oral traditions, music, and film.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IVE Humanities-Interdisciplinary Studies, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K4 Fine Arts, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 111 Studies in American Indian Languages I (4 crs)
Introduction to American Indian language families and concentrated study of one specific language within its cultural context, with emphasis on speaking and listening skills. (For specific languages, see current Class Schedule.)
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IA Communication-Language Arts
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 1
AIS 112 Studies in American Indian Languages II (4 crs)
Prerequisite: AIS 111
Continuation of American Indian Languages I, with additional attention paid to dialect diversity, and competing writing systems. (For specific languages, see current Class Schedule.)
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IA Communication-Language Arts
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 1
AIS 121 Beginning Ojibwe I (4 crs)
• Credit may not be earned in both FLG 121 and AIS 121 or LANG 121 and AIS 121. No credit if credit has been earned in AIS 111 when offered as Ojibwe I.
A foundation in spoken and written Ojibwe language, listening and reading comprehension, grammatical usage, and the cultural backgrounds and experiences of Ojibwe people.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IA Communication-Language Arts, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, LE-S1 Written and Oral Communication
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 4
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 122 Beginning Ojibwe II (4 crs)
Prerequisite: LANG 121/AIS 121
• Credit may not be earned in both FLG 122 and AIS 122 or LANG 122 and AIS 122. No credit if credit has been earned in AIS 112 when offered as Ojibwe II.
Continuation of Beginning Ojibwe I. Further developing elementary speaking, writing, and reading Ojibwe language skills.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IA Communication-Language Arts, LE-S1 Written and Oral Communication
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 4
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 142 Introduction to American Indian Literatures (3 crs)
Prerequisite: Not available for juniors or seniors.
• Credit may not be earned in both ENGL 142 and AIS 142 or if taken after ENGL 346 or AIS 346.
A study of the literatures by and about American Indians, with special attention to the cultural background.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IVD Humanities-Literature, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 160 Ojibwe Culture and History (3 crs)
Introduction to the culture of the Ojibwe people. Students will learn about Ojibwe history, philosophy, culture, and contemporary communities.
Attributes: LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 crs)
• Credit may not be earned in both ANTH 161 and AIS 161.
Culture as the human means of environmental adaptation. Explores cross-cultural regularities and the range of variation in human behavior. Comparison of widely different economic, social, political, and religious systems.
Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIIA Social Science-Anthropology, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R2 Global Perspectives
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 221 Intermediate Ojibwe I (4 crs)
Prerequisite: FLG 122/AIS 122 or LANG 122/AIS 122.
• Credit may not be earned in both LANG 221 and AIS 221.
Continuation of Beginning Ojibwe II. Build on speaking, listening, and reading skills. Learn techniques for using Ojibwe in everyday life.
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 4
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 222 Intermediate Ojibwe II (4 crs)
Prerequisite: LANG 221/AIS 221
• Credit may not be earned in both LANG 222 and AIS 222.
Continuation of Intermediate Ojibwe I. Focuses on developing skills necessary to aid language revitalization efforts.
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 4
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 240 American Indian History (3 crs)
• Credit may not be earned in both HIST 240 and AIS 240.
An introduction to the history of the native peoples of the United States with major emphasis upon European contact, the mutual interaction of European and American Indian cultures, and the resulting adaptations and conflicts.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IVC Humanities-History, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 242 The American Indian in Literature and Film (3 crs)
• Credit may not be earned in both ENGL 242 and AIS 242.
A critical, cultural examination of the origins and evolution of film images of American Indians; analysis based on study and application of film techniques as well as literary and historical textual analysis.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IVD Humanities-Literature, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 2
Lab/Studio Hours: 2
AIS 243 Introduction to Contemporary American Indian Communities (3 crs)
Prerequisite: No credit if taken after AIS 343.
Prepares students for intercultural immersion experiences through an introduction to American Indian cultural practices and key federal policies that have shaped contemporary societies.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE V University Wide, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 244 American Indian Literature of Healing (3 crs)
Introduction to Indigenous philosophies around illness and narratives of healing as we read and discuss a variety of American Indian literary forms: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and traditional Indigenous narratives. We will pay special attention to historical and cultural contexts that both predicate illness and indicate pathways to healing and balance within the self and the community.
Attributes: LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K4 Fine Arts, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 250 American Indian Politics (3 crs)
• Credit may not be earned in both POLS 250 and AIS 250.
The course will examine the recent trends in American Indian politics beginning with the American Indian Movement through the present. The course will include topics on tribal sovereignty, legalized gambling, and tribal government.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IIID Social Science-Political Science
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 257 Tribal Nation Governments (3 crs)
Introduces students to Tribal governments as they exist today, including governmental structure, common business practices, citizenship, jurisdiction and interaction with other governments. Addresses the impacts of government policies and legal decisions on Tribal governments.
Attributes: LE-K3 Humanities
Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 260 Chippewa Reserved Treaty Rights (3 crs)
This course is an in-depth study of the Chippewa treaties and addresses usufructuary rights and how treaties extend to issues such as pipelines and mining.
Attributes: LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 291 Special Topics (1-4 crs)
Topics will be determined by specific themes related to American Indian Studies by instructor and program director, and based upon student interest and need.
Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits
AIS 322 Native Geographies (3 crs)
• Credit may not be earned in both GEOG 322 and AIS 322.
The historical and contemporary relationships of American Indians to place, including land use and environmental issues, Indigenous mapping techniques, sacred sites, territorial nationhood, and legal rights to ceded and sovereign lands. The course also provides insight into the unique cultures of Indigenous peoples around the world.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IIIC Social Science-Geography, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-I1 Integration, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, Undergraduate/Graduate Offering, Field Trip(s) Required, Special Course Fee Required
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 324 Survey of North American Indian Art (3 crs)
Prerequisite: One AIS or ARTH or ART course or consent of instructor. Minimum sophomore standing.
• Credit may not be earned in both ARTH 324 and AIS 324.
A survey of North American Indian artwork in contemporary and historical contexts.
Attributes: Foreign Culture, Cultural Diversity 2 cr., GE IVA Humanities-Fine Arts, Field Trip(s) Required
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 330 Indigenous Religions of the Americas (3 crs)
Prerequisite: One course in RELS, PHIL, AIS, LAS, or consent of instructor.
• Credit may not be earned in both RELS 330 and AIS 330.
This course will introduce indigenous religions in the cultural contexts of Latin America and North American Indian nations. It will study historical religious development from Pre-Columbian, through colonial experience, to present day cultural movements.
Attributes: Foreign Culture, Cultural Diversity 2 cr., GE IVB Humanities-Philosophy/Religious Studies
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 335 Ancient Art and Architecture of Mexico and Central America (3 crs)
Prerequisite: One ART, ARTH, AIS, or LAS course, or consent of instructor.
• Credit may not be earned in both ARTH 335 and AIS 335.
A study of the art and architecture of ancient Mexico and Central America between 2000 BCE - 1600 CE. Focus is on the materials, techniques, styles, and iconography of the art and architecture in relation to the contexts of production, use, and reception.
Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IVA Humanities-Fine Arts, LE-K4 Fine Arts, Field Trip(s) Required
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 337 Art of Tawantinsuyo (3 crs)
• Credit may not be earned in both ARTH 337 and AIS 337.
A study of art created during the Inka Empire and the early Spanish Empire in western South America.
Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IVA Humanities-Fine Arts, LE-K4 Fine Arts, Field Trip(s) Required
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 343 Contemporary American Indian Communities (3 crs)
Preparation for future study in AIS and/or work in American Indian communities by providing skills to work with communities toward mutually beneficial goals. Learn challenges facing American Indian communities and successful initiatives combatting those challenges. Travel required.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IIIG Social Science-Interdisciplinary Study, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, LE-R3 Civic and Environmental Issues, Undergraduate/Graduate Offering, Field Trip(s) Required, Special Course Fee Required
Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
Seminar Hours: 3
AIS 344 Traditional Ojibwe Stories (3 crs)
Students study Ojibwe stories, including the various ways those stories have been appropriated by outsiders, and learn ways to support Indigenous cultural revitalization.
Attributes: LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 345 American Indian Autobiography (3 crs)
Prerequisite: Three credits of Engl Lit (GE-IVD) or one of the following: AIS 101, AIS 102, AIS 111, AIS 112, AIS 480, AIS 240 or HIST 240, AIS 250 or POLS 250, AIS 324 or ARTH 324, AIS 325 or ANTH 325, AIS 368 or HIST 368, AIS 369 or HIST 369 or consent of instructor
• Credit may not be earned in both ENGL 345 and AIS 345.
Explores evolving forms and political implications of the creation and production of American Indian autobiographies and collaborative personal narratives.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IVD Humanities-Literature
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 346 Major Works in American Indian Literature (3 crs)
Prerequisite: Three credits of English Literature (GE-IVD) or one of the following: AIS 101, AIS 102, AIS 111, AIS 112, AIS 480, AIS 240/HIST 240, AIS 250/POLS 250, AIS 324/ARTH 324, AIS 325/ANTH 325, AIS 368/HIST 368, AIS 369/HIST 369 or consent of instructor
• Credit may not be earned in both ENGL 346 and AIS 346.
Major and supporting works of American Indian literature, from oral and written sources.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IVD Humanities-Literature
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 368 Studies in American Indian History (3 crs)
Prerequisite: Six credits of history, or junior standing, or consent of instructor.
• Course may be repeated when topic differs for a maximum of nine credits. Consult Class Schedule or department office for current offering.
Selected topics depending on student and staff interests. Possible topics include the history of Wisconsin Indians and American Indians in the twentieth century.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity Variable, GE IVC Humanities-History, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, Undergraduate/Graduate Offering
Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 369 Wisconsin Indian History (3 crs)
Prerequisite: Six credits of history, or junior standing, or consent of instructor.
• Credit may not be earned in both HIST 369 and AIS 369.
Study of American Indian communities in Wisconsin with emphasis on the mix of continuity and change in response to outside forces.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IVC Humanities-History, Undergraduate/Graduate Offering
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 395 Directed Studies (1-3 crs)
Prerequisite: Limited to American Indian Studies majors and minors.
Consent: Department Consent Required
Study of problem or topic related to American Indian Studies.
Attributes: Undergraduate/Graduate Offering
Repeat: Course may be repeated
AIS 399 Independent Study (1-3 crs)
Prerequisite: Limited to American Indian Studies majors and minors. Minimum sophomore standing. Major GPA of 3.00 required
Consent: Department Consent Required
Original individual research or studies related to American Indian Studies.
Repeat: Course may be repeated
AIS 444 Indigenous Theory and Methodologies (3 crs)
Prerequisite: One course in AIS or one course in LAS or ES 385 or ENGL 368 or HMNG 101 or HMNG 102 or HUMS 110 or consent of instructor
• Field trips recommended.
Introduction to Indigenous theory and methods of critical practice within the discipline. Emphasis on active research and critical analysis of current texts, discussions, and issues within Indigenous scholarship.
Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., Undergraduate/Graduate Offering
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
Seminar Hours: 3
AIS 480 Capstone (3 crs)
Prerequisite: AIS 101, AIS 102, AIS 343, and AIS 444. Limited to American Indian Studies majors and minors. Minimum junior standing.
Consent: Department Consent Required
The capstone course asks a student to integrate previous learning in American Indian Studies to produce a major research project or creative activity within a seminar format. Some travel to an American Indian community is likely.
Attributes: Service-Learning, Full 30 Hours, Capstone Course
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 491 Special Topics (1-3 crs)
Topics will be determined by specific themes related to American Indian Studies by instructor and program director, and based upon student interest and need. Possible topics include treaty rights conflicts, tribal sovereignty, Indian mascots and logos, and studies in American Indian authors.
Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits
AIS 498 Internship (1-3 crs)
Prerequisite: 24 credits in American Indian Studies. Limited to American Indian Studies majors.
Consent: Department Consent Required
Supervised assignment outside of the University to health or education institutions or agencies, to American Indian communities, to research institutions, to museums, cultural institutions, or other determined by supervising instructor.
Attributes: Service-Learning, Full 30 Hours, Internship
AIS 499 Independent Study (1-3 crs)
Prerequisite: Limited to American Indian Studies majors and minors. Minimum senior standing. Required GPA of 3.00 within the major.
Consent: Department Consent Required
Original individual research or studies related to American Indian Studies.
Attributes: Undergraduate/Graduate Offering
Repeat: Course may be repeated
AIS 522 Native Geographies (3 crs)
• Dual-listed with GEOG/AIS 322. Cross-listed with GEOG/AIS 522. Credit may only be earned in one of these courses.
The historical and contemporary relationships of American Indians to place, including land use and environmental issues, Indigenous mapping techniques, sacred sites, territorial nationhood, and legal rights to ceded and sovereign lands. The course also provides insight into the unique cultures of Indigenous peoples around the world.
Attributes: Field Trip(s) Required, Special Course Fee Required
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 543 Contemporary American Indian Communities (3 crs)
• Dual-listed with AIS 343. Credit may not be earned in both courses.
Preparation for future study in AIS and/or work in American Indian communities by providing skills to work with communities toward mutually beneficial goals. Learn challenges facing American Indian communities and successful initiatives combatting those challenges. Travel required.
Attributes: Special Course Fee Required
Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
Seminar Hours: 3
AIS 568 Studies in American Indian History (3 crs)
• Dual-listed with AIS/HIST 368/568. Course may be repeated when topic differs for a maximum of nine credits. Consult Class Schedule or department office for current offering.
Selected topics depending on student and staff interests. Possible topics include the history of Wisconsin Indians and American Indians in the twentieth century.
Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 569 Wisconsin Indian History (3 crs)
• Dual-listed with AIS/HIST 369/569. Credit may only be earned in one of these courses.
Study of American Indian communities in Wisconsin with emphasis on the mix of continuity and change in response to outside forces.
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3
Lab/Studio Hours: 0
AIS 595 Directed Studies (1-3 crs)
Consent: Department Consent Required
• Dual-listed with AIS 395.
Study of problem or topic related to American Indian Studies.
Repeat: Course may be repeated
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
AIS 644 Indigenous Theory and Methodologies (3 crs)
Prerequisite: One course in AIS or one course in LAS or ES 385 or ENGL 368 or HMNG 101 or HMNG 102 or HUMS 110 or consent of instructor
•Dual-listed with AIS 444. Credit may not be earned in both courses. Field trips recommended.
Introduction to Indigenous theory and methods of critical practice within the discipline. Emphasis on active research and critical analysis of current texts, discussions, and issues within Indigenous scholarship.
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option
Seminar Hours: 3
AIS 699 Independent Study (1-3 crs)
Consent: Department Consent Required
•Dual-listed with AIS 499.
Original individual research or studies related to American Indian Studies.
Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option