AN 280 - Native American Culture

1. Identify the rich cultural diversity present among Native American cultures past and present.
2. Explain the significance of environment on the nature of specific cultures.
3. Discuss the nature of cultural differences between various Native American peoples.
4. Discuss the impact of European-American settlement on Native American cultures both in the past and what it means for contemporary native peoples today.
5. Explain the theoretical tension between historical / contemporary approaches to the study of native culture and the importance of cultural resiliency.
6. Explain the theoretical tension between studying native culture from the perspective of uniformity and diversity.
7. Apply social and behavioral theory to explore their individual rights and responsibilities as part of a civil society by understanding the historical context surrounding contemporary problems faced in Native North America. (Cultural Competence 1)
8. Articulate how a Cultural Ecology theoretical perspective guides the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data used to investigate the relationship between native cultural forms and the environment. (Cultural Competence 2)
9. Comprehend how changing social conditions affect the behavior of individuals, the operation of societal institutions and/or the perception of social phenomena through the comparative study of specific Native American cultures used as case studies. (Critical Thinking 1)
10. Identify questions and hypotheses important to understanding social phenomena, individual behavior and/or the operation of societal institutions by exploring different ways to think about the study of Native cultures such as historical/contemporary or uniform/diverse. (Critical Thinking 2)
11. Apply social and human behavioral theory to understand alternative interpersonal or cultural perspectives by applying cultural relativism to understand the cultural practices of Native peoples from their perspective.

A. Resiliency Theory

B. Uniformity / Diversity Perspectives

C. Historical / Contemporary Perspectives

D. Cultural Ecology

II. Contemporary Issues

A. Deconstructing the “Indian” – Myths and Stereotypes

B. Inventing the “Indian” – Native Americans and Popular Culture

C. Traditional Ecological Knowledge

1. Indigenous Worldviews
2. Oral Histories
3. Senses of Place

D. Land Claims

E. Mascots

F. Boarding Schools and Assimilation

G. Management of Indian Lands

1. Corbell Settlement
2. Treaty Rights
3. Tribal Governments
4. Sovereignty Issues

H. Social Problems and Reservation Life

1. Alchololism
2. Suicide
3. Poverty

I. Native Peoples and Immigration

J. Gaming and Economic Development

III. Cultural Diversity of Native North America

A. Native Peoples of the Arctic

B. Native Peoples of the Sub-Arctic

C. Native Peoples of the Plateau

D. Native Peoples of the Northwest Coast

E. Native Peoples of the Great Basin

F. Native Peoples of the California

G. Native Peoples of the Southwest

H. Native Peoples of the Plains

I. Native Peoples of the Great Lakes

J. Native Peoples of the Northeast

K. Native Peoples of the Southeast

Facilitated Classroom Discussions: 15-20%

Collaborative Classroom Activities: 20-25%

Individual Writing Assignments emphasizing crticial thinking and application of theory: 10-15%

2. Classroom based activity that provides for either the application of anthropological theory or demonstrates methods related to the collection of data

1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend different cultural viewpoints for the purpose of problem solving around cross-cultural issues and the application of anthropological theories for recognizing appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.
2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, and touch to make correct judgments regarding course material. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course expectations. For example, anthropology courses employ the replication, use, and physical manipulation of material cultural artifacts related to human cultures. Likewise, anthropology courses utilize game based simulations to help students understand the operation of different cultural systems, which require physical movement around the classroom and interactions with other students.
3. Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students and faculty. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.
4. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to manage potential stressors that accompany tasks necessary to safely engage in the application of anthropological theory and the discussion of relevant topics. It is expected that students will have divergent opinions regarding cross-cultural perspectives and contemporary global issues. Students are expected to be able to discuss these potentially powerful topics in an objective, civil and respectful manner.  Some of the topics addressed in Anthropology courses include, but is not limited to: Violence [including ethnic and sex-based violence (i.e. rape, female infanticide, and genocide)], Sexuality, Gender, Race, Class, Religion, Politics, Ethnicity and Identity. These essential emotional and coping skills will take place on many different levels, including one to one interactions with peers and faculty, small group interactions, and whole class discussions.
5. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: Anthropology courses require the application of anthropological methods and theories to the collection, synthesis, and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative information and the ability to discern between objective and subjective perspectives. In addition, anthropology courses require the ability to apply anthropological methods and theories to explore and understand different cultural perspectives. To accomplish these tasks the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate relevant course information is necessary.
6. Other essential behavioral attributes: The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the study of Anthropology. This includes adherence to ethical guidelines governing the practice anthropology and adherence to all aspects of the GRCC student code of conduct.