Course Descriptions

Native American Studies
LA 836, (406) 657-2311

* NAMS 181 Introduction to Native American Studies 3 cr.  Covers the scope and concepts of American Indian Studies.  Provides a general overview of Indian culture, sociology, values, and history from both a national and regional perspective.  Considers the interaction between Indian and non-Indian cultures.

NAMS 200 Montana Tribal Groups 3 cr.  Provides a description and analysis of Montana tribes including tribal oral traditions, rock art, intercultural relations, culture change, the impact of Euro-American exploration, the fur trade, and early Westward expansion.  Attention is given to the Indian wars, development of the reservation system, persistence and revival of Indian culture, civil rights, and urbanization.

* NAMS 211 Social Issues of the Native American 3 cr.  Analytical and evaluative examination of the sociology of Native Americans.  Emphasis on the issues raised by the interface of the Native American culture and values with the majority cultures of the United States, including problem areas such as alcoholism, alienation, education, health, crime, and intercultural relations.

NAMS 292 Seminar V 1-3 cr.  Provides freshmen and sophomores an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Native American Studies.

NAMS 293 Workshop V 1-3 cr.  Provides an opportunity for experimental study in an area of Native American Studies.

NAMS 296 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr.  Provides university credit for a sophomore work experience in the area of Native American Studies supervised by faculty.  Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).

NAMS 303/LIT 305 Literature of the American Indian
[formerly NAMS/ENGL 303 Literature of the American Indian]
3 cr. Prerequisite: at least one lower division course in English or Native American Studies, or permission of the instructor.  Includes fictional and non-fictional oral, written, and visual literature pertaining to Native Americans and created by Indians and non- Indians including traditional literature such as legends, myths, teaching stories, humor, songs, orations, dramas, captivity accounts, sign language, winter counts, and hide paintings; contemporary literature such as poetry, songs, short stories, novels, humor, newspapers, theatricals, movies, television, and picture books; and translation, interpretation, and criticism, with insight drawn from Indian cultural traditions, the humanities, and the social sciences.

NAMS 314/PSCI 376 The Indian and the Law
[formerly NAMS/POLS 314 The Indian and the Law]
(WR) 3 cr.  Covers the development of federal, state, and tribal statutes dealing with Native Americans; judicial decisions that have significant input on the legal status of Indian tribes and individuals; and federal agency policy which constitutes administrative law for tribes.  Discusses the impact of Western European and United States jurisprudence on the history and culture of the Indian.

NAMS 351 Native Americans and the Environment 3 cr.  Examines traditional beliefs and attitudes of Native Americans with respect to the natural environment as expressed in speeches, stories, and prayer.  Surveys traditional techniques and uses of land, plants, and animals.  Contemporary environmental issues and actions confronting American Indians are also analyzed.

NAMS 385/PSYX 387 Native American Psychology
[formerly NAMS/PSYC 385 Native American Psychology]
3 cr. Prerequisite: PSYX 100 or consent of instructor.  Considers the values, feelings, and behaviors of Native Americans today with an emphasis on becoming aware of the many psychological factors influencing their reactions to themselves and society.

NAMS/PHIL 413 Native American Philosophies and Religions 3 cr. Prerequisite: at least one lower division course in Religion, Philosophy, or Native American Studies, or permission of instructor.  Covers Native American philosophies and religions, including basic types and elements of traditional beliefs, ceremonies, holy objects, practitioners, visions, and world views; influence of Christianity through missionaries, federal Indian policy, nativistic movements, and syncretism; and contemporary perspectives such as the Native American Church, Sun Dance, God is Red theology, and revitalization.  Special attention is paid to selected Indian tribes.

NAMS/ART 439 Survey of American Indian Art 3 cr.  Presents an overview and analysis of Native American art forms, techniques, and traditions.  Background and interpretation of traditional and contemporary styles and symbols important to both tribal and individual expression.  Includes discussion of tribal arts and crafts associations, markets and exhibitions, and federal laws.

NAMS 490 Native American Studies Internship V 1-12 cr. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and consent of chairperson of department.  Provides outstanding students an individual opportunity to explore material not covered by regular Native American Studies courses.  No more than 6 hours may be counted toward a Native American Studies minor.

NAMS 491 Independent Study V 1-5 cr.  Provides an opportunity for students of superior academic standing to explore material not covered by the regular courses.

NAMS 492 Seminar V 1-3 cr.  Provides advanced students an opportunity to investigate intensively topics pertinent to the field of Native American Studies.

NAMS 493 Workshop V 1-3 cr.  Provides an opportunity for experimental study in an area of Native American Studies.

NAMS 495/PSCI 419 Federal Indian Policy
[formerly NAMS/POLS 495 Federal Indian Policy]
3 cr. Prerequisites: NAMS 181 or NAMS 211.  Explores the development of the United States’ federal Indian policy from colonial times to the present.  Follows the evolution of federal Indian policy as a result of tensions between assimilation and separation forces in general and of other legal, political, economic and social forces acting in the United States.  Explores how contemporary American Indians fit into the American political system.

NAMS 496 Cooperative Education/Internship V 1-9 cr.  Provides university credit for a work experience in the area of Native American Studies supervised by faculty.  Learning agreement must be completed prior to registration (restricted).