ANS S101 *Introduction to Alaska Native Studies

3 credits (3+0)
GER. Course focus is on learning how to listen to indigenous voices. Students will learn about Alaska Native languages, cultures, histories, oratory, and philosophies. Students will discuss cultural groupings, current political and social issues, and the history of Alaska Native people. Emphasis will be placed on how Natives relate to the land, each other, religions, and state and federal governments. Covers major political landmarks, cultural language revitalizations, and the recent histories of ANCSA, subsistence, self-governance, and racism towards Alaska Native people.

ANS S240 Indigenous Oral Literature

3 credits (3+0)
This course examines Indigenous oral literature, with particular attention paid to Alaska Native oral literature and the historical and current methods of documenting and utilizing that content. Students will engage in translated oral texts and will discuss the incorporation of this material into fine arts, public education, and literary collections.

ANS S260 Alaska Native Organizations and Economies

3 credits (3+0)
This course examines the complexities of Alaska Native organizations and economies, including a history of their formation and both historical and current trends in economies and methods of acquiring and distributing resources. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between Tribes, Non-Profits, ANCSA based organization, consortia, and more. ANS S101 is recommended but not required.

ANS S320 Indigenous Sciences and Ways of Knowing: Selected Topics

3 credits (3+0)
Examines the relationship of Alaska Native people and the world around them during seasonal life cycles. Information covered in class will be combined with research and developed into a series of individual presentations, as well as journeys onto the land, and final group presentations. Course may be repeated for credit when content changes.

ANS S360 Introduction to Federal Indian Law

3 credits (3+0)
An introduction to Federal Indian Law from an Indigenous post-colonial perspective, with particular attention paid to colonial legal theories based upon racial and cultural superiority. Covers major federal laws, treaties, and court rulings that allowed for the development of the United States at the expense of Tribal land holdings, sovereignty, and rights to self-determination. ANS S101 is recommended but not required.

ANS S365 Indigenous Social Movements

3 credits (3+0)
Examines the formation of Indigenous social uprisings in North America, including relationships with Indigenous social movements in other colonized parts of the world. Examines methodologies of resistance and outreach developed and employed by Indigenous populations that have allowed them to survive centuries of genocide that then transformed to targeted and coordinated cultural and linguistic oppression. ANS S101 is recommended but not required.

ANS S391 Internship

ANS S460 ANCSA and Tribal Governance

3 credits (3+0)
Examines the complex history, implementation, and effects of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) - the largest land claims settlement in United States history. From early land claim efforts to the current state of Alaska Native corporations, tribes, subsidiaries and consortia, this class explores the interconnected web of modern Alaska Native organizations and how they are impacted by and influence federal, state, and Indian law in the United States and Alaska.
Prerequisite: ANS S101 or PS S101 or PS S102, or instructor permission.

ANS S491 Internship

ANS S492A Alaska Native Studies Internship Seminar

3 credits (3+0)
This academic portion of the Alaska Native Studies internship program provides a pre-orientation to the practical workings of the legislature and state government with special attention paid to issues and dynamics of interest to the Alaska Native community. The seminar focuses on assessing the relevance of academic literature to understanding legislative and governmental processes. Requires participation in an Alaska Native Studies internship.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor permission.

ANS S499 Indigenous Studies Capstone

3 credits (3+0)
This course is designed to provide a space for graduating scholars to discuss topics relevant to Indigenous Studies and decolonization work while reflecting on their academic endeavors and future opportunities. This course brings together scholars of Alaska Native Arts, Alaska Native Languages, and Alaska Native Governance to continue their focus on Indigenous excellence and social transformations that aim to eliminate systemic racism and structural exclusion. Students will collaborate on initiatives that create positive change, and will assemble a portfolio of their academic work. Pass/fail grading.
Prerequisite: Senior standing in the Indigenous Studies program.