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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Mary C Wright
AIS 230
Seattle Campus

Contemporary Indian Gaming and Casinos

Overview of the contemporary $18.5 billion Indian Tribal gaming industry (with a focus on the Pacific Northwest), which is heavily regulated, is an economic engine for non-Indian communities, and funds economic, social and cultural revitalization of Indian Reservations, yet often generates intense political discussions. Offered: .W.

Class description

An overview of traditional Indian games & gambling will begin the class, followed by a historic look at the development of late 20th century tribal gaming from Seminole bingo to the Cabazon v. California court decision to the 1988 federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. A special focus will be given to Pacific NW (especially Washington) tribal casinos, plus regulatory agencies & their policies and current issues.

Student learning goals

1. Gain knowledge of how tribal sovereignty impacts this economic endeavor, political issue, and current events.

2. Develop critical thinking skills regarding Tribal gaming operations and media coverage of them.

3. Oral and written communication skills will be practiced and enhanced in class discussions, assignments and exams.

4. Citizenship responsibilities will be stressed as many of the issues of the class apply to real-world situations which call for political and social engagement.

General method of instruction

Lecture, discussion, films, and guest speakers

Recommended preparation

AIS 101, 201, 202, 203 helpful.

Class assignments and grading

Three midterm exams, a final exam and 5-7 page paper.

10% Class participation 45% midterm exams (3) 30% Final exam 15% written work


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Additional Information
Last Update by Mary C Wright
Date: 02/19/2009