Time Schedule:
Mary C Wright
AIS 271
Seattle Campus
Examines societies of the Columbia and Fraser River Plateau and Great Basin, including social structures and relations, subsistence strategies, belief systems, and changes over time, both before and after non-Natives' arrival.
Class description
Autumn 2012 we will bookend an exploration of Plateau culture, social-economic-political structure during the 19th century's early contact years, beginning with a reading of selected oral traditions and ending with the salmon fishing & water rights court victories of the late 20th & early 21st centuries.
Student learning goals
Increase student's knowledge and understanding of Tribal sovereignty, as well as the history, culture and peoples of the Pacific NW Plateau region and the tribes relations with Euro American colonists/culture.
Increase student's critical thinking skills regarding Native cultural, social, economic, and political issues of importance to the Plateau area.
Increase student's oral and written communication skills through class assignments and discussions
General method of instruction
Lecture-discussion with occasional speakers, films, museum visits and/or hands-on experiences
Recommended preparation
Recommended Introductory course in American Indian Studies, or AIS 201 (Ethno-history), AIS 202 (Contemporary Issues), AIS 203 (Native Aesthetic Universe)
Class assignments and grading
no papers
10% class participation 30% first midterm essay exam (covering oral traditions) 30% second midterm essay exam (covering 19th culture) 30% final essay exam (covering salmon fishing & water rights)
