Learning Outcomes

Native American & Indigenous Studies Program

The University of Wyoming's Native American & Indigenous Studies Program strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in our academic, student support, and outreach activities. We are committed to demonstrating respect for the rights and opinions of all people. Our commitment is supported by the policies of the University of Wyoming.

Undergraduate Minor Learning Outcomes

The Native American & Indigenous studies minor degree is comprised of an 18 credit hours course of study that examines Native North American cultural and social life from historical and contemporary perspectives. It is expected that students completing an undergraduate minor degree in NAIS studies will be able to:

• Explain the concept of tribal sovereignty and how tribal sovereignty is both restricted and acknowledged by the federal trust relationship and by relationships with the states
• Understand the development of modern tribal governments and their functions and importance in contemporary society
• Understand and appreciate the roles of history, culture, and politics in the development of tribal world views that relate to modern life and contemporary issues of concern for Native American peoples
• Identify historical, cultural, and political diversity and significance in Native oral traditions and written literatures
• Recognize stereotypes about Native American peoples and explain why these stereotypes were created and why they are sustained in modern society
• Understand historical experiences and contemporary issues in North America from the perspective of Native American peoples

Undergraduate Major Learning Outcomes

In addition to the skills acquired by students who earn an undergraduate minor degree in Native American & Indigenous studies, students working toward a B.A. in NAIS studies will study tribal governance, literature, history, environment and natural resource management, ways of knowing, and indigenous languages. Inherent in this degree's curriculum and related activities is the expectation that students and faculty will assume an active role in working with and for Indigenous communities.

Graduate Minor Degree Learning Outcomes

Graduate minor degree learning outcomes include the ability of the students to:

• Make apparent in masters'-level research the interdisciplinary connections between Native American studies and the primary field of graduate study
• Integrate NAIS studies research methods with the research methods used in the primary field of graduate study
• Demonstrate in writing the ability to understand a variety of subjects from a tribal perspective