First Nations Studies
(Bachelor of Arts)
First Nations Studies reflects the holistic worldview of the indigenous people of Turtle Island (North America). First Nations Studies is committed to the study of First Nations culture, philosophy, history, language, and the social, economic, and political status of indigenous people and their communities. The program is designed to preserve and promote the identity and sovereign status of indigenous people through the study and practice of decolonization. The program places particular emphasis on the nations in our region, the Western Great Lakes.
First Nations Studies incorporates the teaching and learning approaches of tribal people, offering students a new way to learn within the academy. The program places emphasis on the oral tradition of First Nations people as preserved and shared by tribal Elders. Students take part in oral traditional learning experiences within the university classroom and, also, in tribal communities learning from tribal people. First Nations Studies teaching and learning is centered on the four areas of learning in the tribal world – history, culture, sovereignty, laws and policies, and indigenous philosophy.
The program is of interest to both American Indian and non-Indian students who wish to learn more about the traditional cultures and knowledge of indigenous people as well as the changes experienced by First Nations as a result of Euro-American contact.
The program offers a major and a minor. The minor strengthens numerous degrees including those in Business, History, Education, Social Work, Psychology, and the natural and social sciences. The degrees prepare students to live and work in an increasingly diverse community and also equip students with skills to work collaboratively and effectively with tribal governments and businesses.
The following is a curriculum guide for a four-year First Nations Studies degree program and is subject to change without notice. Students should consult a First Nations Studies program advisor to ensure that they have the most accurate and up-to-date information available about a particular four-year degree option.
John P Leary; Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison
Lisa M Poupart; Associate Professor; Ph.D., Arizona State University, chair
Forrest W Brooks; Lecturer; M.S., University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Courses
FNS 198. First Year Seminar. 3 Credits.
Reserved for New Incoming Freshman.
FNS 210. American Indians In Film. 3 Credits.
This course examines how Hollywood films both construct and appropriate images of American Indians. Students will view films beginning with the silent film era and ending with contemporary movies while exploring and challenging common stereotypes of Native people.
FNS 211. Mentoring First Nations Youth. 3 Credits.
In this is a service learning course that places college students in the field in K-8 classrooms as mentors and tutors to First Nations children. The course teaches skills and dispositions to work with children, teachers, staff and administrators in K-8 with an emphasis on First Nations education. Through extensive field work in K-8 classrooms, undergraduates develop successful relationships in the schools, experience early classroom involvement, and interact with youth. The course is unique in its emphasis on indigenous education and working with First Nations youth while learning from tribal Elder teachers.
P: As required to work in WI public schools, students must pass a back ground check and students must pass a TB test.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 216. Native American Landscapes:Imagined and Lived Spaces. 3 Credits.
The course will explore the relationship between time and space within Native American cultures. The course will compare North American indigenous landscapes and Andean indigenous landscapes.
FNS 224. First Nations and The Sacred. 3 Credits.
This course explores the world views and oral traditions of First Nations people. Students will examine concepts, ideas, accompanying opinion, and practices within the holistic concept of the Sacred.
FNS 225. Introduction to First Nations Studies: The Tribal World. 3 Credits.
This introductory course to First Nations Studies presents the American Indian tribal cultural context through both information and class structure. A core value is personal sovereignty supported by respect, reciprocity, and relationship.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 226. Introduction to First Nations Studies: Social Justice. 3 Credits.
This introductory course in First Nations Studies will examine the impact of European and American political, economic, and social systems upon American Indian nations in the U.S.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 299. Travel Course. 1-4 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
FNS 301. Oneida Language I. 3 Credits.
A course on the Oneida language offered with the aid of indigenous speakers. Emphasis varies with student interest. Tools and resources for further independent study are stressed.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 302. Oneida Language II. 3 Credits.
A course on the Oneida language typically offered in the Oneida community with the aid of native speakers. Emphasis varies with student interest. Tools and resources for further independent study are stressed.
P: FNS 301.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 303. Oneida Language III. 3 Credits.
A course on the Oneida language typically offered in the Oneida community with the aid of native speakers. Emphasis varies with student interest. Tools and resources for further independent study are stressed.
P: FNS 302.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 304. Oneida Language IV. 3 Credits.
A course on the Oneida language typically offered in the Oneida community with the aid of native speakers. Emphasis varies with student interest. Tools and resources for further independent study are stressed.
P: FNS 303.
FNS 305. Oneida Language V. 3 Credits.
A course on the Oneida language typically offered in the Oneida community with the aid of native speakers. Emphasis varies with student interest. Tools and resources for further independent study are stressed.
P: FNS 304.
FNS 306. Oneida Language VI. 3 Credits.
A course on the Oneida language typically offered in the Oneida community with the aid of native speakers. Emphasis varies with student interest. Tools and resources for further independent study are stressed.
P: FNS 305.
FNS 336. American Ethnic Literature. 3 Credits.
The study of literature which examines the experience of ethnic groups in America, such as African, Asian, Hispanic, and Jewish Americans, and American Indians. Course is repeatable for credit if topics differ; may be taken 2 times for a total of 6 credits.
P: ENGLISH 290 or concurrent enrollment, Jr st.
Spring.
FNS 360. Women and Gender in First Nations Communities. 3 Credits.
This course examines the traditional and contemporary status of First Nations women. The course focuses on the fluid definitions and constructions of gender identity before and after Euro-American contact, exploring the intersections of racism, sexism, homophobia, colonialism, globalization. Decolonization and resistance are primary themes of the course.
REC: FNS 225, FNS 226 or WOST 241.
FNS 372. Indigenous Nations Oral and Storytelling Traditions. 3 Credits.
Study of the cultural values of Indigenous Nations in North America reflecting the indigenous intellect. Indigenous elder knowledge, story telling methodology, and literature (poetry, and novels) are explored.
P: FNS 225 or 226 or one 300/400 level literature course.
Spring.
FNS 374. Wisconsin First Nations Ethnohistory. 3 Credits.
An in-depth exploration of one First Nation located in Wisconsin: Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Oneida, Menominee, Potawatomi or Mohican. This course explores the culture, history, and contemporary status of one of these nations.
Spring.
FNS 385. First Nations Intellectual Traditions. 3 Credits.
Drawing upon American Indian oral traditions and Elder epistemology, this course will examine the diverse traditional, cultural, spiritual, and political values and world views of American Indian Nations.
P: FNS 225 or 226.
Spring Odd.
FNS 391. First Nations Studies Capstone Seminar. 3 Credits.
This course is designed for students who already have a background in American Indian Studies. It is a variable content course which includes such topics as contemporary issues, environmental justice, American Indian law, and repatriation.
P: Hum Stud 225 and 226.
Spring.
FNS 392. First Nations Justice and Tribal Governments. 3 Credits.
This course explores the pre-contact justice systems and constructions of "justice" among American Indian nations. The impact of colonization upon these structures will be examined as well as the formation and operation of contemporary tribal governing structures.
P: Hum Stud 225 or 226 or Soc C D 204 or 325.
Spring Even.
FNS 393. First Nations and Education Policy. 3 Credits.
Basic background and vocabulary necessary to understand, discuss, and analyze the complex variables and important common denominators that affect Tribal and U.S. citizens, particularly through education policy at the federal/state levels.
P: FNS 225 or 226.
Fall Even.
FNS 399. First Nations Studies Oral Tradition Concentration. 3-12 Credits.
The FNS Oral Tradition Concentration allows students an opportunity to study tribal oral traditional knowledge in a variety of settings including working with American Indian tribal members and Elders.
P: FNS major or minor; FNS 225, 226; Instructor Approval.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 478. Honors in the Major. 3 Credits.
Honors in the Major is designed to recognize student excellence within interdisciplinary and disciplinary academic programs.
P: min 3.50 all cses req for major and min gpa 3.75 all UL cses req for major.
FNS 497. Internship. 1-12 Credits.
Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by faculty members and require periodic student/faculty meetings.
P: jr st.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 498. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.
Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Fall and Spring.
FNS 499. Travel Course. 1-6 Credits.
Travel courses are conducted to various parts of the world and are led by one or more faculty members. May be repeated to different locations.
P: cons of instr & prior trip arr & financial deposit.
