Indigenous Studies Program
Indigenous Studies Graduate Program
KU’s Indigenous Studies Program serves students, Native American and Indigenous Nations and communities in Kansas, the Midwest, the U.S., and the world through our teaching, research, creative work, and service. At the core of these endeavors is our deep commitment to and engagement with the nations and communities we come from, learn from, and serve. Our aim is to educate students to become innovative and capable scholars, leaders, and mentors who bring Indigenous perspectives to academic settings, government and other public service, and the private sector.
KU Indigenous Studies offers an undergraduate minor, master's, joint M.A./JD with KU Law, graduate certificate, and PSM in Environmental Assessment (through Environmental Studies) + ISP graduate certificate options. Students who are interested in enrolling in graduate-level coursework in the Indigenous Studies Program without admission to a formal graduate program at KU are encouraged to apply for graduate non-degree-seeking student status. See our admission webpage for further details.
Courses
An introduction to the study of Indigenous peoples. It surveys the concepts, methods, and content relevant to Applied Indigenous Studies, using case studies drawn from diverse cultures. The course illustrates that the social, political, religious, and economic aspects of American Indian life are interconnected and that tribal histories cannot be understood without an awareness of these fields. Students are introduced to controversies over how to research, write, and interpret American Indians, and will address the foundations of Indigenous Studies, and that is Indigenous concepts of decolonization, empowerment and Nation-building. The course explores how the lives of Indigenous people have been affected by colonization, while exploring the varying definitions of "colonialism", "colonizer" and the "colonized."
This course concentrates on selected problems in the interdisciplinary field of Indigenous Studies. Courses in this field utilize methods developed in various disciplines to examine issues related to the survival, self-sufficiency, mutual support, empowerment, and decolonization of Indigenous Peoples throughout the world. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Some sections may be offered at Haskell Indian Nations University through the Haskell-KU Exchange, which requires permission from the Haskell-KU liaison.
This course concentrates on selected problems in the interdisciplinary field of Indigenous Studies. Courses in this field utilize methods developed in various disciplines to examine issues related to the survival, self-sufficiency, mutual support, empowerment, and decolonization of Indigenous Peoples throughout the world. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
A survey of contemporary world indigenous literatures that includes those from North America, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, the Arctic, and Latin America. Texts are in English (original or translation). Genres studied include the novel, poetry, and drama, supplemented by works from the oral tradition, the visual arts, and film. (Same as ENGL 305/GIST 305.) Prerequisite: Prior completion of the Core 34: English (SGE) requirement. Recommended: Prior completion of one 200-level English course.
This course examines the cultural, social, economic, environmental, and political background of Indian territory in what is now the state of Oklahoma. It surveys the diverse geographical regions, tribal cultures, the impact of the Indian Removal Act, assimilation, acculturation, westward expansion, the Civil War, boarding schools, the Dawes Act, the Curtis Act, and land runs on Territory residents. The course also treats post-Civil War violence, outlaws, and the role of tribal courts along with controversies over removals, Land Run celebrations, allotment scandals, and Osage oil murders. (Same as HIST 318 and HUM 345.)
This course provides an intensive survey of the Indians of North America from Prehistory to 1865, and focuses on ancient indigenous cultures, early European-Indian relations and the impact of European culture upon the indigenous peoples of North America. (Same as HIST 351, HWC 348.)
This course examines American Indian/White relations from reconstruction to the present. It surveys the impact of westward expansion and cultural changes brought about by the Civil War, forced education, intermarriage, the Dawes Act, the New Deal, the World Wars, termination, relocation and stereotypical literature and movies. The class also addresses the Red Power and AIM movements, as well as indigenous efforts to decolonize and to recover and retain indigenous knowledge. After learning about the past from both Native and non-Native source materials, students will gain multiple perspectives about historical events and gain understandings of diverse world views, values, and responses to adversity. (Same as HIST 352 and HUM 350.)
This course offers a survey of global Indigenous cultures, theory and aesthetics in cinema and digital media. It establishes an Indigenous media optics by examining media practices across a broad contemporary spectrum-including music videos and social media platforms, podcasting and video games. As the course moves geographically, students learn how media practices in diverse communities situate identity and experience in related but unique contexts. Through weekly readings, screenings and design workshops, students build the critical tools necessary for an examination of the wide range of practices that lend themselves to Indigenous media sovereignty. This course is offered at the 300 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not available to students with credit in FMS 750 or ISP 755. (Same as FMS 350.)
This course examines the emergence of horse-mounted indigenous societies in the Great Plains; the nature of the indigenous societies of the Great Plains in the nineteenth century; conflicts with the United States; the beginning of the reservation period; and indigenous people of the Great Plains in the modern era. Readings combine primary documents and novels with selections from anthropology, social history, and environmental history. (Same as HIST 400.)
Work for advanced majors in fields or on topics not covered in course work. May be repeated for a total of up to six hours. May be counted as part of the total junior-senior credit hours required. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
This course concentrates on selected problems in the interdisciplinary field of Indigenous Studies. Courses in this field utilize methods developed in various disciplines in order to examine issues related to the survival, self-sufficiency, mutual support, empowerment, and decolonization of Indigenous Peoples throughout the world. May be repeated for credit when the topic differs. Recommended for juniors or seniors, or for students who have completed ISP 101/GINS 101/INS 101.
This course investigates the historic diets of Indigenous peoples, including cultivation of crops, hunting and fishing methods, food preparation and seed preservation. The class traces through history the colonial policies and ideologies that caused the cultures to alter their ways of eating, resulting in unprecedented modern health problems and offers traditional cultural strategies for health recovery. This course is offered at the 800 and 500 levels with additional assignments at the 800 level. Not open to students with credit in ISP 830.
Course will involve lectures and discussion of Ethnobotany - the mutual relationship between plants and traditional people. Research from both the field of anthropology and botany will be incorporated in this course to study the cultural significance of plant materials. The course has 7 main areas of focus: 1) Methods in Ethnobotanical Study; 2) Traditional Botanical Knowledge - knowledge systems, ethnolinguistics; 3) Edible and Medicinal Plants of North America (focus on North American Indians); 4) Traditional Phytochemistry - how traditional people made use of chemical substances; 5) Understanding Traditional Plant Use and Management; 6) Applied Ethnobotany; 7) Ethnobotany in Sustainable Development (focus on medicinal plant exploration by pharmaceutical companies in Latin America). (Same as ANTH 582 and EVRN 542.) Prerequisite: EVRN 142, EVRN 145, EVRN 148, ANTH 150/151, ANTH 160/162/360 or permission of instructor.
This course surveys the traditional foodways of the indigenous peoples of North America. We survey hunting, gathering and fishing methods, meal preparation, medicinal plants and the cultivation of crops according to tribal seasons. Because modern indigenous peoples are suffering from unprecedented health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and related maladies, the course traces through history the reasons why tribal peoples have become unhealthy and why some have lost the traditional knowledge necessary to plant, cultivate and save seeds. The course also addresses the destruction of flora and fauna from environmental degradation. (Same as HIST 511 and HWC 551.) Prerequisite: Upper division course on indigenous/ American Indian history, or permission of the instructor.
This course explores traditional foods, ways of eating, and cultural significance of food among peoples of Latin America. The course surveys the vast array of flora in Central and South America and the Caribbean, and focuses on issues of environmental protection, bioethics, food security, and the growth of farming and ranching. The class studies the impact that foods such as maize, potatoes and cacao have had globally, and includes African, Asian, and European influences on Latin cuisine, as well as health problems associated with dietary changes. (Same as HIST 512 , HUM 552 and LAC 552.) Prerequisite: Upper division course on Latin America or permission of the instructor.
This course examines the foundation of Native feminist scholarship and the history of Native feminist activism. The class will begin by considering whether feminist theory can support contemporary Native women Native Two-Spirit (LGBTQ+) in their struggles against settler colonialism and heteropatriarchy. While the course begins by examining the North American experience, the course will also cover a range of international indigenous contexts, with a focus on the Global South and the Indigenous Pacific. Topics explored include the history of settler-colonialism, cultural revitalization and gender roles, change and continuity under cycles of settler-colonialism, the connection between colonialism and sexual violence in Native communities, debates over citizenship and sovereignty, and contemporary Native gender roles and identities. During the conclusion of the course, students will learn to identity how Native feminism informs activism and practice. (Same as WGSS 567.) Prerequisite: Any previous course in WGSS or ISP, or by permission of instructor.
The Andean environment is defined by its mountains, but includes all of the earth's major biomes: from tropical rainforest to the world's oldest and driest desert. These diverse landscapes have nurtured one of the most ancient and durable, yet diverse sets of Indigenous cultural lifeways. Most of the Andes was governed by a single power during the Inca and Spanish colonial eras, but the region is now divided between seven independent states with their own regional traditions. The Andean World has long been recognized as a laboratory for understanding the relations between nature and culture, and the tensions between tradition and revolutionary change. This course will examine the history of this region from a long-term perspective, from its indigenous roots to contemporary struggles over globalization and extractivism. (Same as EVRN 577, HIST 577 and LAC 577.) Prerequisite: Prior 300+ level course in related discipline (ANTH, EEB, EVRN, HIST, LAC, SPAN, etc.) or permission of instructor.
In this course, students are introduced to a global comparative history of Indigenous peoples and nations, offering a unique opportunity to study how Indigenous nations have made a significant impact from ancient to contemporary times. Global Indigenous history provides invaluable insights into key historical debates about the processes/systems of colonization, international law, treaty rights, citizenship, nationalism, democratization, war, sovereignty, community & nation building, and cultural revitalization. This lecture class explores histories of the Ancient Mayan and Incan empires; Red Power to Idle No More; Māori and Aboriginal rights movements; Tibetan independence and Gandhi’s Satyagraha; Irish and Scottish devolution; and contemporary conflict(s) in the Middle East, just to name a few. This course is offered at the 500 and 800 level with additional assignments at the 800 level. Not open to students with credit in ISP 878. (Same as HIST 578.) Prerequisite: Requires a prior history course or one in a related field or permission of the instructor.
A survey of the varied responses of global Indigenous peoples as a result of the imposition of external economic and political systems. An overview of diverse, thematic issues such as land rights, economic development, resources and cultural patrimony, languages, knowledge systems, and women's rights from the perspectives of Indigenous societies around the world. Detailed studies of Indigenous peoples seeking recognition and protection under international law are used. (Same as GEOG 601 and GIST 601.) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
An examination of the impact of environmental justice and security in Indigenous communities throughout the world with a focus on tactics and strategies that incorporate Indigenous perspectives in responses and mitigation schemes. A survey of mining, dumping, and storage of toxic and radioactive waste activities as related to Indigenous peoples. Case study analyses of economic, military and mining interests contrasted with perspectives emerging from cultural traditions and beliefs of Indigenous peoples and communities. (Same as EVRN 673.) Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
This course offers a survey of global Indigenous cultures, theory and aesthetics in cinema and digital media. It establishes an Indigenous media optics by examining media practices across a broad contemporary spectrum-including music videos and social media platforms, podcasting and video games. As the course moves geographically, students learn how media practices in diverse communities situate identity and experience in related but unique contexts. Through weekly readings, screenings and design workshops, students build the critical tools necessary for an examination of the wide range of practices that lend themselves to Indigenous media sovereignty. This course is offered at the 300 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not available to students with credit in FMS 350 or ISP 355. (Same as FMS 750.)
This course will focus on contemporary issues relating to Indigenous peoples and nations within the United States, with particular emphasis on such issues as sovereignty, indigeneity, colonialism and decolonization. The course will address varied disciplinary approaches to this range of issues and will consider how this discourse bears upon scholarly conversations regarding broader themes in other selected fields of study.
Designed to fulfill program needs of the Indigenous Studies master's program, this course may meet with appropriate professional or graduate courses. Can be repeated for credit when topic differs.
An individual readings course with a qualified instructor on a topic in Indigenous Studies.
Internships provide students the opportunity to obtain training and perform professional duties for academic credit at pre-approved indigenous-related agencies, organizations, and communities. Students are required to demonstrate a minimum of 60 contact hours for each one credit hour. To enroll, students must obtain the consent of their ISP faculty advisor or the Program's Director if a student is outside ISP. May be repeated for credit. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Permission from instructor.
Addresses the law and policy of the United States regarding Indian nations and their members. Issues include the origins and contours of federal plenary power over Indian affairs, the scope of inherent tribal sovereignty, the limits of state power in Indian country, civil and criminal jurisdiction, and gaming. (Same as LAW 914.)
Investigates the historic diets of Indigenous peoples, including cultivation of crops, hunting and fishing methods, food preparation and seed preservation. Traces through history the colonial policies and ideologies that caused the cultures to alter their ways of eating, resulting in unprecedented modern health problems. Will offer traditional cultural strategies for health recovery. This course is offered at the 800 and 500 levels with additional assignments at the 800 level. Not open to students with credit in ISP 530.
In this methods class, students will gain foundational knowledge in the archival and preservation of Indigenous source materials: oral histories, printed materials, Tribal documents, letters/journals/diaries, artwork, and a host of other sources. Students will also utilize digital history technology to create online exhibits and an original research paper. Beyond the archives this course introduces students to the important work of Tribal Historical Preservation examining the laws, ethics, cultures, policies, histories, ethics, recovery/restoration, Indigenous GIS, consultation, management, and career paths in Tribal Historical Preservation. Finally, students will gain invaluable experiences by writing grants and developing final projects that can lead to real-world applications of their research. (Same as HIST 862.)
This course extends knowledge and skills for addressing issues in community health and development (e.g., substance abuse, adolescent pregnancy, child and youth development, prevention of violence). Students learn core competencies such as analyzing community problems and goals, strategic planning, intervention, and evaluation, and then apply these skills to issues that matter to them and to the communities they serve. (Same as ABSC 710.)
In this course, students are introduced to a global comparative history of Indigenous peoples and nations, offering a unique opportunity to study how Indigenous nations have made a significant impact from ancient to contemporary times. Global Indigenous history provides invaluable insights into key historical debates about the processes/systems of colonization, international law, treaty rights, citizenship, nationalism, democratization, war, sovereignty, community & nation building, and cultural revitalization. This lecture class explores histories of the Ancient Mayan and Incan empires; Red Power to Idle No More; Māori and Aboriginal rights movements; Tibetan independence and Gandhi’s Satyagraha; Irish and Scottish devolution; and contemporary conflict(s) in the Middle East, just to name a few. This course is offered at the 500 and 800 level with additional assignments at the 800 level. Not open to students with credit in HIST/ISP 578. Prerequisite: Requires a prior history course or one in a related field or permission of the instructor.
Course for Indigenous Studies students completing a portfolio Master's exam. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Permission from instructor.
Course for Indigenous Studies Program students completing Master's thesis projects. Prerequisite: Permission from instructor.