Course Title: Exploring Wisconsin Indian Nations
Course Description:
“Wisconsin Indian Nations” is an online course that delves into the rich history, culture, and contemporary issues of the Native American tribes and nations in Wisconsin. Based on Patty Loew’s comprehensive book, “Indian Nations of Wisconsin,” this course offers weekly online lectures, discussions, multimedia presentations, and virtual cultural experiences to provide students with a nuanced understanding of the indigenous peoples of Wisconsin.
Course Objectives:
Learn Tribal Histories: Explore the histories, origins, migrations, and cultural traditions of the Native American tribes and nations that have inhabited Wisconsin for thousands of years.
Understand Tribal Sovereignty: Examine the concept of tribal sovereignty and its legal, political, and cultural implications for Native American communities in Wisconsin and beyond.
Explore Contemporary Issues: Investigate the contemporary social, economic, environmental, and health issues facing Wisconsin Indian nations, including poverty, education, healthcare, natural resource management, and cultural preservation.
Appreciate Cultural Diversity: Appreciate the cultural diversity and resilience of Wisconsin Indian nations through the exploration of language, art, music, dance, storytelling, and traditional knowledge systems.
Engage in Intercultural Dialogue: Foster intercultural understanding, empathy, and respect through meaningful dialogue and engagement with Native American perspectives, experiences, and worldviews.
Promote Cultural Competency: Develop cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique histories, identities, and contemporary realities of Wisconsin Indian nations in order to become informed and respectful allies and advocates.
Course Format: (Beginning September, 2024)
This online course will be delivered through weekly live lectures, pre-recorded video presentations, interactive discussions, virtual cultural experiences, and multimedia resources accessible via the online learning platform. Students will have the opportunity to engage with guest speakers, community members, and cultural experts from Wisconsin Indian nations.
Self-Paced Option (anytime after June 11, 2024)
Students who want to work at their own pace can skip the online meetings and progress through the course independently. Students who choose this option will have assignments and assessments graded as usual. Teachers continue to provide assistance and feedback. Self-paced courses still qualify for credit.
Prerequisites:
No prior coursework in Native American studies is required. Students should have an interest in learning about indigenous peoples, cultures, and histories and be open to engaging in respectful dialogue and reflection.
Required Textbook:
Patty Loew, “Indian Nations of Wisconsin: Histories of Endurance and Renewal”, 2001
Assessment:
Assessment will be based on participation in online discussions, completion of assignments and reflections, performance on quizzes and exams, and the quality of geography projects. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking skills, cultural understanding, and respectful engagement with course materials and guest speakers.
Note:
This course will provide students with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary issues of Wisconsin Indian nations and empower them to become informed allies and advocates for indigenous rights and sovereignty.