This American Indigenous Studies program offers a comprehensive exploration of Native American history, culture, and contemporary issues. Students complete core courses in oral traditions, tribal sovereignty, and Minnesota's indigenous communities, along with electives in language, history, and environmental struggles. The program provides a foundation for careers in education, environment, legal studies, or health/human services.

Outline:

Program Requirements

Prerequisites to the Major

• AIS 101: Introduction to American Indigenous Studies (3 credits)

Major Common Core

• AIS 210W: Oral Traditions (3 credits)
• AIS 220W: Introduction to Tribal Sovereignty (3 credits)
• AIS 230W: American Indians of Minnesota (3 credits)
• AIS 460: Behaving Like Relatives (3 credits)

Major Unrestricted Electives

• Choose 12-21 credits between Program and Outside Electives (consult with advisor for Career Track Electives for focus in Education, Environment, Legal Studies, or Health/Human Services pathways).

General Track Program Electives

• AIS 110: Elementary Dakota I (4 credits)
• AIS 111: Elementary Dakota II (4 credits)
• AIS 112: Elementary Ojibwe I (4 credits)
• AIS 113: Elementary Ojibwe II (4 credits)
• AIS 201: Intermediate Dakota I (4 credits)
• AIS 202: Intermediate Dakota II (4 credits)
• AIS 211: Native America to 1900 (3 credits)
• AIS 212: Native America 1900 to Present (3 credits)
• AIS 240W: American Indian Women (3 credits)
• AIS 275: Selected Topics (3 credits)
• AIS 300W: American Indian Leaders (3 credits)
• AIS 330: Indigenous Education (3 credits)
• AIS 340: American Indians in Film (3 credits)
• AIS 360: Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Struggles (3 credits)
• AIS 380: The Sacred Landscape (3 credits)
• AIS 455: Museum Science and Representation (3 credits)
• AIS 475: Selected Topics (3 credits)
• AIS 485: Workshop (1-6 credits)
• AIS 497: Internship (1-12 credits)
• AIS 499: Individual Study (1-6 credits)

Outside Electives

• Choose 0-9 credits.
Remaining electives up to 9 credits.
• ANTH 331: Environmental Anthropology (3 credits)
• ANTH 410: Archaeology of Minnesota (3 credits)
• ANTH 411: Archaeology of Native North America (3 credits)
• ANTH 412: Archaeology of Latin America (3 credits)
• ANTH 440: Native American Cultures of North America (3 credits)
• CJ 322: Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society I (3 credits)
• ENG 318: Multicultural Literature (2-4 credits)
• ENG 436W: Native American Literature (4 credits)

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Overview:

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public university located in Mankato, Minnesota. It is known for its supportive community and commitment to providing high-impact educational experiences and real-world opportunities for its students. The university emphasizes its dedication to student success and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.

Services Offered:

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at Minnesota State University, Mankato can expect a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for engagement. The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, including:

Campus Recreation:

Provides opportunities for fitness, recreation, and social interaction.

Centennial Student Union:

Serves as a hub for student activities, events, and services.

Career Development Center:

Offers resources and support for career exploration, job searching, and professional development.

Housing:

Provides various on-campus residence communities for students.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Health and Safety:

Offers resources and services to ensure the well-being and safety of students.

Key Reasons to Study There:

High-Impact Educational Experiences:

The university provides students with opportunities for real-world learning, research, and community engagement.

Real-World Opportunities:

Students have access to internships, job shadowing, and other experiences that prepare them for their chosen careers.

Supportive Community:

The university fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with the support they need to succeed.

Strong Academic Programs:

Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including specialized accreditations and certifications.

National Leader in Undergraduate Research:

The university is recognized for its commitment to undergraduate research and provides students with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research.

Academic Programs:

Minnesota State University, Mankato offers over 130 undergraduate areas of study and over 75 graduate areas of study. The university also has a strong focus on online and off-campus programs, with over 50 options available.

Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a dedicated Multicultural Center and LGBT Center.
• Minnesota State University, Mankato has a large alumni network with over 120,000 alumni worldwide.
• The university is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities.