20803214Indigenous American History
Course Information
Description
After an overview of indigenous civilizations before 1500, this course focuses on the 500+ years of European colonization of the indigenous peoples of North America. It studies how Spanish, French, English, and American societies tried to shape indigenous cultures, with an eye toward indigenous cultural survival and resistance.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Engage in historical inquiry, research, and analysis about Native American experiences.
    Assessment Strategies
    Papers, exams, oral participation
    Criteria
    Develop perspectives in Native American history that draw on evidence and sophisticated use of information
    Describe how recurring themes in Native American history have changed and remained consistent over time
    Evaluate a variety of historical sources for their positions and perspectives

  2. Practice historical empathy with subject matter in Native American history.
    Assessment Strategies
    Papers, exams, oral participation
    Criteria
    Develop knowledge of Native American history with range and depth
    Interpret the Native American past in context; contextualize the past in its own terms
    Explore multiple theoretical viewpoints that provide perspective on the Native American past

  3. Analyze the complex nature of the Native American historical record.
    Assessment Strategies
    Papers, exams, oral participation
    Criteria
    Analyze visual sources (paintings, glyphs, artifacts) to explain pre-literate Native American societies
    Compare sources written by authors with “insider” and “outsider” knowledge of Native American societies
    Support arguments using conflicting narratives and evidence

  4. Generate significant, open-ended questions about the Native American past and devise research strategies to answer them.
    Assessment Strategies
    Papers, exams, oral participation
    Criteria
    Use a variety of sources to support arguments about the Native American past
    Identify and summarize other scholars’ arguments about Native American history

  5. Craft narratives about Native American history.
    Assessment Strategies
    Papers, exams, oral participation
    Criteria
    Engage the ideas of others constructively in discussion
    Generate arguments about the Native American past that are reasoned and based on historical evidence selected, arranged, and analyzed
    Select appropriate primary and secondary sources as evidence

  6. Practice historical thinking about the Native American past as central to engaged citizenship in the contemporary United States.
    Assessment Strategies
    Papers, exams, oral participation
    Criteria
    Engage with diverse viewpoints in a civil and constructive fashion
    Apply historical knowledge to contemporary issues affecting Native American communities
    Ask compelling questions about Native American history