First Nations Studies
(Formerly American Indian Studies)

Faculty
Gary W. Johnson, Director and Assistant Professor
Chip Beal, Assistant Professor
Gladyce A. Nahbenayash, Associate Professor
Nancy Merrill, Instructional Staff

The First Nations Studies program seeks to promote an understanding and awareness of First Nations people. The program provides the opportunity for First Nations people and non-First Nations people alike to increase their knowledge of the origin of First Nations people in terms of history, culture and philosophy.

The differences between First Nations people and non-First Nations people will be examined through courses on culture and philosophy to gain a true understanding of the First Nations people. Stereotypes will be addressed through history courses with the goal of students gaining an appreciation of First Nations people and their contributions to the world. Other courses will provide an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the role of the First Nations people in the cultural development of the world.
 

First Nations Studies Minor*
24 credits minimum

Required Courses:

FNS 101 Beginning Ojibwa Language                       4 credits
FNS 110 Survey of First Nations Culture                  3 credits
FNS 151 Introduction to Tribal Administration          3 credits
FNS 242 First Nations Values and Spiritual Beliefs   3 credits
FNS 350 First Nations History I
or
FNS 351 First Nations History II                              3 credits

Electives:

FNS 102 Intermediate Ojibwa Language                                   4 credits
FNS 221 First Nations Wisconsin History                                 3 credits
FNS 230 First Nations Myths and Legends                               3 credits
FNS 304 First Nations Literature                                              3 credits
FNS 307 Ojibwa Culture                                                          3 credits
FNS 310 Historical Foundations of First Nations Education       3 credits
FNS 386 Social Work Practice with American Indian Families   3 credits
FNS 410 First Nations Law                                                      3 credits
FNS 430 Contemporary Issues in First Nations Society             3 credits
FNS 460 The Study of First Nations Women                            3 credits
FNS 480 First Nations Society and Culture: Field Research       3 credits
FNS 481/681 Counseling the First Nations                                3 credits
FNS 486 Special Topics                                                           1-4 credits
FNS 490 Independent Study                                                     1-4 credits

*First Nation Studies Minor is approved as a concentration for Elementary Education majors with the exception that FNS 310 Historical Foundations of First Nations Education is a required course and FNS 151 Introduction to Tribal Administration is an elective.
 

See Course Descriptions for information about required courses.