School
Liberal Arts
Division
Social Sciences
Department
Anthropology
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Anthropology
Course Number
151
Course Title
Cultures of North America
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
ENG-131 eligible
Catalog Course Description
Introduces the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions of the indigenous peoples, nations, and civilizations of North America from their origins through the era of European colonization. Examines contemporary social, economic, and political currents as well as challenges faced by Native American communities today. The course employs an interdisciplinary approach that draws from historical archaeology, ethnography, history, studies in colonialism and material culture, literature, and film.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- Stereotypes
- Theories for the origins of Native Americans
- Prehistory
- History of European/Native American relations from invasion to the present
- Cultures and histories of some of the following culture areas: Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Northwest, Plains, Great Basin, California, Plateau, Subarctic, or Arctic
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
- Discuss the origins of Native Americans and the development of pre-European cultural patterns throughout North America
- Describe the similarities as well as the wide range of variability within native societies in North America
- Idenitfy the ecological diversity of the native peoples' adjustment to the wide range of resources available.
- Identify the general patterns of life within each of the major ecological zones
- Discuss the impact of European and American peoples culture systems on the native North American poeples and their culturees.
- Discuss the nature of Native American cultural heritage in today's world
- Identify and discuss the stereotypical portrayals associated with Native Americans? Discuss why Native Americans object to these portrayals.*
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
Assessment of academic achievement may include (but is not limited to) exams, quizzes, homework, and projects.
Outcomes
General Education Categories
- Social Sciences
Institutional Outcomes
- Civil Society and Culture - U.S. and Global
MTA Categories
- Category 4: Social Sciences
Approval Dates
Effective Term
Fall 2020
Review Semester
Fall 2020