HIS 3490Native American History

Catalog

Prerequisite(s): ENG 1009 or ENG 1010 or equivalent with a grade of D or better, and any course with HIS prefix or that is crosslisted with HIS prefix, or permission of instructor Multicultural/ESSJ In this course you will enter into an in-depth exploration of the complex history of Indigenous peoples in North America, from pre-colonial times to the present. Through a critical examination of historical texts, primary sources, and scholarly debates, you will engage with the profound impact of European and American colonialism, particularly how racial constructs and hierarchies shaped the dehumanization, dispossession, and violence against Native communities. You will analyze the intersections of race, power, and colonial structures while reflecting on how these systems continue to influence contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples. As a student in this course, you will develop a nuanced understanding of the distinctions between civil and sovereign rights, and explore how these concepts have influenced Native struggles for justice, recognition, and self-determination. Emphasis will be placed on the agency, resilience, and survival strategies of Native communities, allowing you to critically assess how Indigenous peoples have navigated and countered centuries of dispossession. Through readings, discussions, and writing assignments, you will sharpen your analytical skills and deepen your ability to think critically about the past and its relevance to current social and political realities. Note: Students may not receive credit for both HIS 3090 and HIS 3490.