Indigenous North America

Catalog description

This course is a review of the indigenous cultures of North America, located north of Mexico. It will cover the cultures that developed just prior to, during, and immediately after contact with non-indigenous explorers and pioneers. The primary themes include (1) the astonishing diversity of ways of life that developed across the North American continent; (2) the exploration of this diversity from the perspective of cultural ecology; and (3) trends of cultural change and continuity that contribute to present-day Native American cultures. Students will also explore the stereotypes that plague a richer understanding of and respect for Native American communities. The course will introduce students to cultures that differ from their own. ANTH 146 meets both United States cultures and International Cultures objectives. Approximately 50% of the course focuses on the indigenous cultures of North America prior to European contact and the later founding of the United States. The course will introduce students to the diversity of cultures that have existed in North America prior the founding of the United States and Canada. Students will develop an understanding of similarities and differences among these non-US cultures and between these indigenous cultures and the culture of the US. Approximately 50% of the course will examine the impact these indigenous cultures have had on the historic and present-day United States culture - such as plant domestication, technological achievements, linguistic influence, and stereotypes.