Description
Fall, Winter and Spring quarters
Faculty: Raul Nakasone education, Native American studies, Latin American studies, David Rutledge education, Native American studies, Yvonne Peterson education, Native American studies
Major areas of study include history of the Americas, political science, ethnography, cultural anthropology, indigenous studies, and areas of study determined by student research projects.
Class Standing: This all-level program accepts up to 10% freshmen as well as supporting and encouraging those ready for advanced work
This program is for learners who have a research topic with a major focus on spirituality and community in mind, as well as for those who would like to learn how to do research in a learner-centered environment. Learners will be exposed to research methods, ethnographic research and interviewing techniques, writing workshops, computer literacy, library workshops, moving River of Culture Moments to documentary, educational technology and the educational philosophy that supports this program. The faculty team will offer a special series of workshops to support the particular academic needs of first- and second-year participants.
Individual research will pay special attention to the value of human relationships to the land, to work, to others and to the unknown. Work will be concentrated in cultural studies, human resource development, and ethnographic studies to include historical and political implications of encounters, and cross-cultural communication. We shall explore Native American perspectives and look at issues that are particularly relevant to indigenous people of the Americas.
In this program, learners' individual projects will examine what it means to live in a pluralistic society at the beginning of the 21st century. Through each learner's area of interest, we will look at a variety of cultural and historical perspectives and use them to help address issues connected to the program theme. The faculty are interested in providing an environment of collaboration where faculty and learners will identify topics of mutual interest and act as partners in the exploration of those topics.
In the fall, participants will state research questions. In late fall and winter, individually and in small study groups, learners and faculty will develop the historical background for their chosen questions and do the integrative review of the literature and data collection. Ongoing workshops will allow participants to learn the skills for completing their projects. Late winter and into spring quarter, students will write conclusions, wrap up print/non-print projects, and prepare for a public presentation. The last part of spring will be entirely dedicated to presentations.
Internship Possibilities: With faculty approval.
Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in education, social sciences, the arts, multicultural studies, social work, human services and the humanities.
Planning Units: Programs for Freshmen, Native American and World Indigenous Peoples' Studies
