American Indian Studies
Featured News
AIS Hires Assistant Professor
June 17, 2022
Alesha Claveria will join the American Indian Studies Program in Fall 2022 as an assistant professor. Read more
AIS Graduates Four Students in Spring 2022
June 3, 2022
On May 21, 2022, the American Indian Studies Program and the American Indian Student Association hosted its annual graduation reception. Four graduating seniors were celebrated, along with their friends and families. The event was held at the CATS/AIS Cultural Center. Read more
Adjunct Faculty Applications Accepted for American Indian Studies
February 17, 2022
The American Indian Studies Program is accepting applications for adjunct faculty positions for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. Read more
Welcome to American Indian Studies
The interdisciplinary minor in American Indian Studies offers courses in contemporary and historical cultures of First Nations. Topics that are examined include American Indian contemporary social issues, American Indian law and policy, literature, music, art, and spirituality. The Program is designed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of American Indian cultures and the unique sovereign status of First People nations. Many of the courses satisfy requirements in several majors and AIS 101: Introduction to American Indian Studies and AIS 301: First Peoples and Popular Culture will meet General Education requirements.
In addition, the Program provides background for undergraduate or advanced study in anthropology, art, business, criminology, education, English, geography, health sciences, history, political science, prelaw, psychology, religious studies, sociology, and women's studies and for comparative study in other ethnic study programs.
Mission Statement:
The American Indian Studies Program promotes an understanding of American Indian history, cultures, and tribal sovereignty with a focus on Southern California tribes, and other indigenous peoples in a global context. The program seeks to revise Western knowledge of the history and culture of the United States to include American Indian perspectives and contributions. The program seeks to demonstrate the relevance of American Indian perspectives to contemporary political, economic, and social issues in the United States and the globe.
