American Indian Studies
Featured News
New program seeks students interested in teaching Ethnic Studies
January 4, 2021
A new program at CSUN will prepare students to teach Ethnic Studies in K-12 classrooms. Applications are due Jan. 15. Read more
AIS and Sustainability sponsor documentary screening: "Gather"
November 10, 2020
As an American Indian Awareness Month event, the American Indian Studies Program and the Institute for Sustainability are screening a documentary film, "Gather: The Fight to Revitalize Our Native Foodways," at 6 p.m., Nov. 16. Read more
Tataviam, AIS, CSUN strengthen relationship with land acknowledgement
October 28, 2020
CSUN Today story tells of stronger bonds between the Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the University. 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.
