Anthropology, Global Religions and Cultures

Indigenous Studies

Indigenous Studies is a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes Indigenous knowledge systems, pedagogy, leadership, problem solving, perspectives and methodologies employed by Indigenous Peoples.

The Indigenous Studies Certificate provides students opportunities to develop their understandings of Indigenous perspectives, voices, experiences, cultures, complex histories, and contemporary issues.  The certificate program’s focus on Indigeneity extends from the First Nations people of Wisconsin throughout North America and globally.

This program aims to expand experiential learning opportunities, with a special emphasis on how cultural and environmental sustainability converges with Indigenous knowledge and practices, while opening possibilities for mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships with Native mentors and communities.

The certificate is open and applicable to all students no matter their major or minor.

Certificate Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 9 credits in courses identified as satisfying the Indigenous Studies Certificate, listed below.  The required 9 credits must come from at least two different departments, and at least 3 credits must be at or above the 300 level.

• INDG ST 201: Intro to Indigenous Studies
• INDG ST 205/205Q1: Indigenous Oshkosh
• ANTHRO 101: Indigenous Wisconsin
• ANTHRO 312 Native North America: Contemporary Issues, Cultures, and Histories
• ANTHRO 314/WAGS 314 Native American Women
• ANTHRO 346/ENV STDS 346 Indigenous Peoples, National Parks and  Protected Areas
• ANTHRO 347/ENV STDS 347 Indigenization, Economy, and Environmentalism
• ANTHRO 354 Archeology of North America
• ANTHRO 355 Wisconsin Archeology
• ANTHRO 360 Mesoamerican Culture
• GLC 122 Quest I Indigenous and Colonial Narratives of Nature
• ENG 220 Native American Literature I
• ENG 370 Native American Literature II
• HIST 363 Indigenous North America
• ENV ST/HIST 345: History of American Wilderness
• ENV ST/HIST 326: American Environmental History
• SOC 342 Social Ecology
• WAGS 397 Special Topics: Two Spirit Lives (Course Modification Needed)

A maximum of 3 credits can come from this list:

• INDG ST 446: Independent Study
• ANTHRO 394 Field Experience
• ANTHRO 446 Independent Study
• ENG 446 Independent Study
• HIST 399 Internship in History
• HIST 446 Independent Study
• Intrdscp 399 L & S Career Internship

Currently our program is set up to allow you to take 3 credits of independent study, but this is negotiable dependent on your needs and goals. Please reach out to the Indigenous Studies Director who can help you navigate what options may best fit your trajectory!