Native American Studies Fall 2026 Courses include:
- NAS 101 (4 cr.) - Spark of the Three Fires: Anishinaabe Language, Culture, and Community I
An in-depth study of the Anishinabemowin language. Students will learn to read, write and speak basic Anishinaabemowin. This course also promotes the preservation of Anishinaabe culture by examining various facets of Anishinaabe everyday life and contemporary issues.
- NAS 204 (4 cr.) - Native American Experience
A study of the development of Native American history, culture, attitudes and issues from the prehistoric era to the contemporary scene, focusing on native culture in the Great Lakes region.
- NAS 212 (4 cr.) - Michigan/Wisconsin Tribal Relations
An examination of the twenty-three federally recognized tribes of Michigan and Wisconsin and how treaties with the federal government shaped their history and contemporary political make-up. Treaty rights, sovereignty, urban communities and tribal enterprises will also be explored.
- NAS 240 (4 cr.) - Sacred Ground: Native Peoples, Mother Earth and Popular Culture
This course explores indigenous environmental values from around the world as depicted in contemporary popular culture (including such genres as film, music, fiction, poetry, art and oratory).
- Special Topics: NAS 295 (4 cr.) - Sovereignty in the Water: Indigenous Rights and Environmentalism Along the Great Lakes
Experience Great Lakes Indigenous land-based learning and examine the relationships between Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and treaty-reserved rights.
- NAS 310 (4 cr.) - Tribal Law & Government
A focus on the relationship between American Indian tribes, the federal government and states. Emphasis is placed on examining the current state of tribal governments and tribal citizens within the State of Michigan. Students will examine the U.S. Constitution, treaties and tribals [tribes], federal and state laws and court cases.
- NAS 315 (4 cr.) - History of Indian Boarding School Education
The history of the initiation, development, alteration and demise of the federally mandated Indian boarding school education experience in the U.S. and Canada. Intergenerational and contemporary repercussions, both positive and negative, within indigenous societies are considered.
- NAS 330 (4 cr.) - Native Cultures and the Dynamics of Religious Experience
An examination of the traditional philosophies of the native peoples in the Great Lakes region as well as an exploration of how Christianity has influenced native peoples and communities. Students will learn about the historical impacts, positive and negative, that organized religion has had on Indian country.
- NAS 404 (4 cr.) - Native American Community Engagement
Indigenous critical analysis is rooted in place-based First Nations/Native American/Indigenous belief systems focusing on the interconnectedness of communities and culture, and confronts historic and contemporary acts of colonialism that has led to systematic marginalization. This course will explore Indigenous critical thought and Indigenous critical theory as independent and necessary scholarship through varied texts.
Learn more about our NAS academic programs
Interested in our Native American Studies major or minor? Curious about our course concentrations? Are you an educator looking for courses that will be particularly helpful for you? Visit our Current Programs page for detailed information.
Meet the Professors
Winter 2026 Courses with Dr. Jud Sojourn, Ph.D.
NAS 101 - Spark of the Three Fires: Anishinaabe Language, Culture, and Community I
NAS 301 - The Good Life: Anishinaabemowin and Creative Cultural Expression
Winter 2026 Courses with Dr. Bimadoshka Pucan, Ph.D.
NAS 280 - Storytelling by Native American Women
NAS 330 - Native Cultures and the Dynamics of Religious Experience
NAS 488 - Native American Community Engagement
Winter 2026 Courses with Tom Biron
NAS 315 - History of Indian Boarding School Education
Winter 2026 Courses with Aimee Cree Dunn
NAS 342 - Indigenous Environmental Movements
Winter 2026 Courses with Roxy Aldred
NAS 204 - The Native American Experience
Winter 2026 Courses with Caroline LaPorte
NAS 212 - Michigan/Wisconsin Tribal Relations
Winter 2026 Courses with Justin Schapp
NAS 204 - The Native American Experience