Major in American Indian Studies: General Track

Declare your Major
in American Indian Studies

AIS Major General Track Application

The Department of American Indian Studies offers our majors a wide range of advanced-level undergraduate courses taught by faculty and teaching specialists educated in many fields including literature, fine arts, history, political science, and philosophy. These courses reflect the comparative and multidisciplinary perspective at the heart of American Indian studies.

American Indian studies majors in the general track take a balanced selection of courses in three broad areas from the department’s multidisciplinary curriculum:

Tribal Arts & Humanities

These courses explore various facets of American Indian philosophical, literary, visual, and artistic traditions. Many of these courses fulfill Liberal Education requirements for Diversity and Social Justice in the US and Arts and Humanities.

Culture & History

Courses in this area look at the unique histories and cultures of tribal nations throughout the United States and Canada. Many of these courses fulfill Liberal Education requirements for Diversity and Social Justice in the US and Historical Perspectives.

Political, Social & Policy Issues

In this area, courses emphasize the legal status and sovereignty of tribal nations in the Americas and the many different forces shaping their political, economic, and social conditions. Many of these courses fulfill Liberal Education requirements for Global Perspectives and Diversity and Social Justice in the US.

Declaring a Major or Minor in American Indian Studies

Students considering a major or minor in American Indian Studies should schedule an appointment with Charissa Blue, blue0051@umn.edu, the American Indian Studies department advisor.