Six American Indian Studies students sit on a couch in the Center for American Indian Studies.

American Indian Studies Degree

Examining the world from a comparative perspective
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Contemplate the Indigenous Experience

The Center for American Indian Studies at Black Hills State University offers numerous courses across disciplines. These courses allow students to fully understand the experiences of American Indians throughout the Northern Plains and the United States. The Center for American Indian Studies is dedicated to promoting awareness of American Indian cultures, values, and social issues, while also helping facilitate the programs for the AIS major and minor.

  • STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH by taking courses cross-listed between American Indian Studies and English, Sociology, History, Political Science, and more.
  • THE CENTER FOR AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES IS A HOME AWAY FROM HOME where students can study, participate in student organization meetings, relax with friends, and seek assistance from an advisor or tutor.
  • THE AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES MAJOR prepares students to examine the world around them from a comparative perspective—students will learn how American Indian voices rise to challenge the dominant society’s viewpoints of indigenous cultures, histories and sovereignty
Video Transcript
Urla Marcus Director for the Center for AIS: It's not only a spiritual place, but a, It's just a real comfort for our students to come and not only live and grow, but to learn in the Black Hills. And so a lot of people travel from across the world to come to the Black Hills. We're very unique that we are cross listed with every one of our classes in our discipline. So if students were in history they can take an AIS course, or if they're in English, or sociology, psychology. They can all have an opportunity to study American Indian Studies. What we want students to walk away from this degree is having, you know, that foundation with American Indian Studies, as in history, language, component. So that they can not only recognize some of the issues, but how can they move towards reconciliation and move towards understanding, so that more of our people can live together.
Rosie Sprague Assistant Director: It starts with American Indian Awareness Week. Those are Monday through Friday, there're speakers that are on campus. Usually between 10 and 15 speakers we have every year come in and talk about a specific focus. This year it's on family and home. Last year it was on the environment. And Lakota Omniciye, a student organization, they're the ones who--it's 100 percent run by the Lakota Omniciye. They do the fundraising, they do everything, so it's really student run. We just kind of back them up and you know, its a really really big event on campus. Probably the biggest.
Urla Marcus: We actually have quite a few non-natives who travel to Black Hills State to study American Indian Studies. We find that a lot of our native students who come to Black Hills State aren't specifically seeking the major, but once they take a class or two then they start taking more, and then pretty soon they have a minor and then a major. Some people come to play and some people come to pray, because the spirituality that these hills possess.
Rosie Sprague: This is our Mecca, you know. This is where we come, and so it's really powerful for our students to be able to be here on campus and Spearfish, right, you know, at the heart of the Black Hills.

South Dakota and the Black Hills themselves are rich in Native American history and culture, and a degree in American Indian Studies from BHSU will give you deep understanding of this dynamic and exciting world.

Graduates often find careers with tribal, state, and federal governments, as well as in education, cultural resource management and tourism.

The AIS Program at BHSU offers:

  • A diverse faculty, with knowledge about Native peoples from and around the country.
  • The opportunity to explore many challenging contemporary issues.
  • Many extra-curricular activities, such as the annual powwow.
  • A welcoming environment in the Center for American Indian Studies

Major Requirements

To obtain a Major (Non-Teaching) in American Indian Studies at BHSU, students must complete the following courses. 37 total credit hours

 

AIS/LAKL
 101 Introductory Lakota I (gen ed)
4
AIS/ARTH
 251 American Indian Art History (gen ed)
3
AIS/ENGL
 214 Introduction to American Indian Literature
3
AIS/HIST
 257 Early American Indian History & Culture (gen ed)
3
AIS/HIST
 369 Modern American Indian History & Culture
3
AIS/POLS
 417 American Indian Government & Politics
3
AIS/SOC
 422 Issues in Contemporary Indian Life
3
AIS/SOC
 444 Siouan Tribal Culture
3
AIS or INED
   Electives
15

Alternative courses can serve as an elective.

Electives (15 hours of electives from the following American Indian Studies courses to fulfill required course credits for major)
AIS/LAKL
 102 Introductory Lakota II 4
AIS/ENGL
 115 American Indian Oral Literature (gen ed) 3
AIS/ART
 143 Traditional Lakota Arts 3
AIS/LAKL
 201 Intermediate Lakota I 3
AIS/LAKL
 202 Intermediate Lakota II 3
AIS/ENGL
 214 Introduction to American Indian Literature (gen ed) 3
AIS/SOC
 225 American Indian Women 3
AIS/ENGL
 256 Literature of American West 3
AIS
 355 American Indian Psychology (PSYC 465) 3
AIS/SOC
 454 Indian Community Organization & Development 3
AIS
 460 American Indian Philosophy 3
AIS/ENGL/HIST
 490 Seminar 1-3
AIS
 491 Independent Study 1-3
AIS
 492 Topics 3
AIS
 493 Workshop 1-6
AIS 494 Internship (SS) 1-16
INED
 411 South Dakota Indian Studies 3

A Minor is required with this major plus electives to total 128 hours, of which 36 hours must be 300-400 level courses.
Required Core - 37 total Credit hours for American Indian Studies Major

To obtain a Minor in American Indian Studies (Non-Teaching) at BHSU, students must complete the following course work.  21 Credit Hours
AIS
257
 Early American Indian History & Culture (gen ed) 3
AIS
369
 Modern American Indian History & Culture 3
AIS
422
 Issues in Contemporary Indian Life 3
AIS
444
 Siouan Tribal Culture 3
AIS
   Electives 9

 To obtain a Minor (Emphasis in Teaching) in American Indian Studies at BHSU, students must complete the following course work. 21 Credit Hours
AIS
 257 Early American Indian History & Culture (gen ed) 3
AIS
 369 Modern American Indian History & Culture 3
AIS
 422 Issues in Contemporary Indian Life 3
AIS
 444 Siouan Tribal Culture 3
SEED
 415 7-12 Social Science Methods * 3
AIS
   Electives 6
  * This is required only for those taking Secondary Education. Those taking Elementary Education should replace this with an additional three hours in Indian Studies courses. Also LAKL 101 and ENGL 214 are required for a teaching endorsement. EPSY 327 is required for the K-12 endorsement.

To obtain a Minor (Emphasis in Communications) in American Indian Studies at BHSU, students must complete the following course work.  24 Credit Hours
AIS
 115 American Indian Oral Literature 3
AIS
 214 Introduction to American Indian Literature (gen ed) 3
AIS
 257 Early American Indian History & Culture (gen ed) 3
AIS
 369 Modern American Indian History & Culture 3
AIS
 444 Siouan Tribal Culture 3
ENGL
 256 Literature of American West 3
AIS
   Electives 6

General Education Requirements. 32 Credit Hours

 

  
ENGL
 101 Composition I 3
ENGL
 201 Composition II 3
MATH
 3
CMST   3
    Social Science, minimum 2 different subject areas 6
    Arts & Humanities, minimum 2 different subject areas 6
    Natural Science with Lab 8

AIS 101 - Introductory Lakota I

An introduction to the Lakota language with emphasis on conversation, language, structure, and vocabulary. Cross-listed: (Also offered as LAKL 101)
4 semester hours

AIS 102 - Introductory Lakota II

A continued introduction to the Lakota language with emphasis on basic conversation, language, structure, and vocabulary. Cross-listed: (Also offered as LAKL 102) PreRequisite: AIS-101 or LAKL 101

4 semester hours

AIS 115 - American Indian Oral Literature

The American Indian oral tradition focusing on myth, legend, song and oratory (in Englishtranslation) is studied. Selections will represent various tribes, but will emphasize the Lakota culture. Cross-listed: (Also offered as ENGL 115)

3 semester hours

AIS 143 - Traditional Lakota Arts

This course will enable the student to perform basic traditional art techniques such as quillwork, beadwork, and featherwork. Cross-listed: (Also offered as ART 143)

3 semester hours

AIS 201 - Intermediate Lakota I

A continuation of the first-year course, with emphasis on reading, composition, and vocabulary building. Cross-listed: (Also offered as LAKL 201) PreRequisite: AIS-101, AIS-102

3 semester hours

AIS 202 - Intermediate Lakota II

A continuation of intermediate Lakota with emphasis on reading, composition, vocabulary building and the oral tradition. Cross-listed: (Also offered as LAKL 202) PreRequisite: AIS-101, AIS-102

3 semester hours

AIS 214 - Introduction to American Indian Literature

This introductory course in American Indian literature allows students to read and study a variety of genres, including traditional oral literature, autobiography, poetry, fiction, and drama by American Indian authors. Students learn basic research and critical skills needed in reading Native American texts. Cross-listed: (Also offered as ENGL 214)

3 semester hours

AIS 224 - Lakota Culture & Philosophy

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AIS 225 - American Indian Women

This will be a study of the historical importance of Indian women and their significance in the modern world. Cross-listed: (Also offered as SOC 225)

3 semester hours

AIS 251 - American Indian Art History

A survey of the history of American art ranging from traditional tribal art to contemporary Indian art. Cross-listed: (Also offered as ARTH 251)

3 semester hour

AIS 256 - Literature of American West

A study of the literature produced in our region, centered on the Great Plains, including that of Native Americans, both oral and written; of pioneers, immigrants; and farmers; Western literature, and current writers. Cross-listed: (Also offered as ENGL 256) PreRequisite: ENGL-101

3 semester hours

AIS 257 - Early American Indian History and Culture

A survey of the social, cultural, political, and economic history of the Indian peoples of North America from time immemorial to the end of the nineteenth century. Cross-listed: (Also offered as HIST 257)

3 semester hours

AIS 355 - American Indian Psychology

The study of Indian behavior, personality development and individual differences and reactions to non-Indian demands and environment is addressed in this class. Cross-listed: (Also offered as PSYC 465) PreRequisite: PSYC-101

3 semester hours

AIS 369 - Modern American Indian History and Culture

A survey of the social, cultural, political, and economic history of the Indian people of North America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Cross-listed: (Also offered as HIST 369)

3 semester hours

AIS 417 - American Indian Government and Politics

An in-depth investigation of federal, state, and tribal laws, and the historical development and status of treaties, legislation, court decisions, and tribal governments. Cross-listed: (Also offered as POLS 417)

3 semester hours

AIS 422 - Issues in Contemporary Indian Life

An analysis of current American Indian life including inquiry into government policies, economics, and social adjustment to non-Indian society, and cultural changes as these relate to Indian citizens on and off the reservation. Cross-listed: (Also offered as SOC 422)

3 semester hours

AIS 444 - Siouan Tribal Culture

Examines Culture of the Siouan-speaking tribes of the Northern Plains using historical, anthropological, and linguistic approaches. The course focuses on the three divisions of the Sioux peoples, namely Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota. It also may include other Siouan-speaking tribes such as the Mandan, Omaha and Winnebago. Cross-listed: (Also offered as SOC 444) PreRequisite: AIS-257

3 semester hours

AIS 454 - Indian Community Organization & Development

This will be a study of the theory and process of community development in Indian communities. Cross-listed: (Also offered as SOC 454)

3 semester hours

AIS 460 - American Indian Philosophy

Approaches American Indian thought from an experiential point of view. Examines myth and legends to construct outlooks or worldviews of American Indians. PreRequisite: AIS-257

3 semester hours

AIS 490 - Seminar

A highly focused, and topical course. The format includes student presentations and discussions of reports based on literature, practices, problems, and research. Seminars may be conducted over electronic media such as Internet and are at the upper division or graduate levels. Enrollment is generally limited to fewer than 20 students.

1 to 3 semester hours

AIS 491 - Independent Study

Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meetings depending upon the requirements of the topic.

1 to 3 semester hours

AIS 492 - Topics

Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually of 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement.

3 semester hours

AIS 493 - Workshop

Special, intense sessions in specific topic areas. Approximately 45 hours of work is required for each hour of credit. Workshops may vary in time range but typically use a compressed time period for delivery. They may include lectures, conferences, committee work, and group activity.

1 to 6 semester hours

AIS 494 - Internship

Applied, monitored and supervised, field-based learning experience for which the student may or may not be paid. Students gain practical experience; they follow a negotiated and or directed plan of study. A higher level of supervision is provided by the instructor in these courses than is the case with field experience courses.

1 to 16 semester hours

Jacey Garcia Head shot

JACEY GARCIA

CLASS OF 2022

Member of the Yankton Sioux tribe from Lake Andes, Jacey Garcia has already felt an impact from BHSU. Garcia is double majoring in American Indian Studies and Social Science and is a member of the National Guard’s 155th Engineer Company.

“The American Indian Studies program has helped me learn more about the history of my heritage and who I am.”

Contact Info

Dr. Urla Marcus
Director
Urla.Marcus@bhsu.edu
Jonas 103 Map
Phone: 605.642.6578

Black Hills State University
1200 University St.
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799

Dr. Rosie Sprague
Assistant Professor, American Indian Studies
Victoria.Sprague@BHSU.edu
Jonas 122 Map

American Indian Studies
Black Hills State University
1200 University St.
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799

Dr. Mary Bordeaux
Assistant Professor, American Indian Studies

American Indian Studies
Black Hills State University
1200 University St.
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799