Indigenous/Dakota Studies

An instructor teaching his class.

About Indigenous/Dakota Studies

The Associate of Arts degree in Indigenous Studies provides core courses that introduce students to Native culture, history, language and values while increasing understanding of the unique political status, rights and responsibilities of tribal nations.

The emphasis is on providing students with a broad and realistic understanding of issues that impact Native communities and people. The student will have completed an intensive study of the Dakota people and other Native Nations from historical and contemporary perspectives at successful completion of the program.

Drummers

Tradition

A procession of people in native american attire.

Culture

An armed forces color guard making an entrance.

Values

The opening ceremonies of a pow-wow.

Community

Courses of Essential Study

Course #Course NameOffered
Credits
ENGL 100Student SuccessFA,SP
1
ENGL 110College CompositionFA,SP,SU
3
ENGL 120College Composition II*FA,SP,SU
3
COMM 110Fundamentals of Public SpeakingFA,SP
3
 ND: FA or ND:HUM or ND:HIST 
3
 ND: FA or ND:HUM or ND:HIST 3
 ND:SS or ND:HIST 
3
HIST 261American Indian HistorySP
3
CSCI 101Introduction to ComputersFA,SP3
 ND:MATHFA,SP,SU3
SCIENCE/LND:LABSC – Lab Science Elective 3
 ND:LABSC – Corresponding Lab 1
DS 110Dakota Culture and History**FA,SP,SU
3
DSL 250Dakota Language IFA,SP,SU3
    
    
 TOTAL 
38
 *Prerequisite of ENGL 110 (College Composition I) 
 
 **Alternate Summer Rotation 
 
 ***Prerequisite of CSCI 101  

 

Core Classes

 

Course #Course NameOffered
Credits
DS 121Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Studies**FA,SP,SU3
DS 122Introduction to Spirit Lake Culture, Government, and ConstitutionFA,SP3
DSL 251Dakota Language IIFA,SP,SU3
DS 170Native Americans and the CinemaSP,SU
3
DS 155Survey of Native American ArtFA
3
DS 265Native American LiteratureSP
3
DS 230Federal, State, and Tribal Policies & Relationships 
3
 Program Electives 
3
 TOTAL 
24

 

Program Electives

 

Course #Course NameOffered
Credits
DSL 252Dakota Language IIIFA,SP
3
DSL 253Dakota Language IVFA,SP
3
    
   
 

 

Degree Program Total Credits…..62

Updated 11/9/23

• Students will demonstrate proficiency of Indigenous cultures.
• Students will demonstrate competency in speaking Dakota Language.
• Students will utilize various technology platforms to demonstrate proficiency of Indigenous people.
• Students will gain knowledge of their traditional placements within Indigenous nations.

The average salary for a language major in the US is $56,000. The average salary for a cultural studies major in the US is $53,000. The benefits of understanding your heritage, priceless.

The Indigenous Studies faculty are professionals who have been employed in the private and public sectors of tribal government and education. They continue to participate in professional development and scholarly activity to enhance their knowledge and to serve as role models for lifelong learning of the Dakota culture.

Course #Course NameOffered
Credits
DS 250Dakota Language IFA,SP,SU4
DS 251Dakota Language IIFA,SP,SU
4
DSL 252Dakota Language IIIFA,SP,SU
3
DSL 253Dakota Language IVFA,SP
3
   
 
 Total Credits14 
   
 

 

Certificate Total Credits…..14