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.
Tradition
Culture
Values
Community
Courses of Essential Study
| Course # | Course Name | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 100 | Student Success | FA,SP,SU | 1 |
| ENGL 110 | College Composition | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| ENGL 120 | College Composition II* | FA,SP | 3 |
| COMM 110 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | FA,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 261 | American Indian History | SP | 3 |
| CSCI 101 | Introduction to Computers | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| ND:MATH | FA,SP,SU | 3 | |
| SCIENCE/L | ND:LABSC – Lab Science Elective | 3 | |
| ND:LABSC – Corresponding Lab | 1 | ||
| DS 110 | Dakota Culture and History** | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| DSL 250 | Dakota Language I | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| TOTAL | 38 | ||
| *Prerequisite of ENGL 110 (College Composition I) | |||
| **Alternate Summer Rotation | |||
Core Classes
| Course # | Course Name | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS 122 | Introduction to Spirit Lake Culture, Government, and Constitution | FA | 3 |
| DSL 251 | Dakota Language II | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| DS 170 | Native Americans and the Cinema | SP | 3 |
| DS 155 | Survey of Native American Art | SU | 3 |
| DS 265 | Native American Literature | FA | 3 |
| DS 230 | Federal, State, and Tribal Policies & Relationships | SP | 3 |
| Program Electives | 6 | ||
| TOTAL | 24 |
Program Electives
| Course # | Course Name | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR 100 | Introduction to Archery | FA,SP | 1 |
| HG 101 | Introduction to Hand Games | FA,SP | 1 |
| DSL 252 | Dakota Language III | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| DSL 253 | Dakota Language IV | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| NAT 105 | Wildlife ID | SP | 3 |
| NAT 105L | Wildlife ID Lab | SP | 1 |
| NAT 215 | Plant ID | FA | 3 |
| NAT 215L | Plant ID Lab | FA | 1 |
| NAT 102 | Introduction to Natural Resource Management | FA,SP | 3 |
| BIOL 124 | Environmental Science | SP | 3 |
| BIOL 124L | Environmental Science Lab | SP | 1 |
Degree Program Total Credits…..62
Updated 2/13/2025
• 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.
Marva Tollefson | 701-766-2371 | marva.tollefson@littlehoop.edu
| Course # | Course Name | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS 110 DS 122 DSL 250 | Dakota Culture and History Intro to Spirit Lake Culture, Government, and Constitution Dakota Language I | FA,SP,SU FA FA,SP,SU | 3 3 3 |
| DSL 251 | Dakota Language II | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| DSL 252 | Dakota Language III | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| DSL 253 | Dakota Language IV | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | ||
