American Indian Studies Courses
Please note that the following list consists of all AIS courses offered. To find courses offered during a particular semester, see http://www4.uwm.edu/schedule/.
Indigenous experience in the land now called U.S.A.; colonization, tradition and spirituality, indigenousness and sovereignty; current issues, e.g., language preservation, treaty rights, social justice. Theoretical approaches.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: SS, CD
Last Taught: Summer 2019, Spring 2019, UWinteriM 2019, Fall 2018.
Anishinaabe botanical knowledge as it relates to Anishinaabe culture.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: No cr for students who have cr in Bio Sci 105.
Last Taught: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
Anishinaabe philosophical and religious beliefs incorporating botanical knowledge.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: AIS 106 & ReligSt 106 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
First-semester speaking, listening, and writing skills in an indigenous language of Wisconsin.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: Retakeable w/chg in topic to 12 cr max.
Second-semester speaking, listening, and writing skills in an indigenous language of Wisconsin.
Prerequisites: AIS 161 or level 2 placement. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (4 retro cr).
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: Retakeable w/chg in topic to 12 cr max.
Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, HU
Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
Specific topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
Independent work supervised by a member of the AIS Program instructional staff.
Prerequisites: 2.5 GPA; writ cons instr, prog coord, & asst dean for SAS.
Course Rules: Retakable w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017.
Study of western Great Lakes American Indian community life of the past, with an emphasis on pre-European conditions, social organizations, value systems, family life, ceremonial life.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Course Rules: Counts as a repeat of Ethnic 203.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
Formation and expansion of the Aztec empire; description and analysis of Aztec culture, with an emphasis on archaeological and ethnohistoric perspectives.
Prerequisites: none.
Course Rules: AIS 225 & Anthro 225 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Summer 2016, Spring 2014, Spring 2013.
Third-semester speaking, listening and writing skills in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Great Lakes Three Fires Confederacy and current Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi nations.
Prerequisites: AIS 152 or level 3 placement. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (8 retro cr).
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: Satisfies L&S Language Requirement and Foreign Language GER. Meets Cultural Diversity GER.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
Fourth-semester speaking, listening and writing skills in Anishinaabemowin the language of the Great Lakes Three Fires Confederacy and current Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi nations.
Prerequisites: AIS 251 or level 4 placement. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (12retro cr)..
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: Satisfies L&S Language Requirement and Foreign Language GER. Meets Cultural Diversity GER.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
A survey of Native American history from aboriginal times to 1887. Emphasis will be placed on American policies and change within Indian societies.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Course Rules: AIS 262 & Hist 262 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015.
A survey of American Indian history since 1887 with emphasis on federal policies and changing Indian societies in the twentieth century.
Prerequisites: none.
General Education Requirements: SS, CD
Course Rules: AIS 263 & Hist 263 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
Literature of the American Indian, focusing on major forms, prominent themes, or a particular tribe of time period.
Prerequisites: grade of C or better in English 102(P) or score at level 4 on EPT.
General Education Requirements: HU, CD
Course Rules: AIS 276 & English 276 are jointly offered; w/same topic, they count as repeats of one another. Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Summer 2017, UWinteriM 2017.
Application of basic principles of American Indian Studies in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate settings.
Prerequisites: AIS 101(P); 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.
Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. Retakable to 6 cr max.
Undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff.
Prerequisites: acceptance to UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.
Course Rules: One credit for 45 hrs research. Retakable to 9 cr max in any combination of UROP apprenticeship courses.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: Retakable w/chg in topic.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.
Prerequisites: none; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: Retakable w/chg in topic.
Main pre-Columbian cultures on the North American continent, north of Mexico.
Prerequisites: jr st; Anthro 103(P) or cons instr.
Course Rules: AIS 308 & Anthro 308 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2014.
Main pre-Columbian cultures on the North American continent, north of Mexico.
Prerequisites: jr st; Anthro 103(P) or cons instr.
Course Rules: AIS 308 & Anthro 308 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2014.
Historical development and ecological settings of cultures and civilizations in Mexico and Central America from earliest times to the Spanish conquest.
Prerequisites: jr st; Anthro 103(P) or cons instr.
Course Rules: AIS 310 & Anthro 310 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2015.
Historical development and ecological settings of cultures and civilizations in Mexico and Central America from earliest times to the Spanish conquest.
Prerequisites: jr st; Anthro 103(P) or cons instr.
Course Rules: AIS 310 & Anthro 310 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2015.
Historical development of ancient Maya civilization from its origins to the Spanish Conquest.
Prerequisites: jr st; Anthro 103(P) or cons instr.
Course Rules: AIS 311 & Anthro 311 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
Historical development of ancient Maya civilization from its origins to the Spanish Conquest.
Prerequisites: jr st; Anthro 103(P) or cons instr.
Course Rules: AIS 311 & Anthro 311 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2015, Fall 2014.
Description and analysis of selected indigenous American cultures including subsistence, sociopolitical organizations, beliefs and Euro-American Indian policy.
Prerequisites: jr st; Anthro 102(R).
Course Rules: AIS 314 & Anthro 314 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2015.
Description and analysis of selected indigenous American cultures including subsistence, sociopolitical organizations, beliefs and Euro-American Indian policy.
Prerequisites: jr st; Anthro 102(R).
Course Rules: AIS 314 & Anthro 314 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2015.
American Indian societal change studied from a combination of theoretical perspectives: examination of the variation in American Indian responses to Western political and economic impacts.
Prerequisites: jr st; any Sociol 100-level course or Sociol 224(P).
General Education Requirements: CD, SS
Course Rules: AIS 320 & Sociology 320 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2011.
Development of the institutional structure of American Indian affairs; current economic and social problems, contemporary manifestations of American Indian spirit, e.g., activism and cultural experiences.
Prerequisites: jr st; any Sociol 100 level course or Sociol 224(P).
General Education Requirements: SS, CD
Course Rules: AIS 321 & Sociol 321 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2018.
Hist of Anishinaabe language instruction, including impact of social and political movements and contermporary trends. Review and creation of effective instructional methods for teaching Anishinaabemowin.
Prerequisites: AIS 252(P) or cons instr.
Course Rules: Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (16 retro cr).
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016.
Role of globalization in the projected extinction of a large number of the world's languages within the next century.
Prerequisites: jr st; a course in social science; a course in linguistic anthro; or cons instr.
Course Rules: AIS 362, Anthro 362, & Global 362 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2014.
Role of globalization in the projected extinction of a large number of the world's languages within the next century.
Prerequisites: jr st; a course in social science; a course in linguistic anthro; or cons instr.
Course Rules: AIS 362, Anthro 362, & Global 362 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2014.
Introduction to researching, reading, and creating archival material for proficient speakers of Anishinaabemowin.
Prerequisites: AIS 252(P) or cons instr.
Course Rules: Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (16 retro crs).
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017.
A general, representative study of the literature of the American Indian.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition Competency req.
General Education Requirements: HU, CD
Course Rules: AIS 372 & English 372 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017.
History of Wisconsin tribes from their earliest years to the present, including European contacts, treaties, the fur trade, and wars.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of English Composition competency req.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: AIS 473 & Hist 473 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2017.
History of Wisconsin tribes from their earliest years to the present, including European contacts, treaties, the fur trade, and wars.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of English Composition competency req.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: AIS 473 & Hist 473 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Fall 2017.
Detailed examination of such topics as Indian legal status, culture change, Indian education, Pan-Indianism and gender roles.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. AIS 474 & Hist 474 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Detailed examination of such topics as Indian legal status, culture change, Indian education, Pan-Indianism and gender roles.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max. AIS 474 & Hist 474 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
American Indian political systems; their interaction with U.S. Indian policy. Indigenous systems of governance; European legal justification for colonization; American Indian sovereignty; Federal-Tribal relationship.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: No cr for students w/cr in Hist 474 w/similar topic. AIS 475 & Hist 475 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018.
American Indian political systems; their interaction with U.S. Indian policy. Indigenous systems of governance; European legal justification for colonization; American Indian sovereignty; Federal-Tribal relationship.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: No cr for students w/cr in Hist 474 w/similar topic. AIS 475 & Hist 475 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018.
Application of advanced principles of American Indian Studies in a business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.
Prerequisites: jr st; 2.25 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.
Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hours in internship. Retakable to 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2015, Spring 2015, Fall 2012.
Advanced-level undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff.
Prerequisites: jr st; acceptance to UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.
Course Rules: One credit for 45 hrs research. Retakable to 9 cr max in any combination of UROP apprenticeship courses.
Last Taught: Summer 2018.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.
Prerequisites: jr st; acceptance for Study Abroad Prog.
Course Rules: Retakable w/chg in topic.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.
Prerequisites: jr st; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.
Course Rules: Retakable w/chg in topic.
Critical study of themes, figures, aspects, trends, etc., in American Indian Literature.
Prerequisites: jr st; satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req.
General Education Requirements: CD
Course Rules: AIS 520 & English 520 are jointly offered; w/same topic, they count as repeats of one another. Retakable w/chg of topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Spring 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2014, Fall 2013.
Critical methods in understanding indigenous literature, cultures, and creative arts; uses of arts in indigenous cultures; how arts influence people's views of indigenous peoples.
Prerequisites: jr st; completion of GER English Composition competency req.
Course Rules: AIS 525 & English 525 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Critical methods in understanding indigenous literature, cultures, and creative arts; uses of arts in indigenous cultures; how arts influence people's views of indigenous peoples.
Prerequisites: jr st; completion of GER English Composition competency req.
Course Rules: AIS 525 & English 525 are jointly offered; they count as repeats of one another.
Research or applied project on area of student's interest under supervision of AIS faculty member. Formal field project paper required.
Prerequisites: jr st; declared AIS major.
Last Taught: Fall 2018, Spring 2017.
Focus on major forms, prominent themes, or tribal traditions in the literature of the American Indian.
Prerequisites: sr st, satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req, 9 cr English and/or CompLit at the 300-level or above; or grad st.
Course Rules: AIS 632 & English 632 are jointly offered; w/same topic they count as repeats of one another. Retakable w/chg in topic of 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2016, Spring 2015.
Focus on major forms, prominent themes, or tribal traditions in the literature of the American Indian.
Prerequisites: sr st, satisfaction of GER English Composition competency req, 9 cr English and/or CompLit at the 300-level or above; or grad st.
Course Rules: AIS 632 & English 632 are jointly offered; w/same topic they count as repeats of one another. Retakable w/chg in topic of 6 cr max.
Last Taught: Fall 2016, Spring 2015.
Advanced independent work under the supervision of an AIS Program instructional staff member.
Prerequisites: jr st; 2.5 GPA; cons supervising instr, prog coord, & asst dean for SAS.
Course Rules: Retakable w/chg in topic to 9 cr max.
Last Taught: Summer 2019, Spring 2019, Summer 2018, Spring 2018.
Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) Course Descriptions
Four Course Language Series
AIS 151 – First Semester Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) – 4 cr.
This course serves as an introduction to Anishinaabemowin which is the language used by the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi people. In this course we will focus primarily on the Ojibwe dialect but you will learn the basics of the language in a way that will allow you to advance easily in Odawa or Potowatomi dialects if you choose. This course is designed for beginning students with no prior knowledge of the language. Lessons will address all four skills essential for language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing. In this course you will also learn the stories, social systems, philosophy, history and science of the Anishinaabe people and their neighbors. Prerequisites: None. Foreign Language GER: A passing grade in First through Fourth Semesters of Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) satisfies the L&S Language Requirement and also satisfies the university-wide Foreign Language GER
AIS 152 – Second Semester Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) – 4 cr.
This course is a continuation of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language series. This semester focuses on longer texts in the Western (Ojibwe) dialect. Texts will include historical and recent examples of the language. In this course you will continue to develop all four skills essential for language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing. As we learn the language you will continue to increase your knowledge of the past history and current economic and political perspective of citizens and descendants of Anishinaabe nations in the U.S. and Canada. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe 152) or level 3 score on placement exam or cons instr. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (8 retro cr). Foreign Language GER: A passing grade in First through Fourth Semesters of Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) satisfies the L&S Language Requirement and also satisfies the university-wide Foreign Language GER
AIS 251 Third Semester Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) – 4 cr.
This course is a continuation of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language series. This semester focuses on longer texts in the Western (Ojibwe) dialect. Texts will include historical and recent examples of the language. In this course you will continue to develop all four skills essential for language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing. As we learn the language you will continue to increase your knowledge of the past history and current economic and political perspective of citizens and descendants of Anishinaabe nations in the U.S. and Canada. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe 152) or level 3 score on placement exam or cons instr. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (8 retro cr). Foreign Language GER: A passing grade in First through Fourth Semesters of Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) satisfies the L&S Language Requirement and also satisfies the university-wide Foreign Language GER
AIS 252 Fourth Semester Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) – 4 cr.
This course is a continuation of the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language series. This semester focuses on gaining competency in a range of dialects including western, central and eastern variation. As with third semester, texts will include historical and recent examples of the language. In this course you will continue to develop all four skills essential for language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing. You will also continue to increase your knowledge of the history and current economic and political perspective of citizens and descendants of Anishinaabe nations in the U.S. and Canada. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe 251) or level 4 score on placement exam or cons instr. Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (12 retro cr). Foreign Language GER: A passing grade in First through Fourth Semesters of Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) satisfies the L&S Language Requirement and also satisfies the university-wide Foreign Language GER
Find out more about Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) language use at www.ojibwe.net.