Total: 18 Units
It is anticipated that AIS 100 may be used for the American Indian Studies Minor and to satisfy General Education requirements.
Note: The minor also requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.
About the Program
The American Indian Studies program (AIS) at California State University, Fresno offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides culturally-appropriate knowledge and skills through an understanding of the American Indians in North America. The program also involves its faculty and students in research, experiential learning, career counseling, computer technology, curriculum development, conference participation, and day, evening, and weekend courses.
The program offers courses leading to a minor in American Indian Studies. Students can seek other professional degrees in such areas as business, human resources, teacher education, and law. The program teaches appreciation for the heritage of American Indians and their contributions to the shaping of the fabric of American life and history.
Faculty Specialties
The AIS program is made up of faculty with backgrounds and expertise in business, English, history, education, Anthropology, and American Indian affairs.
American Indian Studies is a discipline within the Anthropology Department that focuses on the indigenous cultures of ancient, historical, and contemporary America. American Indian cultures include American Indians, Arctic Natives, as well as the indigenous populations of Northern Mexico. This program recognizes the artificiality of both the Canadian and the Mexican borders, but is primarily concerned with the indigenous populations of the USA. The courses offer a distinctively American perspectives that is crucial to an understanding of the historical and social processes that have led to the development of contemporary American society. This program is intended to strengthen the position of American Indian students and communities in this region as well as introduce these cultures to all students. Courses are interdisciplinary and are principally drawn from the social sciences and the humanities.
Student Life and Community Events
The office of the AIS program serves as a resource and information center for American Indian student organizations and the community at large.
First Nations American Indian Student Organization
First Nations is a student organization that works to bring awareness of indigenous cultures by building upon the camaraderie of the indigenous communities of the Americas. The organization actively seeks to raise social consciousness by creating an environment of awareness and understanding of First Nations peoples. First Nations members include those directly connected to a sovereign nation existing prior to colonization, and those who support First Nations through participating in cultural, political, and social events.
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