In response to interest by faculty and students, this website will provide the beginnings of a central source for information about courses at Northwestern University

that are related to American Indian issues.

Classes originate in many departments, including

Psychology, Religion, Anthropology and African American Studies

Are you aware of relevant courses not listed here? 

Contact us at j-woodring@northwestern.edu

Learn more about community events and the American Indian community in Chicago by

visiting the American Indian Center website.

For more information about specific classes listed below,

please contact the instructor or department.

Be sure to check this website before registering for next quarter's classes to see the latest offerings.

Courses offered fall, 2009

Religion  261-0   Sarah Taylor    

American Religion, Ecology and Culture

T Th 11:00-12:20   Parkes Hall 212

This course will explore contemporary currents in religion and ecology, focusing on how the rise of environmentalism in American culture and the increasing give-and-take between ecological awareness and spiritual experience have become powerful forces in shaping the religious landscape. Particular attention will be paid to "greening" trends within religious institutions in light of tensions between philosophies of anthropocentrism and biocentrism, stewardship and deep ecology, bioregionalism and globalism. We will also examine the spiritual dimensions of ecofeminism, eco-kosher foodways, back-to-the-land movements, sacred agriculture, voluntary simplicity, and ecopsychology. Finally, we will analyze contemporary "ecotopian" and "eco-apocalyptic" visions for what broader insight they may afford us into American religion and culture. This course also counts toward the Environmental Policy and Culture minor at Northwestern.

Psychology  314-0  Doug Medin

Special Topics in Psychology:

Native American Culture and Environmental Decision Making

M F 9:30-10:50 Swift Hall 210

The focus of this class will be on the relationship peoples have with nature, with a particular focus on Native Americans and the environment. The course will also focus on stereotypes, such as that of the “ecological Indian.” Did the colonial powers find a pristine environment when they arrived in America? Did Native Americans have a special spiritual connection with nature? Do Native Americans today also have this same spiritual connection?

Courses to be offered winter, 2010

Courses to be offered spring, 2010

Anthropology 327-0 20  Elizabeth Brumfiel

Archaeology of Ethnicity in America

This course explores the history of different ethnic groups in America through the study of their
material remains: living quarters, burials, food remains, tools, jewelry, etc. We also examine how
ethnic groups have been portrayed or ignored in museum displays that claim to depict the American past. Groups studied include Native Americans, African-American, and Chinese-Americans. Class projects include the study of artifacts and ethnic groups in the city of Evanston. This is a good class for students considering careers in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, education, and history.

Courses to be offered fall, 2010

RELIGION 260-0   Sarah Taylor

Introduction to Native American Religions

Diversity and common elements of Native American religious traditions; comparative study of myth, ritual, spiritual philosophy, and practice.

Courses offered in recent years

Watch for these classes in future quarters:

AF AM ST 214-0 Comparative Race Studies in the United States Problems and experiences of racialized minorities: blacks, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans. Comparative exploration of their relationships to each other and to the majority society. May be repeated for credit with change of comparative racial groups or time period explored.

ANTHRO 311-0 The Indians of North America Aboriginal cultures of northern Mexico, continental United States, Alaska, and Canada. Languages, art, and social, economic, and religious life.

ART HIST 228-0 Introduction to Pre-Columbian Art Introduction to pre-Columbian and Native American art and architecture, from tribal societies, such as the Iroquois, Mandan, and Kwakiutl, to complex states, such as the Aztec, Maya, and Inca.

updated - 10-8-09