Mar 28, 2024  
2021/2022 University Catalog 
    
2021/2022 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

American Indian Studies


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OFFICE: Arts and Letters 331
TELEPHONE: 619-594-6991 / FAX: 619-594-2646
WEBSITE: http://ais.sdsu.edu

Faculty

Chair: David M. Kamper, Associate Professor of American Indian Studies (B.A., Columbia College; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles)

Undergraduate Adviser: Margaret C. Field, Professor of American Indian Studies (B.Ed., University of Alaska, Fairbanks; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Santa  Barbara)

Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty: 

Olivia M. Chilcote, Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies (B.A., California State Polytechnic University; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley)

Esme G. Murdock, Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies (B.A., Barnard College; Ph.D., Michigan State University)

Lecturers

Richard L. Carrico, B.A., B.A., M.A.

Caleigh B. Cornell, B.A., M.A. 

Emeritus Faculty: 

Alan E. Kilpatrick, 1993-2010, Professor of American Indian Studies

Linda R. Locklear, 1988-2018, Lecturer in American Indian Studies

The Major

A major in American Indian studies provides students with a liberal arts education focused on cultural diversity. The American Indian studies program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Native American peoples. Using literature, art, history, and politics as touchstones, students come to understand the individual, as well as tribal character of Indian people. Special emphasis is given to the tribes of Southern California. Courses also draw comparisons between American Indian life and the life of other members of American society. A degree in American Indian studies prepares students for various careers both in and outside Indian country. Many of our majors find employment with tribal education programs, social and human services programs, and cultural preservation divisions. Employment opportunities are available with the various federal agencies that work with Native American communities, to include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, and National Indian Gaming Commission. Majors are qualified to work in a wide range of non-Indian fields that serve Native communities, to include engineering/architectural consulting, entrepreneurship, environmental planning, financial services, and hospitality.

Advising

All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department adviser as soon as possible; they are required to meet with their department adviser within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)

Visit http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap for the recommended courses needed to fulfill your major requirements. The MAPs website was created to help students navigate the course requirements for their majors and to identify which General Education course will also fulfill a major preparation course requirement.

Programs

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