American Indian Studies

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

Faculty

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

Tenured and Tenure-Track Faculty:

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

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

Orona, Britttani R., Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies (B.A., California State University, Humboldt; M.A., California State University, Sacramento; Ph.D., University of California, Davis)

Additional Faculty

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

Lecturers:

Carrico, Richard L., M.A., American Indian Studies

Cornell, Caleigh B., M.A., American Indian Studies

Emeritus Faculty:

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

Locklear, Linda R., 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.