Course Descriptions
FNS 101 Beginning Ojibwa Language for beginning students in Ojibwa language. Introduction to the phonetics, pronunciation, and rhythm of the Ojibwa language. A standardized system and basic vocabulary will be used. Focus on oral fluency.
FNS 102 Intermediate Ojibwa Language. Speaking and comprehension of basic Ojibwa speech patterns. Development of rudimentary reading knowledge, conversational skills and elementary grammar. Emphasis on vocabulary development and speaking within cultural context.
FNS 110 Survey of First Nation Culture. Examination of traditional and contemporary First Nations culture. Includes the legends, religion, poetry, music, design, dance, oratory, and history of tribal groups in North America.
FNS 151 Introduction to Tribal Administration. Introduction to the basics of First Nations law and tribal governments and how federal Indian policy has affected development of tribal governments that exist today.
FNS 221 First Nations Wisconsin History. History of the native peoples of Wisconsin from prehistoric times to present. Major emphasis placed on the six federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin.
FNS 230 First Nations Myths and Legends. Introduction to the oral traditions of First Nations people. Explores traditional stories and legends told by native people for generations. Students will understand the meaning they provided to the past generations of people an how their message carried into the modern world.
FNS 242 First Nations Values and Spiritual Beliefs. Examines a broad range of First Nations religious beliefs as they relate to various cultural values of First Nations in North America. Emphasis on the spiritual significance of First Nations ceremonies and their relationship to the environment. Traditional teachings of First Nations will be examined as they relate to lifestyles of Indian people historically and today.
FNS 304 First Nations Literature. Examines literature by and about First Nations people. Students read novels, short stories and poetry by First Nations authors. Students will be aware of how literature differs from traditional Western literature in content and theme. Also covers traditional stories that contemporary First Nations literature is based on.
FNS 307 Ojibwa Culture. Examines various aspects of Ojibwa culture in depth. A hands-on approach, with students going into the field and participating in lab activities such as wild ricing, sugar bush, drum and dance, plus others. Can be repeated for up to six credits.
FNS 310 Historical Foundations of First Nations Education. Study of major issues in First Nations educations, including tribal trends of community control, federal legislation, innovative methods, technique and curriculum, and projections for the future.
FNS 350 First Nations History I. Examination of history and culture of First Nations people from their origin to the Dawes Act of 1887.
FNS 351 First Nations History II. Examination of history and culture of First Nations people from 1887 to present. Special attention given to the federal government's role in administering Indian policy.
FNS 386 Social Work Practice with First Nations Families. Focuses on social work practice issues related to contemporary First Nations family life, including recognition of the importance of First Nations tribal contexts, the development and implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act, the impact of sovereignty and other social policy issues upon First Nations families, and effective approaches to use when helping First Nations families. Offers students the opportunity to better understand and work more effectively with First Nations families. Open to non-majors and can be used as a General Education diversity requirement.
FNS 410 First Nations Law examines the unique relationship between Indigenous tribes of the United States and the United States government through the context of tribal sovereignty. The course will explore the impact of the Supreme Court and the court's interpretation of legislation and judicial decisions of the past. The course will also explore the future of the domestic dependent nations status and tribal sovereignty.
FNS 430 Contemporary Issues in First Nations Society. Study of the problems faced by First Nations tribes in different parts of the country along with their relationship to local and national governments. Insight into the life and culture of First Nations in the contemporary world, and the political and tribal issues, which impact on the role of First Nations in today's society.
FNS 460 The Study of First Nations Women. Exploration of the First Nations women's social roles and lifestyles from variety of tribal cultures in North America. Focuses on traditional and contemporary values and roles of First Nations women.
FNS 480 First Nations Society and Culture. Teaches basic social science research techniques and how they apply to First Nations community. Group or individual field research projects will be completed during the semester.
FNS 481/681 Counseling the First Nations. Explores counseling theory and application techniques from a First Nations perspective. First Nations world view and linear vs. holistic thinking are principle topics. Group and individual counseling is addressed and practiced. Designed for people in helping professions that deal with First Nations clients.
FNS 486/686 Special Topics. In-depth study of specialized current topics in First Nation's selected by the instructor. May be repeated for credit when instructor and/or topics are different. Prerequisite: FNS 110 and instructor's approval.
FNS 490 Independent Study. Supervised independent study and/or research in First Nation's. Prerequisite: FNS 110 and instructor's approval.
Updated 10/02/2003