Course Description
This course serves as an introduction to issues in Native American Studies, with an overview of the history, experiences, and traditions of the indigenous peoples of North America, primarily in what is now the US. Because of the tremendous diversity of cultures and religious traditions in North America, coupled with a more than 500-year history of colonialism, no single semester course can cover the topic exhaustively. The survey provided, however, should give you a sufficient knowledge base upon which to build further study and will familiarize you with basic patterns and issues in the study of Native American history and culture.

This course satisfies the entry-level requirement for the Undergraduate Certificate for Native American Studies.

Course Texts
Books are available at Baxter Street Bookstore, Off Campus Bookstore, and the UGA bookstore.

Required:
Peter Nabokov, Native American Testimony
Gerald Taiaiake Alfred, Peace, Power, Righteousness
Leslie Marmon Silko, Ceremony
Richard Erdoes and Alfonso Ortiz, American Indian Myths and Legends
Additional Readings available on EMMA

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES
The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary and will be announced in class or by email. Assignments for each class will be posted to the calendar on EMMA. Check the calendar and your email at least once before each class. See the Course Home Page <http://laweaver.myweb.uga.edu/NAMS1100/main.htm> for links to course materials and to EMMA.

The final grade is based on the following:

10% Website Review
40% 2 Midterm exams
35% Final exam
15% Participation

Attendance Policy
Attendance and class participation are mandatory. Students are allowed a total of 4 absences, either excused or unexcused, for the semester, including add/drop period. More than that will significantly lower your class participation grade. On the 8th absence, you will be withdrawn from the course and assigned a grade of W (before the midterm withdrawal deadline) or WF (after the deadline).

Class Participation
Class participation grades are based on your contributions to in-class discussions, a group presentations to the class, and any in-class writing assignments and/or quizzes. You are expected to complete all reading and writing assignments on the calendar before coming to class.

MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS AND LATE POLICY
No make-up examinations will be given unless the circumstances are extraordinary and the student makes arrangements in advance. Medical documentation will be required in case of illness. Late papers will be lowered 1/2 grade for every day late. 

In-class assignments or quizzes cannot be made up if you are late or absent. If you are absent on the date your group presents, you will not receive credit.

COMMUNICATION
I encourage you to drop in during my office hour when you have any questions or concerns, or you just want me to clarify something. If your classes conflict with the posted hours, please see me in class or email me to make an appointment.

ACCESS
If you need special accommodations because of a disability or have emergency medical information to give me, please make an appointment to see me as soon as possible.

ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
All academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture of Honesty.” Students are responsible for informing themselves about those standards before performing any academic work. More detailed information about academic honesty can be found at: http://www.uga.edu/ovpi/honesty/acadhon.htm

Any student suspected of violating this policy will be referred to the Office of the Vice President of Instruction. Do not plagiarize. Credit all ideas, words, phrases, paraphrases and evidence that are not your own, and provide complete publication information for all sources. If you have any doubts about fair use and proper citation, please ask me before submitting what could turn out to be plagiarized work. I can also refer you to the staff of UGA's Writing Center if you need extra help.

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Background image from the Archaeo Art Gallery by James Q. Jacobs