Diné College Course Catalog 2008-2009 (pdf)

NIS 221 Navajo History to Present (3)
Prerequisite: FST 131 and ENG 101 or instructor’s
permission. Examines Diné history beginning with
anthropological theories about prehistoric migrations
to and acculturation in the Southwest followed by the
later European-contact period and ending with
current events. Includes an overview of key
aboriginal land settlements, federal Indian laws, court
decisions, and other Indian policies within the
context of Diné tribal, inter-tribal, city, county, state,
and federal government relations. The course
emphasizes the general education special
requirements of intensive writing/critical thinking,
and ethnic/race/gender, and historical awareness
(IW/CI, ERG, and HA).
NIS 222 Contemporary Indian Affairs and Tribal
Government (3)
Prerequisite: FST 131, ENG 101, and NIS 221 or
instructor’s permission. An overview of federal
policies and programs since 1776 that have dealt with
U.S. Indian Nations. Examines relationships between
tribes and national, regional, and local governments,
as well as the rise of a new, collective, national, and
political Native American identity.
NIS 225 Indians of the United States and North
America (3)
Prerequisite: ENG 101 or concurrent enrollment, or
instructor’s permission. Cross listed with ANT 225.
A survey of indigenous groups of the U.S. and
Canada, with an emphasis on changing economic and
political forces that influence various tribal groups.
Discussion of origins, customs, language, arts, and
habitats.
NIS 226 Navajo Tribal Government (3)
Prerequisite: FST 131, ENG 101, and NIS 221 or
instructor’s permission. Cross listed with POS 226.
The development of Navajo tribal government
concentrating on its evolution since the 1920's.
Examines the legal and political basis of tribal
government, the structure and functions of tribal
powers and services, fiscal changes, and
administrative growth. Includes political relations,
developments, and transitions related to state and
federal government. Highlights major contributions
of tribal chairmen and presidents. The course
emphasizes the general education special
requirements of intensive writing/critical thinking,
and ethnic/race/gender, and historical awareness
(IW/CI, ERG, and HA).
NIS 261 Navajo Oral Tradition and Styles (3)
Prerequisite: NIS 111 or instructor’s permission.
Examines the philosophy and thinking of traditional
elders in Navajo society by listening to and analyzing
oral styles including storytelling, oratory, prayers,
and lectures. Instruction in English and Navajo.
NIS 290 Native American Symposium (3)
Selected topics in contemporary Native American
affairs.
NIS 292 Native American Holistic Expression
(3)
Examines the basic principles of Native American
spiritual life, common philosophies and values,
cycles of life and contemporary ritualistic practices
throughout the North American continent.
NIS 293 Native American Music for Teachers (3)
Cross-listed with EDU 293. Focuses on music, dance
repertoire, and teaching methods for use in the
classroom. Discusses traditional tribal styles,
instruments, and social/ceremonial contexts with
special emphasis on the Navajo Nation and other
Southwestern tribes.
NIS 311 Introduction to Navajo Wholistic Healing
(3)
Prerequisite: NIS 111. A general discussion of major
Navajo ceremonies of the summer and winter seasons
according to Navajo teachings. Examines the
development and organization of ceremonies with
emphasis on their purpose, significance, and
procedures. Includes study of ceremonies from the
Hózhóóji (Blessing Ways) and Naayééjí (Protection
Ways). May include field experiences to local
traditional healing ceremonies.
NIS 371 Navajo Philosophy (3)
Prerequisite: NIS 111. An advanced analysis of the
inter-relationship of male and female principles and
the manifestation of dual forces. The course takes a
well-integrated look at Diné philosophical thought on
metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, ethics,
religion, and traditional social structure. The course
emphasizes the general education special
requirements of intensive writing/critical thinking,
and ethnic/race/gender, and historical awareness
(IW/CI, ERG, and HA).
Physical Education and Recreation (PER)
PER 113, 115, 119 Team Sports (1)
Students on the Diné College (113) Cross-Country,
(115) Marathon or (119) Archery team may enroll in
the courses with the Coach/Instructor’s permission.
Students sign a course contract and are responsible
for the rules and regulations of their sport. Students
who quit or are dropped from the team are dropped