PED-501M: Native Americans in the 21st Century: Nation Building I

Semester: January

Credit: 0.5

Faculty: Joseph Kalt

Schedule

Day Time Location
First Day 1/20
Meet Day 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Land
Review
Meets Jan. 20-23, 10 AM-4 PM.

Description

This course examines issues Native American tribes and nations face as they enter the 21st century, including: political sovereignty, economic development, constitutional reform, cultural promotion, land and water rights, religious freedom, health and social welfare, and education. Because the challenges are broad and comprehensive, the course emphasizes the breadth of issues that leaders must confront. Research finds that effective nation building must be compatible with individual societies’ cultures.  Yet, American Indian societies are culturally heterogeneous. Hence, there is not “one size” that fits all. Case studies and simulations derived from field research and experience are utilized to engage students in the multidimensional settings that confront Native societies. Scholars and leaders from the Harvard University Native America Program provide selected presentations. Non-HKS students (graduate and undergraduate) from all schools and departments in the university are welcome by cross-registration.

PED-501M will be held from January 20-23, 2009, meeting daily from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–4 p.m. Grades will be based on: issues briefs, 10%; simulations/participation, 20%; and take-home final exam, 70%. Jointly offered by the Graduate School of Education as GSE-A101.