Each year, the Harvard University Native American Program supports two courses focused on Native American issues. This year, HUNAP will support Native Americans in the 21st Century: Nation-Building I and Native Americans in the 21st Century: Nation-Building II.

Click here to view other courses with a concentration on Native peoples and issues.

Native Americans in the 21st Century: Nation-Building I (PED- 501M)
Joseph P. Kalt, Ph.D., Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy and Academic Dean for Research at the Kennedy School of Government
Date/Time: TBD
Location: Littauer Building, Room 230, Kenedy School of Government
January 2008 (Faculty Bio) (Syllabus)

This course examines issues Native American tribes and nations face as they enter the 21st century, including: political sovereignty, economic development, constitutional reform, cultural and language maintenance and 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, from health, education, and social services to politics, economics, and cultural change. Research finds that the viable approaches to such areas of nation building must be compatible with individual societies? cultures, and American Indian societies are culturally heterogeneous. Hence, there is not oone sizeo 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 Native America and the Harvard University Native American Program provide selected presentations. Grades will be based on: issues briefs, 20 percent; simulations/participation, 20 percent; final exam, 60 percent. Note: This course is cross-listed at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) as A101.

Native Americans in the 21st Century: Nation-Building II (PED- 502)
Dennis Norman, Ed.D. '81, Faculty Chair, Harvard University Native American Program, Chief of Psychology at Mass General Hospital, Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School
Tuesdays, 4-6pm
Location: HUNAP Office, 14 Story Street Building, 4th Floor Conference Room
Spring 2008 (Faculty Bio) (Syllabus)

This field-based research course focuses on some of the major issues Native American Indian tribes and nations face as the 21st century begins. It provides in-depth, hands-on exposure to native development issues, including: sovereignty, economic development, constitutional reform, leadership, health and social welfare, land and water rights, culture and language, religious freedom, and education. In particular, the course emphasizes problem definition, client relationships, and designing and completing a research project. The course is devoted primarily to preparation and presentation of a comprehensive research paper based on a field investigation. In addition to interdisciplinary faculty presentations on topics such as field research methods and problem definition, students will make presentations on their work in progress and findings. Note: This course is cross-listed at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) as A102.

Prerequisite: Open to all Harvard University students. In the event of over-enrollment, priority is given to students who have taken Nation Building I.

Please Note: Course description and requirements are subject to change.

Other courses with concentration on Native people or issues: