American Indian Studies
American Indian Studies
We are still here! Native Communities in America
What will I learn?
Our Native American ancestors were resilient. They had to be. They lived on the edge. Their communities depended on constantly changing streams, creeks, bayous, rivers, lakes, gulfs and oceans. Water brought vitality, but too little or too much could also wreak devastation. Their communities were also constantly changing as a result of internal strife and external forces.
Through AIS courses, students will study:
- Historical pressures that influenced community structures;
- Struggles to preserve Native languages, cultures, health, wellbeing and sovereignty;
- Native arts, games, clothing, foodways and other cultural practices;
- And other aspects of Indigenous American cultures.
Faculty Affiliates
MEET OUR DIRECTORS AND AFFILIATE FACULTY
Do you have a question about the American Indian Studies program? Click above to get the contact information for the director.
Faculty Spotlight
AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES AFFILIATE FACULTY
Dr. Joshua Haynes
Patrolling the Border focuses on a late eighteenth-century conflict between Creek Indians and Georgians. Dr. Joshua S. Haynes argues that the period should be viewed as the struggle of non-state indigenous people to develop an effective method of resisting colonization. Using database and digital mapping applications, Dr. Haynes identifies one such method of resistance: a pattern of Creek raiding best described as politically motivated border patrols.
Career Pathways
A minor in American Indian Studies can be paired with any major, and in many cases, students can get an American Indian Studies minor without taking any more credit hours than they would need to take for their major alone.Some majors that work well with this minor are:
- Social sciences: Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Psychology, Nonprofit Studies, Legal Studies
- Applied social sciences: Social Work, Criminal Justice, Public Health
- Human Sciences: Child and family studies, Archival and library science
- Humanities: Languages, History, English, Philosophy
- Communications: Public Relations, Media, Communication Studies,
- Business: Management, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship
- The Arts: Art and Design, Dance, Music, and Theatre
- And many more!
Affiliations
Center for American Indian Research and Studies
The center facilitates partnerships between the faculty of Southern Miss and regional tribal governments in order to better serve the needs of the American Indian people in our area.
Golden Eagle Inter-tribal Society
The USM Golden Eagle Inter-tribal Society (GEIS), host of the Southern Miss Powwow, is a student organization at USM devoted to maintaining the culture of Native American groups. Whether your heritage, studies, or friends have given rise to an interest in Native American culture, we welcome you to join us.
Availability
| Minor Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Hattiesburg |