Course Objectives - Navajo and Indian Studies (NIS) Courses

COURSE OBJECTIVES
NIS Courses

NIS 111-Foundation of Navajo Culture
01. Explain how according to the Diné all creation is in place, organized and in harmony.
02. Demonstrate how Diné identify themselves to each other.
03. Describe and explain the Diné traditional concept of the duality of the male and female principles.
04. Describe how children are raised and prepared for their role as man and woman in the Diné way.
05. Explain how the creation of the Human body and mind shapes the Diné individual and his or her interaction with all of nature.
06. Compare and contrast Western and Diné values and beliefs.
07. Identify reasons that are given for the preservation of the Diné heritage and environment.
08. Identify the need for the protection of sacred sites (artifacts, ruins, burials, mountains, etc.)
09. Demonstrate an increased appreciation for the richness of the Diné heritage.
10. Draw upon Diné cultural values to function successfully as a citizen in the world community.
11. Describe how Diné local empowerment works chapter level, etc.
12. Identify what Diné local government act is and describe the five management system at their chapter level.

NIS 220-Navajo Oral History
01. Trace the history and cultural development of the Diné using the chronological order of the narratives that developed into ceremonies.
02. Describe the changes that have occurred through time in Diné ceremonies as a result of contact with other cultures.
03. Describe the values, customs, and ceremonies of the Diné and differentiate locally accepted changes in ceremonies from those that are controversial.
04. Describe the differing versions of Diné ceremonies both past and present.
05. Demonstrate a knowledge of the various Athapaskans migration theories based upon evidence from physical anthropology, linguistics, archaeology and Diné oral narratives.
06. Demonstrate broadened analytical research skills in ethnography and folklore as they relate to Diné oral history.
07. Draw upon the values derived from Diné oral history to function successfully as a citizen of the Diné community.

NIS 221-Navajo History to Present
01. Compare and contrast Navajo history and Western history.
02. Demonstrate knowledge of Navajo creation narratives and anthropological migration theories.
03. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the adoption of foreign arts, language, folklore, music and traditions into the Navajo way of life.
04. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of the Navajo tribal government.
05. Demonstrate knowledge of the interaction of the Navajo tribal government with city, county, state, federal and other tribal governments.
06. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, appropriation and regulatory process utilized by the federal government.
07. Demonstrate knowledge of federal policy and its effect on the Navajo people.
08. Demonstrate an appreciation for Navajo history.

NIS 225/ANT 225-Indians of the United States and North America
01. Reduce ethnocentrism
02. Gain a greater appreciation for SNBH and other native American cultural traditions.
03. Investigation current social and economic problems facing Native Americans and propose possible solutions.
04. Gain a better understanding of Indian/Anglo conflict through the years.

NIS 226-Navajo Tribal Government
01. Examine traditional form of Navajo Government, the treaty of 1868, and tribal government evolution since 1920 to present.
02. Examine current tribal government issues.
03. Examine local chapter government functions.

NIS 311-Introduction Navajo Holistic Healing
01. Self-introduction and self-identity.
02. Values and importance of Diné clan system.
03. The belief of our mind, feelings, thoughts and thinking in orders to be positive with ourselves.
04. Beliefs and importance of Diné prayers, songs, and discipline etc.
05. Various Holy People, sacred mountains and sacred places.
06. Blessing way ceremony and its discipline.
07. Protection way ceremony and its understanding.
08. Four different types of healing.
09. Different symbolic meaning and what it represents.
10. Open discussions for different selected topics, etc.

NIS 371-Navajo Philosophy
01. Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship of the Diné clan system with the social, ceremonial and natural order.
02. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of balance and one's place in the cosmic order.
03. Identify the role of each of the diyin dine'é who were responsible for the emergence and structure of Diné philosophy.
04. Identify and describe the four sacred elements inherent in the four directions and how they play an important role in maintaining the cycle of the natural world.
05. Explain how the Diné calendar and lifestyle are determined by the cycles and changes that occur in the natural world.
06. Explain how the Diné way of preparation for childbirth and the responsibility of raising children is based on the Naayéé'ee (Protection Way) Hózhóójí (Blessing Way) teachings.
07. Describe the do's and don'ts in Diné society and how they may affect the students relationships with others in the Diné community.
08. Compare and contrast the Diné mental process and philosophy with that of other societies.
09. Demonstrate an understanding of and a respect for the Diné philosophy of peace, harmony, leadership and the meaning of life.
10. Global and environmental awareness, meaning the student will be aware of natural environment and what areas they play in our lives, like the earth and nature.
11. Gender awareness, meaning students will be aware of the Diné traditional concept of duality of the male and female principles as in SNBH.
12 Critical thinking and writing, meaning students will be required to submit essays of lessons covered every other week.
13. Students will understand the philosophy of peace, harmony, leadership, and understand the meaning of life and its functions.
14. Diné philosophy of local government.
15. Diné philosophy chapter control.