1. To study the historic development of Lakota society prior to contact with Europeans.
2. To understand political, economic, family, religious, and educational institutions in their original Native American form.
3. To explore the effect of acculturation and assimilation of Lakota social institutions.
4. To understand the individual Lakota within the structure of Lakota society.
5. To comprehend the value system of contemporary Lakota individuals.
6. To gain an increasing awareness of the dominant culture in America through in-depth study of the first Americans.

Required Books:

• Hassrick, Royal. 1964. The Sioux: Life and Customs of a Warrior Society. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press
• Grobsmith, Elizabeth S. 1981. Lakota of the Rosebud: A Contemporary Ethnography. Orlando: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers.

In addition to these books, chapters of the following books will be on reserve in Mickelson Library. They may be checked out under their respective titles (i.e. Deloria: Speaking of Indians; or Ebbott: Indians in Minnesota).

• Deloria, Ella. 1978. Speaking of Indians. Vermillion: University of South Dakota Press.
• Ebbott, Elizabeth. 1985. Indians in Minnesota. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

Student Responsibilities:

Students are not potted plants, and I expect full student commitment and participation in this learning experience. In addition to lectures, class discussion will be an important component of this course. For this reason, I expect you to come to class having read and prepared the readings for discussion. I dislike "free riders," and thus reserve the right to resort to pop quizzes if it becomes apparent that people are not doing the reading before class. Ultimately, how much you get out of this course largely depends on how much you put into it.

Exams:

We will have three unit exams for this course. Each exam is listed on the course schedule, and will be worth 100 points. You can expect that the exams will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions. I am not a proponent of making exams a guessing game, so I will distribute a study guide not less than one week prior to each scheduled exam. Exam questions will be drawn directly from this study guide. THE FINAL EXAM IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

Group Project:

Early in the semester, students will be divided into groups in order to embark on a more in-depth exploration of issues pertinent to Native American social systems. In doing so, students will select and report on an historical or contemporary aspect of one of the following areas: tribal government, tribal economic, family, educational, or religious systems, or tribal health care. This research may focus on either a specific tribe or pan-Indian issues. For instance, if one is interested in tribal health care, one could examine contemporary trends or programs in health care on a specific reservation. Another possible project might explore the influence of gambling or the development of casinos on tribal economies.

Each group should select a topic for research by February 27 and submit a brief (one page) proposal outlining the major research question the group would like to explore. During the last three class periods each group will present its project to the entire class (15 minutes maximum per group). A written paper, or whatever form of documentation used, is due at the time of your oral presentation.

Your group project will be evaluated along two fronts. First, you will have an opportunity to evaluate and be evaluated by the other members of your project group. Second, I will evaluate the group project as it is presented to the class. Each student can receive up to a maximum of 100 points for their group project.

Grading:

Final grades will be based on the cumulative points from the five exams and mini-lab assignments, and will be assigned, as noted below, on a straight 10 percent scale, with 60 percent passing. There is no extra credit available for this course.

Other Information

Availability:

My scheduled office hours are for you, and I hate sitting alone during my office hours. I look forward to and encourage meeting with students during these times. If my office hours do not meet your schedule, however, please feel free to make an appointment with me at another time. I am also available via the Internet (swart@inst.augie.edu). If you need to get in touch with me outside of my office hours and do not have access to the Internet, feel free to call my office (336-5329) and leave a message if I'm not available.

Persons with Disabilities:

If you have any sort of disability or personal problem which prevents the fullest expression of your abilities, please let me know as soon as possible during the semester - before it interferes with your work - so that I can make a reasonable accommodation to your needs.

A Note About Due Dates:

Due dates for this course are FIRM, and I expect you to turn in assignments and take the exams during the scheduled class period. This policy will be strictly enforced throughout the semester. Excuses for turning in late assignments or taking a make-up exams will be considered on an individual basis, and only when supported with the appropriate documentation. You bear the sole responsibility for turning your work in on time.

Academic Misconduct:

Students should abide by all student regulations as stated in the Augustana College Catalog and the Student Handbook, especially those rules pertaining to cheating and plagiarism. Plagiarism, cheating, or any other form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course. Any student engaging in academic dishonesty in this course can expect a failing grade for the course and formal charges to be brought before the Dean.

Course Scedule

Unit I. Early Lakota Social Structure