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"In college, I took as many Native American courses as I could, but after spending time on the reservation, I realized how watered down the courses actually were. Learning about the American Indians for most Americans is limited to images that we pick up on television, which creates stereotypes, misconceptions and a basic romanticism of real-life events. Both the host families and the Native American teachers' primary concern was educating us."
- Nick, Hobart College
The program is based at South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, South Dakota, a state land-grant university committed to the issues and concerns of American Indians. You take two required courses for a total of 15 credits for the summer program. A transcript is issued by South Dakota State University upon successful completion of the program.
The academic work is conducted through lectures, readings, discussions, written assignments, and your study of the disciplines, and draws on your experience of living and serving among the Lakota/Dakota peoples. You reflect upon your academic work and service experience through weekly correspondence with your instructors, written assignments including discussions in formal seminars, and a final presentation. Your course work is evaluated by the University faculty, and a transcript is issued by South Dakota State University upon successful completion of the program.
Interested students may be able to earn an additional 3 credits in Lakota or Dakota language study, depending on location of service placement and availability of classes at tribal colleges. (Additional fee required.) Official student transcripts for language credits are issued by tribal colleges.
Through an intensive seminar orientation, students become knowledgeable about the culture, history, art, religion, language, and contemporary issues of American Indian life in South Dakota, preparing them for their experience of living and serving with the members of the Lakota/Dakota nation.
Required | Recommended US Credits: 3 | More Course InformationThis course draws upon the student’s service experience to generate a thoughtful analysis and understanding of contemporary Lakota/Dakota life. Through assigned reading, weekly descriptions of activities, an Agency Profile that is built up over the course of the semester, a structured journal, a final paper and presentation, students will demonstrate what they have learned through working in an agency serving an indigenous population.
Required | Recommended US Credits: 12 | More Course Information