Native American Studies Program

Native American Studies at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program dedicated to exploring the histories, cultures, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples of North America. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of Native American societies through diverse approaches including history, anthropology, literature, politics, and art. Students have opportunities to engage with Indigenous communities, participate in experiential learning, and undertake research that promotes awareness and appreciation of Native American contributions and challenges. The curriculum includes courses on Native American history, sovereignty, law, language revitalization, and cultural expressions, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding. The program also emphasizes the importance of Indigenous perspectives in shaping societal narratives and policies. Students can pursue minors or concentrations that prepare them for careers in advocacy, education, public policy, law, and community development. Faculty members are experts in various fields related to Native American studies, ensuring a rigorous and engaging academic experience. Beyond academics, the program encourages involvement in community events, internships, and field work that enhance practical skills and cultural competency. By integrating academic inquiry with real-world engagement, Dartmouth’s Native American Studies Program aims to foster a generation of informed and empathetic leaders committed to advancing Indigenous rights and preserving Native cultural heritage. Whether students seek to deepen their understanding of Native issues or prepare for careers in related fields, Dartmouth’s program provides a supportive environment for scholarly growth and meaningful engagement with Native communities.

Native American Studies at Dartmouth College offers an interdisciplinary and dynamic curriculum dedicated to exploring the histories, cultures, politics, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples of North America. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Native American societies through courses that integrate anthropology, history, literature, political science, and other disciplines. Students have the opportunity to examine the rich diversity of Indigenous communities, their traditions, and their ongoing struggles for sovereignty, recognition, and cultural preservation. The program emphasizes critical engagement with topics such as colonialism, resistance movements, treaty rights, and contemporary social issues, fostering analytical skills and cultural competency. Dartmouth’s Native American Studies program also encourages experiential learning through community-based projects, internships, and participation in cultural events, enhancing students’ practical understanding and appreciation of Native American identities. Faculty members are experts from a range of fields who actively conduct research that advances knowledge in Native American history, politics, and cultural studies. The program prepares students for a variety of careers in public service, education, advocacy, academia, and beyond, equipped with a nuanced perspective on Native American experiences and issues. Additionally, students can pursue minors or concentrations within the program, tailoring their education to align with their interests in Indigenous studies. Overall, Native American Studies at Dartmouth College seeks to honor and amplify Indigenous voices, promote scholarship that contributes to social justice, and foster a more inclusive understanding of North American history and culture.

Program Requirements:

The Native American Studies Program at Dartmouth College offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues facing Native American communities. To complete the major, students must satisfy a set of core and elective requirements totaling at least ten courses.

Students are required to complete a foundational course in Native American Studies, which introduces key themes, theories, and methodologies central to the discipline. Additionally, students must enroll in at least two courses that focus on indigenous history, covering periods from pre-contact times through the present. To deepen their understanding of cultural expressions, students are encouraged to take courses in Native American art, literature, and language. Courses in political science, law, and policy related to Native nations are also integral to the major, equipping students with an understanding of sovereignty and governance issues.

Elective options are broad and include courses offered across various departments such as anthropology, history, government, and environmental studies, provided they focus on Native American topics. A fieldwork or research component is typically required, often fulfilled by participating in a senior seminar, a community-based research project, or an internship that engages with Native communities or organizations.

Students are advised to consult with faculty advisors to tailor their coursework plan to their interests and career goals. The program emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and encourages study abroad programs that focus on indigenous issues or Native nations. Overall, the Native American Studies Program aims to foster critical thinking, cultural competency, and a nuanced understanding of Native American histories and contemporary issues, preparing students for careers in public policy, education, advocacy, and beyond.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Native American Studies at Dartmouth College is an interdisciplinary program dedicated to examining the histories, cultures, politics, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples of North America. The program offers students comprehensive coursework that explores Indigenous sovereignty, cultural expressions, resistance movements, and the impact of colonization. Through a blend of lectures, seminars, and community engagements, students are encouraged to develop a nuanced understanding of Native American identities and experiences.

The curriculum is designed to include courses in history, anthropology, literature, political science, and art, providing a well-rounded perspective on Indigenous issues. Dartmouth collaborates with Native communities and organizations to ensure authentic representation and engagement, offering students opportunities for research, internships, and fieldwork that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. The program aims to foster critical thinking, cultural competency, and advocacy skills among students, preparing them for careers in academia, public policy, education, social justice, and beyond.

Students in the program may participate in events such as speaker series, cultural celebrations, and community service projects that promote a deeper understanding of Native traditions and contemporary concerns. The Native American Studies Program also encourages research and scholarship on Indigenous topics, supporting student-led projects and providing mentorship from faculty members with expertise in Native American studies.

The program is committed to promoting inclusivity and respecting the diverse perspectives within Native communities. It collaborates with other departments and initiatives at Dartmouth to integrate Native American content across the broader curriculum. Graduates of the program often pursue advanced studies or careers dedicated to Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, policy development, and education, contributing meaningfully to issues impacting Native peoples nationally and internationally.