Social Sciences

The Social Sciences at USAO are organized in interdisciplinary fashion to encompass a number of diverse areas to include several fields traditionally considered part of the Humanities: American Indian studies, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. Study in these areas links the past with the present, investigates individual and social behavior, and explores human value systems, past and present.

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree in these fields, a teaching certificate in social studies also is offered. For this certificate, students must complete the degree requirements for the chosen major, as well as the course requirements for teacher certification.

American Indian Studies

The American Indian Studies program provides knowledge of the traditions and history of the first Americans and an understanding of the unique relationship of the government of the United States to the tribes and individual American Indians. Its curriculum has shifted to accommodate changing contemporary requirements of students. Greater emphasis has been placed on acquiring quantitative skills and on study in financial management and intergovernmental relations.

The goal of the American Indian Studies program is to develop a diverse student body to include American Indians from the many tribes in Oklahoma and the nation. In addition to traditional on-campus offerings, the program also offers extension in-service and mid-career training.

As an academic program, American Indian Studies is designed to advance USAO's interdisciplinary, liberal arts mission and further enrich the IDS experience. Students may also pursue a course of study which combines liberal arts with professional education. Thus, students are advised to select a second major especially suited for acquiring marketable skills for entry into a chosen career upon graduation. As one example, in connection with an American Indian Studies degree, the business faculty offer three alternative professional development programs, one in Administrative Management, a second in Financial Management, and a third in Entrepreneurial Management. Other degree combinations are possible with the guidance of appropriate faculty advisors.

Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies

Required American Indian Studies Core (30 hours), including:

Course	Title	Hours Required
INST 1123	American Indian Cross-Cultural Communication*	3
INST 2123	Traditional & Contemporary Indian Literature	3
INST 4533	Seminar in American Indian Studies*	3

+ Required American Indian Studies Electives (choose 21 hours):

INST 1333	Oklahoma Indian Tradition and History	3
INST 2003	Contemporary American Indian Issues	3
INST 2133	American Indian Education	3
INST 2880	Special Topics*	1-4
INST 2900	Workshop*	1-4
INST 2990	Tutorial*	1-4
INST 3233	Tribal Government and the Law	3
INST 3313	American Indian History	3
INST 3443	American Indian Economics	3
INST 4383	American Indian Arts	3
INST 4533	Seminar in American Indian Studies*	3
INST 4880	Special Topics*	1-4
INST 4900	Workshop*	1-4
INST 4990	Tutorial*	1-4
*May be repeated for total of 6 hours

Minor in American Indian Studies

18 hours of American Indian Studies, including:

INST 1123	American Indian Cross-Cultural Communication (may be repeated for total of 6 hours)	3
INST 2123	Traditional and Contemporary Indian Literature	3

+ 12 hours of American Indian Studies to be selected with approval of advisor.

COURSE LISTINGS in 
AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES

1123 AMERICAN INDIAN CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Techniques of communicating across tribal and cultural lines of understanding from courses in American Indian tradition, emphasizing oral and written communication skills. 3 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours).

1333 OKLAHOMA INDIAN TRADITION AND HISTORY
Survey of traditional and historical materials concerning the many diverse tribes which migrated or were forcibly removed to Indian Territory and their history as tribal peoples in the State of Oklahoma. 3 hours.

2003 CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN INDIAN ISSUES
Current issues facing American Indian tribes and individuals, emphasizing tribal cultural perspectives and the use of contemporary logical skills in their analysis. 3 hours.

2123 TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY INDIAN LITERATURE
General survey of various types of traditional and contemporary American Indian prose and poetry, particularly legends, myths, oratory, poetry, short stories, novels and memoirs. 3 hours.

2133 AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION
Systematic analysis of traditional and contemporary educational methods practiced among American Indian tribes of North America, with emphasis upon Oklahoma tribal practices. 3 hours.

2880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in American Indian Studies. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours).

2900 WORKSHOP
Guided study in Indian studies under faculty supervision; various topics and methods of instruction. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and topic).

2990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in American Indian Studies under faculty supervision. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).

3233 TRIBAL GOVERNMENT AND THE LAW
General survey of American Indian tribal government with special emphasis on its legal basis. 3 hours.

3313 AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY
General survey of interaction among tribes within the Americas, responses to European encroachment, between the tribes and the United States, and contemporary interests. 3 hours.

3443 AMERICAN INDIAN ECONOMICS
A study of traditional and current economic concerns affecting both American Indian tribes and individuals. 3 hours.

4383 AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS
A study of the meaning of American Indian arts, including painting and other graphic arts, dance and music. 3 hours.

4533 SEMINAR IN AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES
Required for all American Indian Studies majors: research methods and writing, supervised independent study, and preparation of a research report or paper. 3 hours may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change of title and content).

4880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in American Indian Studies. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours).

4900 WORKSHOP
Treatment of related topics and issues in American Indian Studies. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).

4990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in American Indian Studies under faculty supervision. 1-4 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).