Colombi AIS 595 / 495 Spring 2009 Page 1 NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN NATIVE COMMUNITIES AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES 595 / 495 – SPRING 2009 SCHANTZ 242E THURSDAY 3:30 – 6:00 instructor · Benedict Colombi email · [email protected] phone · 621-2269 office · harvill 237B hours · mondays and wednesdays 1:30 – 2:30 and by appointment ta · Sunny Lybarger email · [email protected] phone · 626-7695 office · harvill 312 hours · thursday 2:00 – 3:00 and by appointment instructor’s web site · www.u.arizona.edu/~bcolombi required readings · www.d2l.arizona.edu statement This course is a survey of basic issues and concepts in natural resource management and the environment in Native communities using integrated case studies that survey all the major varieties of environmental issues in Indian Country in the 21st century. A central theme will be developing tribally-specific solutions to rebuilding the resiliency of degraded ecosystems. We will consider particular case studies such as: tribal sovereignty, land tenure, reserved rights and Native claims; Native knowledge systems and Western science; co-management and restoration; water; fish and wildlife; agriculture and rangeland management; energy, mining and nuclear waste; and global climate change. course goals This course is designed to help you produce the highest quality scholarship and gain experience in: identifying natural resource and environmental issues of importance in American Indian Studies and related fields of inquiry, and to American Indian communities and Native peoples. establishing appropriate ways of knowing by examining Native knowledge systems and tribally-specific solutions to degraded ecosystems and the environment. understanding fundamental concepts related to tribal sovereignty, land tenure, reserved rights, and Native claims to natural resources and the environment. developing a broad understanding of the value of land and examining the complexities of development and growth in present-day Native communities.Colombi AIS 595 / 495 Spring 2009 Page 2 course outline This course will be held in combined lecture, seminar and interactive formats. It will meet once a week and requires extensive student participation. The following topics will be covered: 1. Land Tenure, Sovereignty, Reserved Rights, Native Claims 2. Native Knowledge Systems and Western Science 3. Native Knowledge Systems, Co-Management, Restoration 4. Water 5. Energy, Mining, Nuclear Waste 6. Fish and Wildlife 7. Agriculture and Rangeland Management 8. Global Climate Change course requirements This will be a highly interactive course, emphasizing informed discussion, close reading of assigned texts, written analyses, and pro-active participation in engaging the readings and themes under study. It is essential that you prepare for each class meeting by reading the required material and taking notes in a disciplined fashion. Students are required to prepare notes and questions on each reading (that are brought and used in class). Points will be assigned as follows: 30 points for seminar participation (discussion, special seminar presentations, and attendance); 60 points for the research paper, allocating 10 points for the prospectus, 20 for the first draft, and 30 for the final draft. To get full credit work must be completed on time, and be professional quality. engagement (30 points): All class members must come to class, do the readings on time, and participate in class discussions. Class participation, based on understanding of the works read for class, and your insights/reflections on these texts, will count in an evaluation of your work. If you miss more than two classes without a legitimate excuse your grade will be lowered. weekly response papers (50 points): During roughly each week of the semester all class members must prepare a short analytical response paper. The response paper covers a minimum of 3 of the assigned readings per week. The short analytical papers will be 2 to 3 pages each, double-spaced, and properly proofread. During the weeks of guest lecturer presentations and directed discussion, students will be required to read the same 2 or 3 readings selected by the professor. Specific students will be assigned to open up the directed discussion (handouts and power point presentations are encouraged). The short analytical papers and directed discussion will include preparing notes, providing brief background of author; and identifying key words, themes, and questions linked to the readings for that day. research paper (60 points): Everyone will write a research paper. Research papers must be preceded by a prospectus, and a first draft. The final draft may be 15 to 20 pages in length for 595 students and 8 to 10 pages in length for 495 students. The prospectus must have a title, anColombi AIS 595 / 495 Spring 2009 Page 3 abstract, and a short summary of your intentions, explaining your objectives, and the sources that you will use. The prospectus may be up to four pages. Points will be assigned as follows: 10 points for the prospectus, 20 for the first draft, and 30 for the final draft. To get full credit work must be completed on time, and be professional quality. class presentation of research paper (10 points): During the final weeks of class to provide you with experience for an oral presentation and feedback on your research paper. evaluation Written work will be graded on the basis of scholarship, creativity, clarity of expression and style (including grammar and spelling), as well as improvement during the semester. I expect that your drafts will not be “works in progress,” but that your final research paper will be something that you would be proud to show others, including members of your MA or PhD committee, your fellow students, and your family. All work must be properly cited. Satisfactory completion of the research paper includes identification of a subject area relevant to the core concerns of this course; articulating a research question; significant research on the question throughout the semester; elaboration of an argument or analysis; and integration of materials read for class as well as materials from your semester-long research. Your participation will be judged on the effectiveness of your contribution to a productive dialogue, evidenced by your familiarity with the