American Indian Studies
Program Description
Our American Indian Studies transfer program explores the history, sociology, languages, literature, worldview, and artistic traditions of Indigenous nations by placing American Indians at the center of their own story. We examine contemporary Indigenous literature, poetry, and plays, as well as music, spoken word, and filmmaking. We survey past Native societies through their archaeology, oral traditions, and manipulation of the landscape. Our scope includes Indigenous People across our entire hemisphere, including North America and Latin America, acknowledging that modern borders are new concepts.
We believe that making these connections from the people of the ancient past to the people of today is important because in urban areas, on reservations, and next door, Indigenous People remain. Today’s Indigenous People are the product of colonial histories that affected ancient traditions, whose modern worldview is informed by settler colonialism, sovereignty, and civil rights.
Our core courses in anthropology and Native literature, along with the elective courses, provide a grounded baseline of knowledge about the rich cultural diversity of Indigenous People. The local AIS non-transfer A.A. degree is intended to serve as transfer preparation for students who wish to undertake bachelor's degree programs in American Indian Studies at four-year colleges.
American Indian Studies Department Page
Transfer Preparation
MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
Contact Information
San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
John Torres, (951) 487-3654
jtorres@msjc.edu
Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Erik Ozolins (951) 639-5725
eozolins@msjc.edu
- Evaluate the complex interrelationship between individual American Indian cultures and the history of invasion, immigration and settlement by others in North and South America.
- Analyze the interrelationship between human societies and their physical environment.
- Apply the principles of cultural relativism to observations of human behavior.
- Recognize the validity of people’s variable language histories and experiences.
- Be able to recognize the value of the archaeological & historical records.
- Utilize the scientific method in observations of human attributes (biology, behavior, language, artifacts).
- Analyze the interrelationship between the history, beliefs, and cultural distinctions as they are depicted in oral and written literatures.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Equal Opportunity Reps/Officers (B) | $82,465 | 3,648 |
| Social Science Research Assistants (M, D) | $52,036 | 817 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $70,872 | 1,674 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)