American Indians in the United States

This online course examines American Indian history in the United States from the earliest evidence of human habitation through first contact with Europeans, conflicts in the West, World War II and other key events in 20th century U.S. history, the American Indian rights movement, and into the present day.

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Related pages

• Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Official site of the museum of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.
• Meherrin Indian Tribe powwow: Attend a powwow and see demonstrations of Meherrin Indian culture through dance, a drum competition, pottery, and beading.
• Native American music: Two North Carolina tribes: In this lesson plan, students will listen to songs from two North Carolina tribes. Students will learn about the music through listening, analyzing, singing, moving, and playing instruments.

Related topics

• Learn more about American Indians, culture, history, online learning, and professional development.

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Course description

Discover American Indian history in the United States from the earliest evidence of human habitation through first contact with Europeans, conflicts in the West, World War II and other key events in 20th-century U.S. history, the American Indian rights movement, and into the present day.

Archaeological finds, traditional stories, the writings of early European explorers, government documents and treaties, oral histories, photographs, the arts, newspaper articles and more will enrich your exploration of key issues in Native American history nationwide.

The course will proceed chronologically. Within each topical module you will have the opportunity to choose from several different geographically grouped assignments, allowing you to customize your own learning experience based on your interests, the demands of the curriculum, and your own priorities for teaching American Indian history.

For example, in any given unit, you may choose to focus on the Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, the Great Plains, the Northeast or the Southeast. You may either follow one geographical track throughout the course or mix up their selections to allow for a broader view of American Indian history.

In American Indians in the United States, you will learn to apply knowledge of American Indian history beyond the content you’re assigned to teach, motivating students to investigate American Indian history to expand their knowledge and satisfy their natural curiosity. The course content will help you use appropriate methods and materials to meet all students’ needs, as well as understand the importance of developing students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. You will also think systematically and critically about learning in your classroom: Why learning happens and what can be done to improve student achievement.

Course objectives

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to:

• analyze primary sources through engaging, well- designed activities.
• create a lesson plan you can use in your classroom.
• receive individualized constructive feedback and answers to content-oriented questions from a well-versed instructor.
• join other teachers from across the state in lively online discussions that will enhance your exploration of critical issues in American Indian history.

Course information

Syllabus

You can view full the course syllabus here.

Audience

Though the primary audience is social studies and history teachers, teachers of any subject and grade level are encouraged to participate.

Time commitment

5-7 hours per week

Duration

Eight weeks

Credits

3.0 CEUs