(NAME-MCE) UF offers new minor in American Indian and indigenous studies

[Anselmo Villanueva]

UF offers new minor in American Indian and indigenous studies

August 20, 2007

http://insideuf.ufl.edu/2007/08/20/indigenous-minor/

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As the University of Florida kicks off its fall
semester this week, students will have the opportunity to pursue a new
minor in American Indian and indigenous studies.

Housed in the department of anthropology, the minor is a compilation
of courses already offered at the university and is expected to serve
as a focal point for indigenous students, providing them a sense of
identity and community on campus, while also educating the general
student body about Native American history and culture.

The creation of the minor was spearheaded by the indigenous student
group 500 Nations, led by political science major Enrakrvkv "Adam"
Recvlohe of St. Petersburg, Fla., who is an indigenous Yuchi and
Mvskoke. Recvlohe worked closely with Yumiko Hulvey, former associate
dean of academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
and Sheila Dickison, the new associate dean, in getting the new minor
established. "Adam and his fellow students really took the initiative
in all stages of the approval process," Dickison said. "It was
remarkable to see undergraduates making such an effort to get this
done."

The 15-credit minor requires students to take AMH 3660 and AMH 3661 —
Native American History to 1815 and Native American History Since 1806
— as well as nine hours of electives, which include courses such as
Aztec Civilization, Peoples of the Arctic, and American Indian Art.
For a full course list and description of the minor, go to
http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/programs/minors/amindian.html.

The new minor joins several other undergraduate courses of study in
the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences dedicated to exploring the
perspectives of groups often marginalized in American society,
including African-American Studies, Asian Studies, Jewish Studies, and
Women's Studies and Gender Research. "This is a great starting point
for the university, particularly students, to appreciate a greater
diversity of all racial groups on campus," Recvlohe said.

Contacts

Sheila Dickison, doctord at ufl.edu, 352-392-2264
Adam Recvlohe, arecvloh at ufl.edu, 727-698-4761