CSU San Marcos accepts American Indian Studies major
CSU San Marcos accepts American Indian Studies major
By Terria Smith
Community members from Southern California tribal nations including the Cahuilla, Cupeño, Kumeyaay, Luiseño peoples, and beyond had a full presence during the California State University San Marcos April academic senate meetings for the proposal and vote on a new American Indian Studies major.
During the two meetings, which took place April 5 and April 19, community members took the time to voice their support for the program. Palomar College instructor Patricia Dixon (Luiseño), CSU Long Beach professor Theresa Gregor (Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel), and Kumeyaay language instructor/education doctoral candidate Stanley Rodriguez (Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel) were among those who spoke during the meetings.
With a passing vote from the academic senate of 20-5 on April 19, California State University San Marcos became home to the state’s newest American Indian Studies major. The department will be chaired by Joely Proudfit, PhD. (Luiseño descendant), who is also the director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center on campus
In years past, CSUSM students have been able to minor in American Indian Studies by taking 21 units in courses such as American Indian Communities, American Indian Women and Activism, as well as American Contemporary Health and Wellness.
Beginning in the fall semester of 2017, CSUSM students will be able to enroll and work toward a bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies. Requirements for the major include 15 units in lower division coursework toward the major and 27 units in upper division coursework.
For more information about the new American Indian Studies bachelor degree program at California State University San Marcos, visit http://www.csusm.edu/ais/
