UF offers new minor in American Indian and indigenous studies

August 20, 2007

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.