Southeastern Indigenous History Part I

Native American Studies is one of the most exciting, dynamic, and inquiring fields of study in America today. This Odyssey course introduces students to the historical and political history of Indigenous peoples in the American South through multiple viewpoints including Native American and European perspectives.

Exploring key themes, the course leads students into dispelling longstanding myths by uncovering authentic documented evidence about Southeastern Indigenous peoples. It explores pivotal historical events including Indigenous encounters with Europeans and the long-lasting impact of these encounters.

The course investigates the Indian Removal Act, infamously known as the Trail of Tears, and looks at how Native Americans in the Southeast region responded and resisted individually and collectively. It also looks at Indigenous peoples' adaptation to changes in the historical landscape and their fight for political self-determination.

Students learn to develop their knowledge, interpretive abilities, listening skills, and critical thinking skills by exposure to primary sources, class exercises, lectures, class discussions, and published writings. These key themes expand students' overall understanding of Native Americans in the Southeast and explore how they fit into the framework of American history.