American Indian Studies
35 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AIS 100 Introduction to American Indian Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
American Indian cultures in North America are studied from early cultures to contemporary society. A cross-disciplinary approach examines applicable methods and theories that inform the distinct cultural and political organization, analyze and articulate concepts such as race, ethnicity, equity, ethnocentricism, self-determination, liberation, and settler colonialism by applying theory and knowledge produced by Native Americans.
AIS 101 History of American Indian Nations from Creation through the Present
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on the historical, economic, and cultural development of American Indian Peoples-Nations in the Americas, especially in relationship to the United States. Emphasis is upon ancient, imperial, colonial and contemporary relationships including the historical themes of sovereignty, treaty-making, constitutional development, frontiers and the reservation era, race, resistance, revitalization, ethnogenesis, assimilation, decolonization and resilience of American Indian Nations histories, sources, traditions, identities and communities.
AIS 102 The American Indian and the U.S. Political System
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Surveys the role of Native nations in the United States and state political systems and institutions. Includes an examination of tribal nations' government political structures and functions from pre-contact through settler colonialism to contemporary times, as well as analysis of Federal Indian Policy and leading issues such as, but not limited to, sovereignty, tribal citizenship, and identity that affect American Indian people and Native nations.
AIS 104 The Music of Native America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Surveys both the traditional and contemporary Native American musical styles with an emphasis on North America. The impacts of Western influence are examined through the socio-cultural context of Native music.
AIS 105 History of Native American Arts
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An historical survey encompassing North, Meso, and South American Indian arts from pre-Columbian through contemporary periods. American Indian art forms are examined in terms of cultural context, history of styles, and artists.
AIS 107A Elementary Luiseno IA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This elementary level course is a study of the fundamentals of the Luiseno language, one of the four indigenous languages of San Diego County. This course will include a survey of Luiseno language phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar with special emphasis on culturally relevant terminology.
AIS 107B Elementary Luiseno IB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 107A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This elementary course is a continuation of AIS 107A and reviews the phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar of the Luiseno Language, with continued emphasis on culturally relevant terminology leading to increased proficiency in expressing basic concepts both orally and in writing.
AIS 108A Elementary Luiseno IIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 107B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an elementary review of grammar, composition, and continued oral practice.
AIS 108B Elementary Luiseno IIB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 108A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This elementary course is a contiuned review of grammar, composition, and oral practice.
AIS 110 History of the Plains Indian
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An analysis of the Plains Indian. Examines lifestyles, mores, traditions, and tactics of war. Attention will be given to relations with the U.S. Government and to the background and evolution of acculturations.
AIS 115 A History of Southwest Indians
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A history, transculturation, and present culture of the Southwest Indians with emphasis upon their retention of traditional customs.
AIS 121 Pacific Islanders
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the political, economic, historical, and socio-cultural studies of the indigenous peoples of Pacific Islands. Examines Pacific Islands indigenous history through the pre-colonial period and present events and issues through comparative approaches to traditionalism, colonialism, resistance, regionalism, globalism, diaspora, migration, and sovereignty as related to the formation of Pacific Islander identity.
AIS 125 American Indians Today
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The development of a greater sensitivity to the American Indian through analysis of ethnocentrism and racialization exhibited in contemporary American pluralistic society. This will be done through the analysis of stereotyping, history, cultural practice, and contemporary issues.
AIS 130 Prehistoric Cultures of North America
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Emphasis given to prehistoric cultural traditions of the Eastern Woodlands, Central Plains, and Far Western United States and Canada. Special concern for archaeological problems; reconstruction of these traditions and cultural changes.
AIS 135 California Indian Arts
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Emphasis on the regional styles of California tribal arts with analysis of the social, religious, political, and cultural contributions. A combination of lectures, slides, individual projects, small group discussions, field trips, and guest artists.
AIS 140 The Original Californians
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Native people of California: their origin, language, arts, customs, religion, folklore, and music. Develops a dynamic comparative grid, focusing on the persistence of tribal identities and evolution of socio-economic changes and cultural practices over time. Special emphasis on Southern California.
AIS 145 American Indian Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey of historical and contemporary American Indian literature. Examines traditional and contemporary genres.
AIS 150 American Indian Philosophy and Religion
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The principles of American Indian philosophy and religious rites practiced prior to extensive European contacts with North American tribes, and the subsequent impact of European cultures on American Indian philosophy and religion.
AIS 165 Native Women in the Americas
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Social and psychological comparison of the roles of native women in the Americas. Areas of emphasis shall include: kinship, childbearing, leadership, and religious roles. These will be examined in contemporary and traditional settings.
AIS 166A Elementary Cahuilla IA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the fundamentals of the Cahuilla language, one of the four indigenous languages of San Diego County. Includes a survey of Cahuilla language phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar with special emphasis on culturally relevant terminology.
AIS 166B Elementary Cahuilla IB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 166A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This elementary course is a continuation of AIS 166A and reviews the phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar of the Cahuilla Language, with continued emphasis on culturally relevant terminology leading to increased proficiency in expressing basic concepts both orally and in writing.
AIS 167A Elementary Cahuilla IIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 166B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The first half of the second year of Elementary Cahuilla. Reviews the phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar of the Cahuilla language, with continued emphasis on culturally relevant terminology to increase proficiency in expressing basic concepts both orally as well as in writing.
AIS 167B Elementary Cahuilla IIB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 167A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The second half of the second year of elementary Cahuilla. Reviews the phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar of the Cahuilla Language, with continued emphasis on culturally relevant terminology leading to increased proficiency in expressing basic concepts both orally and in writing.
AIS 180A Uto-Aztecan Languages of San Diego County IA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This elementary level course is a study of the fundamentals of the Uto-Aztecan language, reflective of the indigenous languages in San Diego County. This course will include a survey of Uto-Aztecan language phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar with emphasis on the development of communicative skills in a cultural context through listening, speaking, reading and writing.
AIS 180B Uto-Aztecan Languages of San Diego County IB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 180A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a continuation course of the first level and reviews the phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar of the Uto-Aztecan Language, with continued emphasis on the development of communicative skills in a cultural context through listening, speaking, reading and writing in analyzing and utilizing both contemporary as well as culturally relevant terminology leading to increased proficiency in expressing basic concepts both orally and in writing.
AIS 181A Uto-Aztecan Languages of San Diego County IIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 180B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the first half of the second year of Uto-Aztecan. This elementary level course is a study of the Uto-Aztecan language and Uto-Aztecan speaking cultures, with continued emphasis on the development of communicative skills and basic structures.
AIS 181B Uto-Aztecan Langauges of San Diego County IIB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 181A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The last half of the second year of elementary Uto-Aztecan with continued emphasis on the development of communicative skills and basic structures. Continues focus on teaching elementary-level language acquisition in a cultural context through listening, speaking, reading and writing in analyzing and utilizing both contemporary as well as culturally relevant terminology leading to increased proficiency in expressing basic concepts both orally and in writing.
AIS 197 American Indian Studies Topics
- Units
- 0.5-4
- Hours
- 0.50-4.00 hours lecture, 1.50-12.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Topics in American Indian Studies. See class schedule for specific topic covered. Course title will designate subject covered.
AIS 207A Luiseno IIIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 108B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This intermediate level course is a study of the Luiseno language and culture(s), focusing on intermediate level culturally relevant authentic materials. Emphasis is on developing listening, oral, reading and writing skills in order to acquire proficiency in Luiseno.
AIS 207B Luiseno IIIB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 207A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This intermediate level course is a continuation of the study of the language and culture of the Luiseno people emphasizing oral, listening, and reading skills.
AIS 266A Cahuilla IIIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 167B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The first half of the first year of intermediate Cahuilla language and culture, focusing on intermediate-level culturally relevant authentic materials. Emphasis is on developing listening, oral, reading and writing skills in order to acquire proficiency in Cahuilla.
AIS 266B Cahuilla IIIB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AIS 266A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The second half of the first year of intermediate Cahuilla. A continuation of the study of the language and culture of the Cahuilla people, focusing on oral, listening, and reading skills. Culturally relevant authentic materials are incorporated to acquire proficiency in Cahuilla. Largely conducted in Cahuilla.
AIS 282A Uto-Aztecan Languages of San Diego County IIIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): AIS 181B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This intermediate level course is a study of the Uto-Aztecan with continued emphasis on the development of communicative skills and basic structures in analyzing and utilizing both contemporary and culturally relevant terminology. Culturally relevant authentic materials are incorporated to acquire proficiency from the Uto-Aztecan languages in San Diego County.
AIS 282B Uto-Aztecan languages of San Diego County IIIB
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): AIS 282A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This intermediate level course is a continuation of the study of Uto-Aztecan with continued emphasis on the development of communicative skills and basic structures in analyzing and utilizing both contemporary and culturally relevant terminology. Culturally relevant authentic materials are incorporated to acquire proficiency from the Uto-Aztecan languages in San Diego County.
AIS 295 Directed Study in American Indian Studies
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Approval of project or research by instructor or department chairperson.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Independent study for students with demonstrated proficiency in American Indian Studies to engage in self-directed projects or research outside the context of regularly scheduled classes. Studies are supervised by an instructor.