A Women’s West

Native American women's history & culture

This intercultural seminar will introduce students to analytical frameworks of gender, race, and class in a Native American historical context. Both men and women are welcome to enroll!

We will explore Native American (Cheyenne, Hopi, Zuni) history and culture through the lens of women's experiences and resilience. Community events and service projects will introduce us to tribal traditions and expressions of honor, community, wealth distribution, and reciprocity.  We will examine the lasting impacts of U.S. assimilationist policies as carried out by Christian missionaries, especially Mennonites.

Through culture, art, and landscape explorations we will experience the grandeur and beauty of the natural world of the American Southwest. Fitness is important as we will go on a number of day hikes (some strenuous), including trails down through the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly with a Navajo guide, and sand surfing the Great Sand Dunes.

We will be camping in scenic National and State parks for most of the trip.  Be prepared to share cooking duties and camping vans or tents with fellow students.

Highlights

• Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site
• Washita Battlefield National Historic Site
• Southern Cheyenne Homecoming Powwow, Hammon, OK
• Sante Fe, NM Native American Art
• The Hopi Reservation in Kykotsmovi, AZ
• Service projects at Kykotsmovi (Hopi) and possibly Hammon, OK (Southern Cheyenne)
• Hiking at Canyon de Chelly, Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley

Information

Seminar Leaders: Kimberly Schmidt, WCSC and Su Flickinger
Locations: Washington, DC, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona
Dates: May 24 -June 14, 2022
Estimated Cost:  $4,100 (subject to change) includes tuition, travel, room & board

Coursework
CCSSC 201 Cross-Cultural Social Science: Native American Southwest (3 SH)

Required Immunizations

• Routine – MMR, DPT series with last booster within 10 years, IPV or OPV, Hep B, Hepatitis A, Influenza and Covid-19 as required for EMU enrollment.
• In an effort to maximize the safety of our hosts and our students, EMU Intercultural Programs requires all employees and students who plan to travel for intercultural immersion, both domestic and international, to have completed their vaccination regimen for COVID-19 more than 14 days prior to travel. This requirement is one of the standard immunizations required for enrollment, effective Mar. 1, 2021. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Dr. Beth Good for more information. 

Immunizations may be obtained at the EMU Health Center by appointment.
Immunizations may also be obtained from your local health department or primary care provider.