NATIVE STUDIES

About the field of Native Studies: Many programs in native studies in the United States logically focus on Native Americans and their society, culture, history, art, etc. However, some programs choose to take a much broader view of 'native' and expand such studies to include multiple cultural groups or human rights as it applies to all groups of people. Most programs in native studies choose an interdisciplinary method of teaching that seeks to link the native studies either with a particular broader degree ( literature , history , politics , philosophy , art , religion , etc) or link it to a broader context such as American studies or cultural studies . Related fields or programs of study include: African American studies , historic preservation , Central American Studies , international studies , folklore , liberal studies , Middle Eastern studies , museum studies , social sciences , urban design , and women's studies . Typically the focus of a native studies program is to increase understanding and appreciation of another culture and to encourage students to embrace the global perspective that is increasingly vital in today's world.