Iñupiaq Studies

Overview

The Iñupiaq Studies program offers students an opportunity to pursue an Associate of Arts degree or certification focused on Iñupiaq culture and language. The program incorporates the history, values, traditions, and knowledge of Iñupiat people to enhance student learning.The program is designed to accommodate full and part-time students. Students may begin at any point and may take classes for which they meet the prerequisites.

Degree Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Iñupiaq Studies program, graduates will:

  • Have an understanding of fundamental principles of the Iñupiaq language
  • Be able to read, write and speak Iñupiaq at the beginner level
  • Be able to develop objects of art in the Iñupiaq style
  • Demonstrate increased understanding of the relationship of Iñupiaq culture to the land, sea, and animals.
Iñupiaq map

Source 

Did You Know? 

Iñupiat are Alaska Native peoples; our homelands span northeast from Norton Sound on the Bering Sea to the northernmost part of the Canada–United States border. Iñupiat people reside in 34 villages across Iñupiat Nunaŋat (Iñupiaq lands): Eight villages in the North Slope Borough, affiliated with the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation; eleven villages in Northwest Arctic Borough; and sixteen villages affiliated with the Bering Straits Regional Corporation. 

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

IÑU 111: North Slope Iñupiaq Grammar I

Credits 3
Introduction to Iñupiaq, the language of Unalakleet, Seward Peninsula, Kotzebue Sound, and the North Slope. Open to both speakers and non-speakers. For speakers, the course provides literacy and grammatical analysis. For others, it provides a framework for learning to speak, read, and write the language.

IÑU 118: Topics in Iñupiaq Studies

Credits 1 3

Exploration of various Iñupiaq Studies topics taught either through hands-on learning or lecture-based learning. Topics pertain to cultural and traditional ways of knowing and may include a cross-disciplinary approach. (Course may be repeated for credit when content varies.)

IÑU 121: Elementary Iñupiaq I

Credits 3
Elementary Iñupiaq I introduces students to the sounds and pronunciation of the Iñupiaq language. Students will also gain an elementary vocabulary necessary to create basic sentences.

IÑU 131: Elementary Iñupiaq II

Credits 3
This course is a continuation of Elementary Iñupiaq I. The focus will be on everyday conversations and will include a Visual Iñupiaq Vocabulary Acquisition (VIVA) lab.

IÑU 135: Iñuit Art Studio

Credits 3
In this art course, students will learn how to create a variety of traditional and contemporary art forms, guided by faculty and guest artists from Iñuit regions. Art forms include, but are not limited to, carving, sewing techniques, and tool making.

IÑU 199: Practicum in Iñupiaq Studies

Credits 1 3
This practicum provides an opportunity for interested students to learn about aspects of the Iñupiaq culture through a practical, hands-on experience. Instructor and student will determine appropriate goals, activities, and placement depending on seasonal activities, cultural events, and student interest.

IÑU 210: Iñupiaq Land, Use, Values and Resources

Credits 3
An overview of the core elements of the Iñupiaq worldview of their geography and ecosystem Examination of the complex relationships of people with the land, ocean and natural resources will be an integral part of the course. Culturally proper behaviors in the treatment of the land and resources will be discussed including North Slope geography landmarks, Traditional Land Use Inventory, camps, hunting areas, animals of the area, place names, plants of the area, historic use, flora and fauna, hunting, and subsistence. Demonstrations of appropriate uses of animals and other resources will be incorporated. This course meets the initial teacher certification requirements of AS 14.20.20(h) and 4 AAC 12.075(b) of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Office of Teacher Education and Certification, Approved Courses (for specific certification requirements, please see http://www.eed.state.ak.us/TeacherCertification/).

IÑU 213: Iñuit Storytelling

Credits 3

Course content consists of learning traditional stories across Iñuit nunaat (lands) through different formats, including oral presentations, reading books and articles, audio recordings, videos, interviews of Elders or community members, and more. Storytelling techniques, narrative structure, and Iñuit history and traditions will be examined in this course.

IÑU 214: Iñupiaq Drum Construction and use

Credits 3
Art of making a traditional drum and how to use the drum will be taught in this class. Local expert(s) will share their knowledge of how a drum is made and how it used to be made long ago. Students will learn to steam, bend, and put on a handle with hardwood. The end product will have a skin membrane or other suitable material placed on the frame. Students will practice holding and beating the drum after it is completed.

IÑU 220: North Slope Iñupiaq History and Culture

Credits 3
This course traces the political, economic, social, and cultural development of what is now known as the North Slope of Alaska. Particular attention is paid to the outside forces that influenced the course that the Iñupiat have taken over time. This course uses historical accounts and documents and will also bring prominent Native Alaskan leaders into the classroom to guide students in an examination of Alaska Native history and the history of Iñupiaq organizations. Students will explore topics in Alaska Native leadership from both local and statewide perspectives, using the North Slope experience as the focusing lens. This course meets the initial teacher certification requirements of AS 14.20.20(h) and 4 AAC 12.075(b) of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Office of Teacher Education and Certification, Approved Courses (for specific certification requirements, please see http://www.eed.state.ak.us/TeacherCertification/).

IÑU 224: Iñupiaq Knowledge and Use of Arctic Plants

Credits 3
Provides an awareness and appreciation for traditional and modern wildcrafting practices in the Iñupiaq culture, such as gathering, harvesting, and processing techniques for Arctic plants. Students will deepen their understanding of human-plant relationships, the use of Arctic plants for food, medicine, and art or tools, and the importance of ethical plant harvesting.

IÑU 257: Traditional and Contemporary Skin Sewing

Credits 3
Traditional skin sewing taught by local experts. Students will learn to sew by hand and/or with a sewing machine. Students will select a project to work on during the first week of class and will be expected to have finished the project(s) by the final class of the semester. Students will be responsible for supplying their own furs and materials. May be repeated once for credit.

IÑU 260: Iñupiaq Songs, Dances, and Drumming

Credits 3
Traditional Native Alaskan singing, drumming, and dancing from the North Slope’s indigenous group are taught by experienced performers. Students will learn to sing both invitational and motion dances. After learning the songs and meaning of the motions, students will learn to motion dance. Students will also be taught the use of the traditional drum with the rhythm of the song.

IÑU 295: Northern Alaska Indigenous Leadership Seminar (Cross-listed ANS 295)

Credits 3
The Northern Alaska Indigenous Leadership Seminar is designed to engage a cohort of students interested in the areas of leadership development, community-based wellness, and sustainable development. Integrating best practices from successful leadership development and training programs, students will explore qualities of Indigenous knowledge and leadership, increase their knowledge of healing and wellness, draw insight and wisdom from elders and experienced leaders in building a foundation for community sustainability. The intensive seminar will be delivered via (3) three-hour audioconferences and a (5) day face-to-face session.

INU 109: Qulliq (Seal Oil Lamp) Carving

Credits 1

Students will learn how to hand carve and customize a qulliq (seal oil lamp) and learn to light it utilizing traditional and contemporary materials. This course also covers the history and traditional stories relating to the qulliq.

INU 112: North Slope Iñupiaq Grammar II

Credits 3

Continuation of INU 111, introduction to Iñupiaq, the language of Unalakleet, Seward Peninsula, Kotzebue Sound, and the North Slope. Open to both speakers and non-speakers. For speakers, the course provides literacy and grammatical analysis. For others, it provides a framework for learning to speak, read, and write the language. Introduction to dialect differences. (Prerequisite: INU 111).

INU 113: Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)

Credits 1

This course provides an overview of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, including the history, implementation, and legacy. ANCSA corporations, land rights and management, and contemporary issues will be explored.

INU 194: Cultural Knowledge of Native Elders and Community Members

Credits 3

This course will present students with aspects of traditional knowledge and values as shared by Native Elders and community members. The course will utilize oral presentations, books, articles, and audio recordings to explore past and current cultural traditions.

INU 218: Topics in Iñupiaq Studies

Credits 1 3

Exploration of various topics in Iñupiaq Studies, including topical and thematic explorations of Iñupiaq history, culture, self-determination, identity, folktales, language, and values. The course may involve multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches with a grounding in Iñupiaq ways of knowing and/or through an Indigenous lens. Research, writing, and presentations may be required. (Prerequisite: ENGL 111 or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 111).

INU 223: Tribal Governance

Credits 3

This course is an introduction to the study of tribal government and politics in Alaska, including tribal legislative, judicial, and administrative responsibilities. The course will review concepts of federal Indian law and land claims, including ANCSA. Self-determination and self-governance for building and enhancing tribal governments will also be discussed.