The American Indian and Indigenous Studies Minor is designed to give students an understanding of the ideas, practices, experiences, and issues confronting native peoples of North and South America through the study of their histories, environment, cultures, languages, politics, and economies. The minor, available to all students, recognizes the significance of indigenous languages and cultures as an important part of the heritage of all American peoples. The focus of the minor at UCSB builds on the historic strengths of a variety of disciplines in the humanities, arts, and social sciences.
DOWNLOAD MINOR REQUIREMENTS
All courses (see course descriptions) to be applied to the minor must be completed on a letter-grade basis. This includes preparatory and upper-division courses offered by the Department of Religious Studies and those offered by other departments.
Note: Substitutions and waivers are subject to approval by the department. Check catalog course descriptions for prerequisites or other departmental restrictions. See “Academic Minors” for special conditions governing minors in the College of Letters and Science.
FAQs
How do I declare a minor?
The student must initiate the process by consulting with the sponsoring department. At present, there is no formal process to “declare” a minor, but the department will have the requirements sheet for the minor and will start the process. To receive recognition for completing a minor, the student must notify the sponsoring department early in the final quarter – when candidacy for the bachelor’s degree is declared. You should bring a print-out of your Academic Record from GOLD and documentation of any accepted transfer work you intend to use for the minor.
Is there a deadline for filing the minor?
The deadline to declare candidacy is normally the third week of the quarter. The department will prepare a clearance form for you and send the form to the Registrar. (You should inform the department early in your final quarter even if you are still completing courses toward the minor.) A minor can be filed with the Registrar up to one month after you complete your undergraduate degree.
Can I request an exception/substitution to one of the requirements for the minor?
There is no petition form to use for exceptions for a minor. Instead, discuss your request with the faculty advisor and/or department. If the request is approved, it will be noted on the official clearance form prepared by the sponsoring department.
Will the minor appear on my diploma?
Once the sponsoring department has grades for all your courses, they will forward the minor clearance form with the appropriate faculty signature to the Registrar. The minor will then appear on your diploma and transcript.
Who should I contact about the minor?
Please contact our Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Kailee Lencioni.
