This course explores a wide variety of current issues relevant to American Indian peoples and Nations in the U.S. Students will explore the historical roots of these issues, their contemporary manifestations, and current and potential efforts to address them. Along the way, this course introduces students to various approaches and theories involved in American Indian Studies, and asks students to apply them to current topics. AIS 220 is required for AIS majors and minors but open to all students; it fulfills the General Education requirement, and serves as basis for upper division AIS coursework.