Released December 3, 2008

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- Montana State University will offer a Native American Studies course online beginning in January.

"Native America: Dispelling the Myths" (NAS 580) begins Jan. 14 and continues until May 8. All aspects of the course are online. Students who take the course do not have to be enrolled in an MSU degree program, although current students are welcome to participate. Students who complete the course can earn either three MSU graduate credits or 45 renewal units for teachers through the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

Kristin Ruppel, professor in MSU's Department of Native American Studies, will be the instructor. The course will focus on the myths and truths surrounding American Indians and utilize readings, videos, online conversations and creative projects. Ruppel said the course will be particularly helpful to Montana teachers who need training to fulfill the Indian Education for All mandate.

The price for non-credit and OPI renewal unit students is $200; the price for MSU graduate credits is $723.30.

To register for credit, go to http://eu.montana.edu/credit or for OPI renewal units go to http://eu.montana.edu/profdev.

Students who cannot take this course but are interested in other online opportunities from MSU's Department of Native American Studies are encouraged to e-mail Ruppel at ktruppel@montana.edu.

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http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview.php?article=6605

Contact: Kristin Ruppel, (406) 994-5261, ktruppel@montana.edu