The School of Human Evolution and Social Change provides a range of opportunities — from undergraduate courses to graduate degrees — that allow students to gain hands-on experience with NAGPRA and repatriation efforts.
NAGPRA learning opportunities for undergraduate students
For undergraduate students who are interested in learning about NAGPRA and repatriation efforts, as well as gaining hands-on experience under the direct guidance and instruction of our faculty, our school offers opportunities to students enrolled in both our Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in anthropology programs. Specific coursework and internships have been developed to create a learning track to help students gain the skills and knowledge necessary for this field.
Students who are enrolled in our BA or BS in anthropology programs are welcome to engage with our NAGPRA learning track by applying for the ASB 484: Archaeological Collections Care and NAGPRA Internship. With work spread over four semesters, students have a unique opportunity for immersive learning experiences and an increasing level of responsibility through this learning track.
The purpose of ASB 484 is to provide students with hands-on experience with anthropological collections and an introduction to federal compliance for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Participants learn museum collections practices relating to the documentation, cataloguing and care of anthropological items. Additionally, they participate in weekly reading discussions of critical topics related to Indigenous concerns, the care of anthropological collections and NAGPRA topics. Students also contribute to social justice and repatriation efforts within the school's Center for Archaeology and Society Repository and learn necessary skills for careers in NAGPRA, museums and cultural resource management.
We discuss our program in an article published in Advances in Archaeological Practice.
Museum Studies MA with a focus toward NAGPRA
Our Master of Arts in museum studies is designed to equip students with the skills and competencies needed for a variety of museum careers. With a wide array of available electives, students have the opportunity to tailor learning experiences to suit their goals – such as becoming a specialist in NAGPRA repatriation. For students focused on a career in NAGPRA repatriation, our program includes coursework focused on working with descendant communities, repatriation efforts, as well as appropriate care and handling of cultural collections.