This self-paced online five credit course uses The Birchbark House series by Louise Erdrich as a foundation for understanding the effects of Federal government policies and the Westward Expansion movement on American Indian people. The course begins with an overview of the Federal Indian Policy Eras from colonization through treaty-making. Participants will then read all five of Louise Erdrich’s Birchbark House series novels, and examine them alongside additional fiction and nonfiction literature selections, primary sources, and Office of Public Instruction IEFA materials. The conclusion of the course focuses on Montana’s landless Indians and the Little
Shell Tribe of the Chippewa-Cree, which has finally received federal recognition, over a century after the death of Chief Little Shell.

Some required materials will be provided in the course Moodle, though participants will need to seek additional resources at school or public libraries, book sellers, or online as part of the course requirements. Previous knowledge of IEFA and the Essential Understandings is helpful but not necessary for participants to successfully complete the course; prerequisite content will be provided for participant’s perusal.

This course is the equivalent to 75 classroom hours (75 OPI renewal units), which is the equivalent of 5 university credits. This is a self-paced course, but do not expect to complete it in one sitting!
Course participants must be comfortable working independently and be self-motivated to complete
all work within the flexible time frame.

Instructors:  
Erin Lipkind (erinlipkind@gmail.com)
Michele McGuire (writersmandala@gmail.com)

Registration fee: $535

Credit: 75 OPI Renewal Units or 5 Semester Credits (semester credit is offered through the University of Montana and is an additional fee of $155. The course instructor will provide a separate registration form). The total cost savings is 58% by going through WMPLC to get university continuing education credits.

THE COURSE PROCESS:
* Complete this form.
* Within a few days, you will receive an invoice via email.
* Pay the invoice/registration fee (online or by check) in order to begin.
* You will receive a username and password and steps to access the Moodle course.
* The instructor will send an introductory email and you may begin the class.

* If you are taking the course for OPI renewal units, WMPLC will send you OPI renewal units upon completion of the semester.

* If you are taking the course for University credits, the semester credit registration form will be shared with you when your registration is received. You will then need to send the completed semester credit form and payment to your instructor by the end of the semester for which you are enrolled. The instructor will collect the UM credit paperwork and payments from all participants and send them together to the University of Montana by December 30, 2021 (fall term), May 15, 2022 (spring term), or August 31, 2022 (summer term).  The participant’s paperwork will be submitted to UM for the term in which they finish the coursework.

Obtaining copies of the books: Check your school /district or local library. Amazon and other online booksellers often have used copies available. The instructor is available to assist with locating copies, if needed.

Registration BONUS: When you register for an IEFA course, if we have the books for the course in stock, we will send them to you for free! If we don't have them in stock, we will send you at least 2 titles related to the course for which you are registered.

Event Number: 22521000
EDU 455/EDU 555