Required Credits for This Curriculum = 8

Required Credits for This Curriculum = 45

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Bay Mills Community College has developed a much needed and recognized process of Nishnaabemwin language learning utilizing the concept that is found in the Medicine Wheel Teachings—teachings which are Nishnaabe and are intrinsic to the understanding and appreciation of Nishnaabe culture. Not only will the students gain and further develop this knowledge, they will also gain a positive sense of identity as Nishnaabe people and as members of the Nishnaabe nation.

In addition to Nishnaabemwin language learning and acquisition, students of the Nishnaabemwin Language Instructor Institute (NL&II) Program and students in the Nishnaabemwin Immersion Instruction Program will gain the skills necessary to teach the Nishnaabe language to second language learners. The need to regain the Nishnaabe language is crucial at this time in Upper Michigan. Bay Mills Community College has taken the lead in Native Language Studies.

THE PROGRAM

In keeping with the spirit of Bay Mills Community College’s mission, the goal of the Nishnaabemwin Language programs at BMCC are targeted for individuals who have a special commitment to regain and retain the Nishnaabe language and culture. The teaching and learning process of these programs are developed in a manner that is unique and dynamic, Nishnaabe driven, and attempts to make a difference in the lives of the learners. In past history, the educational experiences of Nishnaabe people have not been pleasant and their rich culture largely unappreciated. This has changed dramatically in the past few years with the ever increasing awareness and enhancement of pride in this rich heritage. With this in mind, the development of the program has been done in a holistic approach—holistic meaning integrating the language in all of the courses in these program. BMCC is privileged and proud to be a part of building of the academic tradition that will emerge with the pursuit of excellence in Nishnaabe language study and teaching.

LANGUAGE STUDIES GOALS

The goals of the Language Studies programs are as follows:

• To maintain the survival of Nishnaabe language and culture within the Tribal communities by providing opportunities for its study and creative use in the academic setting.
  
• To develop new approaches and skills in the use of Nishnaabemwin through research, teaching and production of materials.
  
• To introduce Nishnaabemwin to students who wish to learn it for self-growth, personal and professional reasons.
  
• To offer a framework from which the students will obtain knowledge and appreciation of Nishnaabemwin language and culture.
  
• To develop competent Nishnaabemwin speakers who possess a beginning to intermediate level of speaking proficiency.
  
• To provide students with the skills necessary for teaching Nishnaabemwin.
  

When offered in conjunction with the Nishnaabemwin Language Instructor Institute – Year I only: NI105, NI107 and NI118 will satisfy the requirements for Year I of the three-year Nishnaabemwin Language Instructor Institute program.

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	COURSES	CREDITS	PRE-REQUISITES
NP145	Introduction to 2nd Language Acquisition: Theory & Practice	4	None
NP244	Immersion Education	4	NP145
NP274-A	Native Language Revitalization: Case Studies & Lessons	4	NP244
NP275-A	Methodology: Immersion in Context	4	NP274-A
NP276-A	Advanced Methodology	4	NP275-A
NP277-A	Syllabus Design & Materials Development	4	NP276-A
NP278-A	Language Testing & Assessment	4	NP277-A
NP279-A	Immersion Instruction Practicum I	4	NP278-A
NP280-A	Immersion Instruction Practicum II	4	NP279-A

Required Credits for This Curriculum = 36

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