Graduation Course PADM 671: ALASKA POLICY FRONTIERS FALL SEMESTER 2013 Instructor: William L. Iggiagruk Hensley College of Business and Public Policy University of Alaska, Anchorage 3211 Providence Drive, Suite 205U Anchorage, Ak 99508-4614 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 907-786-4126 OVERVIEW It is a truism that history is written from the perspective of the victors and taught in the schools from that point of view. It is unusual and difficult for history to be taught by those who lost control of their space and resources, institutions, values, use of their language, art, music and meaningful ceremonies. This is a course that will include Alaska’s history and economic life from the perspective of the first nations that inhabited Alaska from time immemorial. But, it will also examine Alaska from the perspective of governmental economic and public policy and their effect on the population generally. There will be an overview of the Russian period to examine their motivations, explorations, personalities and interactions with the indigenous people. It will also examine the framework of the Russian American Company and its goals and accomplishments prior to the sale of its interests in Alaska in 1867. We will examine the issues surrounding Russia’s decision to abandon Alaska and its consequences. The post-Russian period in Alaska will be examined from the point of view of the goals and aspirations of the United States; its administrative and economic decisions; the laws passed by Congress to accomplish its objectives, and it’s treatment of the indigenous peoples from a legal, academic and economic perspective. There will be a review and description of specific economic and political events in Alaska to portray what conditions allow for successful ventures and the role the government has played in the success or failure of the enterprise. There will be a discussion of the policies that will need to be put into place to insure a positive, long-term economic and social success for Alaskans despite high costs and distance from world markets. Finally, there will be visiting speakers who will speak to some of the unique aspects of corporate life in Alaska for students to communicate directly with management who have the success or failure of their enterprise in their hands. There will also be a discussion about the unique nature of Alaska’s regional and village corporations created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and their role in Alaska’s economy. There will also be an unusual discussion of the role of spirit in the context of corporate life. COURSE OBJECTIVES • Become familiar with beliefs and values of Europeans and the reflection of these in the actions of the explorers • Review the initiatives of Russia and other colonizing countries that resulted in their presence in and near Alaska and become familiar with key personalities who left a legacy in the north. • Understand the primary indigenous cultures of Alaska and the territories that they controlled. • Explore the combined role of church and state in the exploration and control of Alaska. • Understand the Russian expansion into Alaska, the origins of the Russian American Company, its relationship with the indigenous peoples, its efforts to expand into California and Hawaii and why it sold its interests to the United States. • Understand U.S.-Indian relations in the early American years and the implications for Alaska Natives. • Review the primary resources sought by Europeans and Americans and the nature of the enterprises: fur, mammals, gold, fisheries, timber and copper. • Review legal status of Alaska Natives during the American period and the key legislation by Congress in establishing control over the population. • Understand the role of the federal government in Alaska’s history (Land, education, railroad, exploration, defense, transportation, communications, agriculture). • Review the impact of World War II. • Examine Alaska Statehood and the Elephant in the Room: Native Land Claims. • Discuss the impact of the Oil Era and the future of Alaska in a post-oil economy. • Explore the nature the corporation as a vehicle for social change and security. COURSE FORMAT The course will be in a seminar format, group discussions, lectures, guest presentations and a variety of audio and video items from the archives. We will have guest panels to provide in depth discussions on course subject matter. There will be active decision-makers who will provide insight on key public policy and business issues.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 20:41:46 +0000
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