Alaska Native Languages
Alaska Native Languages Program
A.A.S., Certificate, Native Language Education
The Native language education program trains teachers of Native language and culture, providing coursework in Athabascan, Inupiaq or Yup’ik. The certificate and degree are recognized by some Alaska school districts and serve as steps toward a four-year degree. Candidates for the Yup’ik option must score advanced oral proficiency on an oral proficiency exam before being admitted into the program.
Minimum Requirements for Native Language Education Certificate: 30 credits; for A.A.S. Degree: 60 credits
A.A.S., Certificate, Yup'ik Language Proficiency
The Yup’ik language proficiency program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to pursue the structured study of Yup’ik in order to develop intermediate-level speaking and listening skills, as well as basic reading and writing abilities in the language. The certificate may serve as a step on the way to a two-year or four-year degree.
Minimum Requirements for Yup'ik Language Proficiency Certificate: 30 credits; for Yup'ik Language Proficiency A.A.S. Degree: 60 credits
B.A., Alaska Native Language
Alaska Native languages are spoken by far northern people from the northeastern tip of Siberia, across Alaska and Canada, to East Greenland. Alaska Native languages include the Yupik, Inupiaq and Athabascan languages of Alaska that also extends to Siberia Canada and Greenland. In terms of population and number of speakers, Alaska Yup’ik is by far the largest Alaska Native language; Inupiaq is the second largest. The Athabascan culture is at the forefront of the interior region with 11 distinct languages.
Students who obtain a B.A. in Alaska Native Language may be employed as Native language instructors or language specialists for school districts or Native organizations, which could include social services in various capacities. No other university in the United States offers a B.A. in Alaska Native Languages.
Students in linguistics or anthropology may want to complete a minor in Alaska Native Language to add a distinctly Alaska emphasis to their education.
Minimum Requirements for Alaska Native Language Bachelor’s Degrees: 120 credits
B.A., Yup’ik Language and Culture
The Yup’ik language and culture program strives to reinforce a Yup’ik identity that is centrally dependent on the language and culture, prepares the student for success in the world, and leads to acceptance at home. The program is based on the philosophy that a strong command of the Yup’ik language leads to a complete understanding of the Yup’ik way of life, the world around us, and our place in it.
Depending on interest, students in the program are encouraged to complete a minor in education or Alaska Native and rural development. This program is only available at Kuskokwim Campus.
Minimum Requirements for Yup’ik Language and Culture Bachelor's Degree: 120 credits
Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in Yup'ik language and culture, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Occupational Endorsement, Yup'ik Language Competency
The Yup’ik language competency occupational endorsement recognizes that the acquisition of Yup’ik language competency in listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, composition, translating and transcribing are workforce skills needed by organizations throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.
The courses chosen and testing criteria for the proposed Yup’ik language competency occupational endorsement were discussed with input from Walkie Charles, UAF associate professor of Alaska Native languages; Sally Samson, assistant professor of Yup’ik language and culture, UAF Kuskokwim Campus; Catherine Moses and Rosalie Lincoln, UAF Kuskokwim Campus Yup’ik adjunct instructors in Toksook Bay, Alaska; and Sheila Wallace, Lower Kuskokwim School District Yup'ik distance delivery instructor and Kuskokwim Campus adjunct instructor. Adjunct instructor Wallace approached Kuskokwim Campus to offer Yup’ik courses as high school dual-language credit and requested the University of Alaska to establish an occupational endorsement certificate in Yup’ik language competency to create a career pathway for fluent high school Yugtun speakers. These courses will provide students with a pathway for a Yup’ik language proficiency certificate, an A.A.S. degree in Yup’ik language proficiency, and/or a B.A. in Yup’ik language and culture. The rigor in the courses helps prepare students to meet the requirements for the State of Alaska's Seal of Biliteracy, as well as the Alaska Performance Scholarship.
Minimum Requirements for Yup'ik Language Competency Occupational Endorsement: 9 credits
Programs
Degrees
- A.A.S., Native Language Education
- A.A.S., Yup'ik Language Proficiency
- B.A., Alaska Native Languages
- B.A., Yup'ik Language and Culture
Occupational Endorsement
Certificates
Minor
Courses
Alaska Native Languages (ANL)
ANL F101 Introduction to Alaska Native Language Study (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course introduces concepts and develops skills needed for language learning and the study of the form, cultural context and history of Alaska Native Languages. Survey of history and status of Alaska Native Languages, and brief introduction to learning one or more Alaska Native Languages.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F108 Beginning Athabascan Literacy (an, h)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to reading and writing in one of the Athabascan languages. For speakers of the language who want to become literate.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 3 credits
ANL F121 Conversational Alaska Native Language I (an, h)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to speaking and understanding one of the Alaska Native languages. Focus on communication in everyday situations.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F122 Conversational Alaska Native Language II (an, h)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continued introduction to speaking and understanding one of the Alaska Native languages. Focus on communication in everyday situations.
Prerequisites: ANL F121 in the same language.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F131 Unangan Language I (h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
An introduction to Eastern Unangam Tunuu. Students are introduced to some basic grammar, including noun and verb formation and inflection, basic word order, postpositional phrases, simple questions, statements, and direct requests, and the expression of singular, dual, and plural number in nouns and verbs.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F132 Unangan Language II (h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A continuation of Unangan Language I. Topics include using suffixes and helping verbs to provide more precision about time, certainty, preference and quantity, nominalizations/participles, complex possessive phrases and deriving adjectives from verbs.
Prerequisites: ANL F131.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F141X Beginning Dene / Athabascan I (an, h)
5 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction to an Alaska Dene (Athabascan) language. Class will deal with one of the eleven Athabascan languages spoken in Alaska. Literacy and grammatical analysis for speakers. For non-speakers, a framework for learning to speak, read and write the language.
Attributes: UAF GER Humanities Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F142X Beginning Dene / Athabascan II (an, h)
5 Credits
Offered Spring
Continued introduction to an Alaska Dene (Athabascan) language. Class will deal with one of the eleven Athabascan languages spoken in Alaska. Literacy and grammatical analysis for speakers. For non-speakers, a framework for learning to speak, read and write the language.
Prerequisites: ANL F141X in the same language.
Attributes: UAF GER Humanities Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F150 Interpretive Communication (an, s)
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Communication processes in Yup'ik and English speaking cultures. Solutions to identify problem areas in cross-cultural communication. Situations such as conversations, meetings, translating and interpreting. Interpreting meaning in what is communicated between people of different sociocultural backgrounds. Kuskokwim Campus only.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F151 Interethnic Communications (an, s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Understanding differences in cross-cultural interaction. Application of cross-cultural interactions to various communication settings. Concentrates on Yup'ik ways of communication. Kuskokwim Campus only.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F199 Practicum in Native Language Education (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Individualized work experience. Variable credit (depending on the quantity and quality of the work experience). Offered on campus and via distance delivery. When offered via distance delivery, a local mentor (usually a principal or teacher) must be willing to work with the student on the local level.
Special Notes: Also offered as pass/fail as ANL F199P.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 6 credits
ANL F208 Advanced Athabascan Literacy (an, h)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Expository and creative writing for native speakers; reading Athabascan literature; elicitation, transcription and editing of cultural materials from Elders.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 3 credits
ANL F221 Intermediate Conversational Alaska Native Language (an, h)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of ANL F121, ANL F122. Focus on conversational skills in an Alaska Native language. On completion the student should not only be able to function at a low level of fluency but should also have the skills necessary to increase fluency through continued use of the language.
Prerequisites: ANL F121; ANL F122.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 3 credits
ANL F237 Alaska Native Languages and Archives (h)
3 Credits
Offered Every Third Spring
This course will introduce students to the use of archives for the purposes of accessing Alaska Native Language materials, assessing further documentation, description, and language learning materials needs, using archived materials in new and creative ways, and supporting the creation of new language maintenance and revitalization products.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F241 Intermediate Dene / Athabascan I (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Continuation of beginning Dene / Athabascan. Class will deal with one of the eleven Dene / Athabascan languages spoken in Alaska. Literacy and grammatical analysis for speakers. Development of conversational ability, additional grammar and vocabulary.
Prerequisites: ANL F141X and ANL F142X in the same language.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F242 Intermediate Dene / Athabascan II (an)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Continuation of Intermediate Dene / Athabascan I. Class will deal with one of the eleven Dene / Athabascan language spoken in Alaska. Literacy and grammatical analysis for speakers. Development of conversational ability, additional grammar and vocabulary.
Prerequisites: ANL F241.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F251X Introduction to Athabascan Linguistics (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
An introduction to the linguistic structure of the Athabascan family of languages, drawing on examples from the Athabascan languages of Alaska. Writing systems, word structure, texts, and language relationships. Techniques for accessing linguistic reference materials and the role of linguistic documentation in language revitalization and language learning.
Attributes: UAF GER Humanities Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F255X Introduction to Alaska Native Languages (an)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Overview of languages native to Alaska. Focus on a specific language will depend on student body. Includes history, present and future prospects of languages, basic language structure, issues affecting language endangerment and revitalization, and oral and written literature.
Attributes: UAF GER Humanities Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F256 Introduction to Alaska Native Languages: History, Status and Maintenance (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Overview of languages native to Alaska. Focus on a specific language or language area (relevant to a regional student body). History, status and factors affecting the future maintenance of Alaska's languages. Topics include educational policies, lexical development, language status (including language maintenance and revival issues).
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F287 Teaching Methods for Alaska Native Languages (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Methodological approaches and practice in teaching Native language and literacy to both speakers and non-speakers.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of a Native language.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F288 Curriculum and Materials Development for Alaska Native Languages (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Preparation and evaluation of curriculum and classroom materials for teaching Native languages.
Prerequisites: ANL F287; Knowledge of a Native language.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F289 Practicum in Native Language Education II (an)
3,4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Individualized work experience. Supervised teaching with an experienced teacher overseeing student instructional activities and assisting with the class as needed.
Prerequisites: ANL F199; ANL F287; ANL F288.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3,4 + 0 + 10
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 8 credits
ANL F315 Alaska Native Languages: Inuit-Aleut (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A survey of the Native languages of Alaska, particularly Inuit-Aleut: history, present and future, with examples of language structure, present situation and prospects as a cultural force. Open to all students.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F316 Alaska Native Languages: Indian Languages (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A survey of all Native languages of Alaska; particularly of the Indian languages: Athabascan-Eyak-Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. History, present and future; examples of language structure, present situation and prospects as a cultural force. Open to all students.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F337 Alaska Native Languages and Community Language Documentation (h)
3 Credits
Offered Every Third Spring
Introduces basics of language documentation furthering language maintenance and revitalization projects. Introduction to language documentation and linguistic concepts. Covers steps in planning and undertaking language documentation from inception to final results. Focuses on partnership with communities. Designed for community members, speakers of heritage and anyone helping with endangered language documentation.
Prerequisites: Two courses in Alaska Native Languages to constitute one full language year (examples: ANL F141X - ANL F142X Beginning Athabaskan, INU F111X - INU F112X Elementary Inupiaq); ANL F237; junior standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F401 Alaska Native Language Apprenticeship (an, h)
5 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Structured study of an Alaska Native Language. Select and work intensively with a mentor (a native speaker of the language selected). Choice of mentor requires faculty approval. Meet regularly with mentor (minimum 10 hours per week) and participate in regular training sessions to work toward fluency.
Prerequisites: One year university-level study in language of internship.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 10 + 10
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
ANL F402 Alaska Native Language Apprenticeship II (an, h)
5 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Structured study of an Alaska Native language. Work intensively with a native speaker as mentor. Choice of mentor requires faculty approval. Meet regularly with mentor (minimum 10 hours per week) and participate in regular training sessions to work toward fluency. Continuation of ANL F401 requiring successful completion of that course.
Prerequisites: ANL F401.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0.5 + 10 + 10
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
ANL F437 Alaska Native Languages and Language Revitalization (h)
3 Credits
Offered Every Third Spring
This course introduces students to language revitalization issues, major revitalization models, and planning and execution of revitalization programs. Covers what language revitalization is; how community external and internal factors affect revitalization efforts; school-based and community-based models of language revitalization; and components of a language revitalization program.
Prerequisites: Two courses in Alaska Native Languages to constitute one full language year (examples: ANL F141X - ANL F142X Beginning Athabaskan, INU F111X - INU F112X Elementary Inupiaq); ANL F237; ANL F337; junior standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F452 Principles of Linguistic Analysis for Alaska Native Languages (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Systematic principles of phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics for Athabascan-Eyak-Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and Inuit-Aleut language family. The specific Alaska Native language emphasized is student interest dependent. Includes exposure to a variety of references and tools available for research in Alaska Native languages and linguistics.
Prerequisites: LING F101X or ANL F251X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F601 Seminar in Language Revitalization
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Language teaching and acquisition strategies appropriate to under-documented and less commonly taught languages. Students write an applied research proposal related to local language endangerment issues and strategies for improving teaching either at the school or community level. Emphasis on students' class presentation and research ideas.
Prerequisites: LING F450; ANTH F451 or LING F601.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F608 Indigenous Knowledge Systems
3 Credits
Offered Fall
A comparative survey and analysis of the epistemological properties, world views and modes of transmission associated with various Indigenous knowledge systems. Emphasis on knowledge systems practiced in Alaska.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with CCS F608; ED F608; RD F608.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
ANL F651 Topics in Athabascan Linguistics
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Graduate level introduction to important topics in Athabascan linguistics, including both foundational literature and current research. Topics may include laryngeal features; tonogenesis; syntax-morphology interface; argument structure; lexical semantics; and discourse.
Prerequisites: LING F601; graduate standing.
Recommended: LING F603; LING F604.
Cross-listed with LING F651.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 6 credits
ANL F690 Seminar in Cross-Cultural Studies
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Investigation of current issues in cross-cultural contexts. Opportunity for students to synthesize prior graduate studies and research. Seminar is taken near the terminus of a graduate program.
Prerequisites: Advancement to candidacy; permission of student's graduate committee.
Cross-listed with CCS F690; ED F690; RD F690.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 6 credits
ANL F698 Non-thesis Research/Project
1-9 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
ANL F699 Thesis
1-9 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
Inupiaq (INU)
INU F106 Introduction to Inupiaq (an)
1 Credit
Offered As Demand Warrants
Entry-level course to learn to speak and understand basic words and phrases of the Inupiaq language of the Northwest Arctic. Instruction is thematic and the focus is on communication for everyday situations.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
INU F111X Elementary Inupiaq I (an, h)
5 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction to Inupiaq, the language of Unalakleet, Seward Peninsula, Kotzebue Sound and the North Slope. Open to both speakers and nonspeakers. For speakers the course provides literacy and grammatical analysis. For others it provides a framework for learning to speak, read and write the language. Consideration given to dialect differences.
Attributes: UAF GER Humanities Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
INU F112X Elementary Inupiaq II (an, h)
5 Credits
Offered Spring
Introduction to Inupiaq, the language of Unalakleet, Seward Peninsula, Kotzebue Sound, and North Slope. Open to both speakers and non-speakers. For speakers, the course provides literacy and grammatical analysis. For others, it provides a framework for learning to speak, read, and write the language. Consideration given to dialect differences.
Prerequisites: INU F111X.
Attributes: UAF GER Humanities Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
INU F115 Conversational Inupiaq I (an)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction for students who wish to acquire the ability to speak Inupiaq, the language of Norton Sound, Seward Peninsula, Kotzebue Sound, North Slope, and the arctic portions of Canada and Greenland. Students first learn to understand simple spoken language, to speak simple Inupiaq, developing a beginning level of communicative competence.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
INU F116 Conversational Inupiaq II (an)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of INU F115. Introduction in Inupiaq, the language of Norton Sound, Seward Peninsula, Kotzebue Sound, North Slope, and the arctic portions of Canada and Greenland. Students first learn to understand simple spoken language, then to speak simple Inupiaq, developing a beginning level of communicative competence.
Prerequisites: INU F115.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
INU F118 Inupiaq Orthography (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Entry-level course designed for students who are fluent in Inupiaq. Reading silently and aloud, and writing. Emphasis on specific skills and practical application of skills through writing assignments.
Prerequisites: Demonstrated conversational Inupiaq skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
INU F211 Intermediate Inupiaq I (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Continuation of INU F111X and INU F112X, concentrating on development of conversational ability, with presentation of additional grammar and vocabulary.
Prerequisites: INU F112X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
INU F212 Intermediate Inupiaq II (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Continuation of INU F211, concentrating on development of conversational ability, with presentation of additional grammar and vocabulary.
Prerequisites: INU F211.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
INU F218 Inupiaq Composition (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
An examination of the development of written Inupiaq. Open to new genres, rather than simply translating the standard categories of English composition. Students receive extensive practice in the Inupiaq orthography and actively participate in the evaluation of each others' writing.
Prerequisites: INU F118.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
INU F417 Advanced Inupiaq (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Advanced study in Inupiaq. Continuation of INU F212.
Prerequisites: INU F111X; INU F112X; INU F211; INU F212.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 6 credits
Yup'ik (YUP)
YUP F101X Elementary Central Yup'ik I (an, h)
5 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction to Central Yup'ik, the language of the Yukon and Kuskokwim deltas and Bristol Bay. Open to both speakers and nonspeakers. For speakers the course provides literacy and grammatical analysis. For others, it provides a framework for learning to speak, read and write the language. Consideration given to dialect differences.
Attributes: UAF GER Humanities Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F102X Elementary Central Yup'ik II (an, h)
5 Credits
Offered Spring
Continued introduction to Central Yup'ik, the language of the Yukon and Kuskokwim deltas and Bristol Bay. Open to speakers and nonspeakers. For speakers the course provides literacy and grammatical analysis. For others, it provides a framework for learning to speak, read and write the language. Consideration given to dialect differences.
Prerequisites: YUP F101X.
Attributes: UAF GER Humanities Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F103 Conversational Central Yup'ik I (an)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Entry-level course to learn to speak and understand Yup'ik. Focus on communication in everyday situations. Kuskokwim and Northwest campuses only.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F104 Conversational Central Yup'ik II (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of YUP F103. Beginning level Yup'ik. Focus on communication in everyday situations. Kuskokwim and Northwest campuses only.
Prerequisites: YUP F103.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F109 Central Yup'ik Orthography (an)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
An entry-level class for persons fluent in Central Yup'ik. Covers reading - silent and oral - and writing, emphasizing specific skills and practical application of those skills through writing assignments. Dialect differences in the Central Yup'ik region are used to demonstrate standardization of the writing systems.
Prerequisites: Demonstrated conversational Yup'ik skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F121 Elementary Central Yup'ik Apprenticeship I (an)
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Entry-level course to learn to speak/understand Yup'ik. The local speaker acts as a language mentor/primary resource. Focus on everyday situations. Students and mentors are required to participate in a 10-hour orientation, maintain weekly contact with the instructor of record and participate in monthly assessments. Requires mentor meeting Yup'ik Faculty approval.
Special Notes: Kuskokwim Campus only.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 10 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F122 Elementary Central Yup'ik Apprenticeship II (an)
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of YUP F121. Increasing emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Kuskokwim Campus only. Special Conditions: Dependent on ability to identify willing mentor who meets Yup'ik faculty approval.
Prerequisites: YUP F121 or formal assessment indicating equivalent speaking and listening skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 10 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F123 Elementary Central Yup'ik Apprenticeship III (an)
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of YUP F122. Increasing emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Kuskokwim Campus only. Special Conditions: Dependent on ability to identify willing mentor who meets Yup'ik faculty approval.
Prerequisites: YUP F122 or formal assessment indicating equivalent speaking and listening skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 10 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F130 Beginning Yup'ik Grammar (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Literacy and grammatical analysis of Central Yup'ik language for language learners. Students will learn basic grammatical concepts and literacy skills, with consideration given to dialect differences.
Prerequisites: YUP F103 or YUP F122 or basic conversational Yup'ik skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F131 Beginning Yup'ik Grammar II (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Continuation of literacy and grammatical analysis of Central Yup'ik. Students will learn intermediate grammatical concepts and literacy skills, with consideration given to dialect differences.
Prerequisites: YUP F130.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F155 Conversational Siberian Yupik I (an)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introductory course for students who wish to acquire the ability to speak in Siberian Yupik, the language of St. Lawrence Island and parts of the Chukchi Peninsula in Siberia. Students first learn to understand simple spoken language, then to speak simple Siberian Yupik, developing a beginning level of communicative competence.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F156 Conversational Siberian Yupik II (an)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introductory courses for students who wish to acquire the ability to speak in Siberian Yupik, the language of St. Lawrence Island and parts of the Chukchi Peninsula in Siberia. Students first learn to understand simple spoken language, then to speak simple Siberian Yupik, developing a beginning level of communicative competence.
Prerequisites: YUP F155.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F158 Siberian Yupik Orthography (an)
1-3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to the standard writing system (orthography) of Siberian Yupik. Students learn the skills of spelling, reading and writing words in Siberian Yupik, which are the fundamentals of basic literacy.
Prerequisites: Ability to speak Siberian Yupik.
Special Notes: Northwest Campus only.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 3 credits
YUP F201 Intermediate Central Yup'ik I (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Continuation of YUP F101X and YUP F102X. Increasing emphasis on speaking, reading and writing.
Prerequisites: YUP F102X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F202 Intermediate Central Yup'ik II (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Continuation of YUP F201. Increasing emphasis on speaking, reading and writing.
Prerequisites: YUP F201.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F203 Conversational Central Yup'ik III (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
A continuation of YUP F103 and YUP F104. Kuskokwim Campus only.
Prerequisites: YUP F104.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F204 Conversational Central Yup'ik IV (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Continuation of YUP F203. Development of proficiency in the Central Yup'ik language, vocabulary for everyday situations, reading and writing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F205 Regaining Fluency in Yup'ik (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Yup'ik speaking skills and fluency for those with some background in the language.
Prerequisites: Each potential student must be evaluated for language capabilities.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F206 Regaining Fluency in Yup'ik II (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Continuation of YUP F205. Speaking skills and fluency for those with some background in the language. Each potential student must be evaluated for language capabilities.
Prerequisites: YUP F205.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F208 Yup'ik Composition (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
An examination of the development of written Yup'ik and exploration of writing where Yup'ik is the dominant language. New writing styles are examined, rather than simply translating the standard categories of English composition. Students receive extensive practice in Yup'ik orthography and participate in the evaluation of each other's writings.
Prerequisites: YUP F109.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F221 Intermediate Central Yup'ik Apprenticeship I (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Intermediate-level learning to speak and understand Yup'ik. Local speaker acts as mentor/primary resource. Focus on everyday situations. Yup'ik faculty member serves as instructor of record. Student and mentor required to participate in ten hour orientation, maintain weekly contact with instructor of record, and participate in monthly assessment. Kuskokwim Campus only. Special Conditions: Dependent on ability to identify willing mentor who meets Yup'ik faculty approval.
Prerequisites: YUP F123 or formal assessment indicating equivalent speaking and listening skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 10 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F222 Intermediate Central Yup'ik Apprenticeship II (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of YUP F221. Increasing emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Dependent on ability to identify willing mentor who meets Yup'ik faculty approval. Kuskokwim Campus only.
Prerequisites: YUP F221 or formal assessment indicating equivalent speaking and listening skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 10 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F223 Intermediate Central Yup'ik Apprenticeship III (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of YUP F222. Increasing emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Dependent on ability to identify willing mentor who meets Yup'ik faculty approval. Kuskokwim Campus only.
Prerequisites: YUP F222 or formal assessment indicating equivalent speaking and listening skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 10 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F230 Introduction to Interpreting and Translating I (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to interpreting and translating, designed for both those wishing to enter the field and those who wish to upgrade their skills. Discussion of problems which arise during interpreting and translating along with suggestions on how to handle them.
Prerequisites: Must be fluent in English and Yup'ik.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F231 Introduction to Interpreting and Translating II (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of YUP F230.
Prerequisites: YUP F230.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F240 Introduction to Reading and Writing Yup'ik (an)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Emphasis on reading and writing Yup'ik for practical purposes (posters, brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, signs) and continued language learning (short stories, descriptions and narratives).
Prerequisites: YUP F130; YUP F204 or YUP F222.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F250 Yup'ik Literature for Children (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Students explore and practice reading children's literature in Yup'ik. Students are exposed to a variety of genres (fiction, nonfiction, traditional stories, poetry, songs, etc.). Reader leveling will be discussed. Students are required to write targeted readers for specific reading levels in Yup'ik. Kuskokwim campus only.
Prerequisites: YUP F208 or equivalent reading and writing skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F251 Teaching Beginning Yup'ik Reading and Writing (an)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Teaching strategies in Yup'ik literacy. Focus on reading, writing at the primary/early through intermediate levels. Students develop lessons; for reading, writing, and word study; manage instructional time; use assessment for placement and instructional purposes. Materials, reading resources, instructional guides will be reviewed, for the development of lessons.
Prerequisites: YUP F208 or equivalent reading and writing skills.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F260 St. Lawrence Island Yupik I (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
A course in the Yupik language of St. Lawrence Island and the opposing area of Chukotka in Russia. Concentration on literacy and grammar with background given for conversation. Open to speakers of the language and others if they have taken one or more years of Central Yup'ik or Inupiaq courses. Lawrence Island Yupik or one year of study of other Inuit languages.
Prerequisites: Ability to speak St.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F261 St. Lawrence Island Yupik II (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Continuation of studies in the Yupik language of St. Lawrence Island and the opposing area of Chukotka in Russia. Concentration on literacy/grammar, with background given for conversation. Open to speakers of the language and others if they have taken one or more years of Central Yup'ik or Inupiaq courses.
Prerequisites: YUP F260, ability to speak St Lawrence Island Yupik or one year of study of another Inuit language.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F301 Advanced Central Yup'ik (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Continuation of YUP F201 and YUP F202. Completes the basic study of the Central Yup'ik grammar.
Prerequisites: YUP F101X; YUP F102X; YUP F201; YUP F202.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F330 Yup'ik Literature/Yupiit Quliraitnek Igaryaraq (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Central Yup'ik literature with exposure to a variety of literary styles, including qulirat, qaneryaraqegtaaraat, ak'allaat qulirat, qanruyutet/alerquutet. Broad range of regional, stylistic and orthographic traditions through a variety of short papers and a final paper/project. Specific content announced at time of registration. Taught entirely in Yup'ik. Kuskokwim Campus only.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; YUP F208; YUP F240.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F375 Yup'ik Philosophy/Umyuarteqsaraq (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Exploration of Yup'ik philosophy and spirituality, including exploration of the relationship between modern and traditional belief systems and the influence of western religion and philosophy. Taught entirely in Yup'ik. Kuskokwim Campus only.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; YUP F240.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F415 Additional Topics in Advanced Yup'ik (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Further study of Yup'ik linguistics. Includes text transcription, editing, analysis and discussion. Yup'ik dialectology. Study of related Inuit languages from the standpoint of Central Yup'ik. Additional topics to be studied depend upon the interests of the students and the instructor.
Prerequisites: YUP F101X; YUP F102X; YUP F201; YUP F202.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
YUP F488 Documenting Yup'ik Traditions/Caliarkaq (an, h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Major research project relating to Yup'ik language and culture (e.g., traditional narratives, personal/local histories, local customs/beliefs). Project formats include (but are not limited to) research papers, video/audiotapes, curricula and public presentations.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; YUP F330; senior standing.
Special Notes: Writing-intensive course, all formats will include a significant written component; Taught entirely in Yu'pik; Kuskokwim Campus only.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Faculty
Samuel Alexander
Professor of Gwich'in
salexan7@alaska.edu
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Anna Berge
Professor of Linguistics and Alaska Native Language Archive Director
Alaska Native Language Centeramberge@alaska.edu
907-474-5351
Brooks 421
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Walkie Charles
Director
Alaska Native Language Centerswcharles@alaska.edu
907-474-7874
Brooks 107A
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Hishinlai' Peter
Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Languages
Alaska Native Language Centerhrpeter@alaska.edu
907-474-7875
Brooks 107D
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Qaġġun Chelsey Zibell
Assistant Professor of Iñupiaq Language
Alaska Native Language Centerczibell@alaska.edu
907-474-6606
Brooks 107C
Troth Yeddha' Campus
