Course Description¶
Ojibwemowin — Beginning Ojibwe Language (Year 1)¶
Level: High School Introductory
Duration: 160 instructional days (one academic year)
Prerequisites: None
Cross-listed with: AIS 112 — American Indian Studies (cultural content)
Course Overview¶
This course introduces students to the Ojibwe language using the Double Vowel Orthography and situates language learning within the broader context of Anishinaabe history, culture, and sovereignty. Each chapter pairs language acquisition with American Indian Studies content, reinforcing that language and culture are inseparable.
The course follows the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards and is designed to bring students from Novice Low to Novice High proficiency by year's end.
Semester Structure¶
Semester 1 (Chapters 1–4)¶
| Chapter | Ojibwe Title | Topics | AIS 112 Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaniin | Greetings, identity, clan | Pre-contact Anishinaabe society |
| 2 | Akiing | Numbers, colors, animate/inanimate | Trade networks, wampum, counting |
| 3 | Bimaadizi | Daily life, action verbs | Seasonal calendar, traditional roles |
| 4 | Indoodemen | Body, health, relationships | Medicine traditions, clan systems |
Mid-Year Exam — Chapters 1–4 | ACTFL Novice Low–Mid assessment
Semester 2 (Chapters 5–8)¶
| Chapter | Ojibwe Title | Topics | AIS 112 Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Anishinaabe-Bimaadiziwin | Seven Grandfather Teachings | Values, ethics, community |
| 6 | Giizis | Seasons, sky, time | Seasonal lifeways, celestial knowledge |
| 7 | Mino-bimaatisiiwin | Story, ceremony, healing | Oral tradition, ceremonies |
| 8 | Aki | Land, treaties, sovereignty | Treaty rights, land relations |
End-of-Year Exam — Chapters 5–8 | ACTFL Novice Mid–High assessment
ACTFL Proficiency Targets¶
| Proficiency Level | Description | Target Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Novice Low | Isolated words and memorized phrases | Chapters 1–2 |
| Novice Mid | Lists of words and memorized phrases, some combinations | Chapters 3–4 / Mid-Year |
| Novice High | Short phrases and sentences, some spontaneous production | Chapters 5–7 |
| Intermediate Low | Simple sentences, creates with language, some connected discourse | Chapter 8 / End of Year |
Learning Standards¶
This course addresses the following ACTFL World-Readiness Standards:
- Communication: Interpretive, Interpersonal, Presentational modes
- Cultures: Products, Practices, and Perspectives of Anishinaabe communities
- Connections: Connections to AIS 112 and social studies curricula
- Comparisons: Language comparisons (Ojibwe vs. English structure, animacy system)
- Communities: Indigenous language revitalization as a community justice issue
Required Materials¶
- This MkDocs site (free, open access)
- Downloadable PDF textbook (same content, printable)
- Access to online Ojibwe dictionary (Freelang Ojibwe Dictionary or Ojibwe People's Dictionary at ojibwe.lib.umn.edu)
Grading Framework¶
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Chapter Quizzes (8) | 30% |
| Mid-Year Exam | 20% |
| End-of-Year Exam | 20% |
| Participation / Oral Practice | 20% |
| Cultural Reflection Journals | 10% |