Both scholars and tribal people (not mutually exclusive!) have found it useful to structure American Indian history around four broad chronological categories emerging from the formation of United States Indian policy: Treatymaking, Indian Removal, Land Allotment, and Self-Determination. This seminar will use this "four acts" structure to offer a broad overview of American Indian history, while also considering the limitations of such category-making, including the decentering of Indian people and the blunting of historical complexity. Engaged with primary sources and historiography, the course will also allow students to engage in original research in the field of American Indian history.