Embodying Relationality: Indigenous Studies and Integrative Health Psychology

Quarters
Spring Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Mukti Khanna
Katelyn Stiles

This all-level program invites students to explore the theme “relationality” - a concept that centers the relations and interconnectedness of life. Through Indigenous Studies we will explore relations between peoples and the “more-than-human" (lands, waters, animal relatives, ecosystems, and ancestors). Psychology studies will focus on how diverse approaches—such as health psychology and world medical systems — can promote wellbeing and balance at personal and societal levels.  Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own relationality, engaging with program themes with respect and responsibilities to peoples and places.

Through movement, drawing, expressive arts, and centering practices, we will generate a foundation for wellness, creativity, and inquiry.   Student learning will be supported by rigorous interdisciplinary readings, media, lectures, seminars, and workshops. These experiences will be integrated through writing, assessments, and creative assignments.

Weeks 1-3 of the program will be fully remote, as faculty member Katelyn Stiles engages in creative research with her community in Alaska that will be integrated into course content. Her work there focuses on Lingít relationality with Herring, through harvest and Indigenous Science, archeology, and arts (song, dance, and film). The Lingít are Indigenous Peoples of Southeast Alaska. Weeks 4-10 will be all in-person. First-year students who are self-directed and have been successful in their programs in the fall or winter, are welcome to enroll. No prior movement or art experience is required.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4- Integrative Health Psychology: Theory

4- Integrative Health Psychology: Practice

4- Somatic Studies and Drawing

4- Indigenous Studies: Arts and Sciences

Registration

Course Reference Numbers
(16): 30258

Academic Details

psychology, human services, allied health fields, Indigenous Studies, Community- Based work

16
50
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Art Medicine Kit from bookstore: approximately $50

Schedule

Spring
2026
Open
Hybrid (S)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Day
Schedule Details
Com 335 - Performance Rehearsal
Olympia