Welcome to the pilot version of the first course in what will be IAIA's on-line degree program -- a program designed by and for Native Americans with outreach to indigenous and non-indigenous people around the world. During the second half of the twentieth century IAIA developed an international reputation as a center for the encouragement of contemporary Native American arts. As the 21st century begins, IAIA is proudly developing its general curriculum in such areas as Humanities and Native American Studies. The new electronic media now provide a quantum leap in the quality of distance education teaching and communication. Some students may be nervous at the idea of doing a course entirely by means of the internet. Since the BA is not a computer studies course, students are expected to take full responsibility for getting up to speed with any requisite computer skills. Technical support will be available to help students with questions or problems. Finally, Distance Education programs rely on students developing their abilities of self- motivation and self-discipline. We have done our best to make the materials and the assignments interesting and provocative, and for better or worse, many students complete the entire course with only a minimum of contact with academic staff. But be assured that we are standing by to respond as quickly as possible to whatever needs may arise and are constantly working to implement the full potential of these new communication technologies. We invite applications from around the globe and especially from Indian Country. A successful degree program in the humanities changes the way one sees and experiences the world. If you decide to enroll with us, you should expect nothing less. Thank you for your interest and feel free to contact me with any questions. Wade Chambers Director