Spring 2005

E 314V • Native American Literature and Culture

Course Description

The content for this course will be Native American Literature and Culture—primarily that of the late 19th-20th centuries. For example, we will examine a brief history of U.S.-Native American affairs, with a particular look at Lakota history around the time of Wounded Knee. We will compare this historical context with that of more contemporary authors to identify major changes evident, say, with the emergence of the American Indian Movement. The readings will include works of fiction and non-fiction, as well as some historical documents. Films will be part of our discussion and analysis too.

We’ll explore some of the issues and themes relevant to contextual and comparative analyses: land rights, environmental debates, traditions and their effect on modern Native American societies, encounters with the Federal government, change and growth, intersecting cultural environments, personal loss and survival, lifeways and stereotypes. We’ll also do close reading of texts to identify and discuss the meaning and function of symbols, organizational patterns, and recurring motifs.

Grading Policy

Paper One (3-5 pages) 25%
Paper Two (4-6 pages) 25%
Paper Three (4-6 pages) 25%
Midterm 15%
Short Responses (3 each at 2 pages) 10%

Texts

N. Scott Momaday, House Made of Dawn
Susan Power, The Grass Dancer
Linda Hogan, Mean Spirit
Nasdijj, The Boy and the Dog are Sleeping
Course Packet available at Jenn’s

Films:
Black Robe
Incident at Oglala, the Leonard Peltier Story
The Return of Navajo Boy

back