20801213Native American Literature
Course Information
Description
Introduces students to the rich, complex, and varied literary traditions reflected in the works of contemporary Native American storytellers in fiction, poetry, drama, and film. Issues of language, cultural identity, historical witness, and current social and political experiences are reflected in these genres. The works are discussed in terms of specific cultural and universal themes, and their place in the merging Native American literary canon.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze the major cultural, historical, political, rhetorical, and literary conditions that have shaped contemporary Native American texts
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing assigned homework assignments
    by participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    by meeting instructor's criteria in homework assignments
    Criteria
    you identify conditions that Native American authors had to overcome in order to begin and continue to publish their works
    you assess the place of major figures in Native American textual traditions
    you explore the present scope of Native American textual traditions

  2. Articulate in oral and written form the ideas, images, themes, motifs, and techniques present in Native American textual traditions
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing assigned readings and viewings
    by participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    by meeting instructor's criteria on tests, in journals, and in a paper or project
    Criteria
    you identify major themes and rhetorical devices used in the traditions
    you apply reading strategies to respond to texts
    you apply critical terminology in the discussion of texts
    you generate comparisons between works by authors of different tribal groups

  3. Investigate the cultural and political issues involved in literary canon formation
    Assessment Strategies
    completing assigned readings and viewings
    participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    meeting instructor's criteria on tests, in journals, and in a paper or project
    Criteria
    you explain the concept and uses of a literary canon
    you identify relevant cultural issues involved in canon formation
    you identify relevant political issues involved in canon formation

  4. Analyze authorial relationship with different audiences, both inside and outside the authori's cultural group
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing assigned readings and viewings
    by participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    by meeting instructor's criteria on tests, in journals, and in a paper or presentation
    Criteria
    you analyze the relationship between dominant and marginalized traditions
    you assess popular and critical reception of texts

  5. Realize that Native Americans simultaneously participate in a dynamic traditional culture and contemporary American culture
    Assessment Strategies
    by attending class and completing assigned readings and viewings
    by participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    by meeting instructor's criteria on tests, in journals, and in a paper or project
    Criteria
    you identify local issues connected to and affecting Native Americans
    you identify national issues connected to and affecting Native Americans
    you compare knowledge and/or stereotypes that you had at the beginning of class to the understanding you have at the end of class