E 314V--Native American Literature and Film

Description
This course is an introduction to traditions and innovations in Native American literature through textual analysis and an examination of cultural contexts. Because Native American writing has flourished in recent decades, our primary focus will be on contemporary literature; however, we will also read selections from earlier texts. We will explore how Native writers draw from both European and Native traditions, and how their works reflect histories of struggle both in style and content. Although written texts will form the core of the course, we will also examine contemporary popular media—especially film—and their representations of Native peoples. Films by Native writers/directors will be included in this segment of the course.

Texts
Vizenor, Gerald (editor), Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology
James Welch, Winter in the Blood
Luci Tapahonso, Blue Horses Rush In
N. Scott Momaday, House Made of Dawn
Leslie Marmon Silko, Storyteller
Sherman Alexie, The Toughest Indian in the World

Supplemental readings on Native American history and culture will be available online or on reserve. You will also be asked to select one of the following texts for your presentation: Mourning Dove, Cogewea; Darcy McNickle, Wind from an Enemy Sky; N. Scott Momaday, The Way to Rainy Mountain; Louise Erdrich, Love Medicine; Aaron Carr, Eye Killers. These are available in limited quantities at the bookstore - Eye Killers will be available in a few weeks.

Grading and Requirements
In-class assignments and participation 15%
Oral presentation and handout 15%
Four response papers (2 pages each) 20%
Reading quizzes/tests 10%
Midterm paper (4-6 pages) 15%
Final paper (5-8 pages) 25%

Regular attendance is required.

Prerequisites
Rhetoric and Composition 306 (or English 306).

English Major Area
Lower-Division English

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updated 1. September 2002