E314V: Introduction to Native American Literature and Film

OLD Syllabus

NOTE: This is not the up-to-date version of the syllabus and is here for reference only. For the new and up-to-date version, click here!

Instructor: Miriam Schacht

Unique number: 30162

T/Th 9:30-11:00

FAC 9
Back to course homepage Office hours MW 1-2, Th 2-3 in Par 6, or email me for an appointment
List of links to assignments Course policies

Thu Aug. 29

In class

Homework

First day of class. Go over policies and course requirements. Sign up for presentations.
* Familiarize yourself with the course website, www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~schacht/e314v.
* Sign up for course listserv by following the link and clicking on "Join."
* Read Sherman Alexie, "A Drug Called Tradition" and "The Trial of Thomas Builds The Fire" (stories from Sherman Alexie's book The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, on reserve in the UGL, PS 3551 L35774 L66 1993 - ask at reserve desk).
* Watch Smoke Signals (on reserve in the UGL A/V department (3rd floor FAC) or rentable at most video stores)
Click here for the list of presentations and presenters
Tue Sep. 3

In class

Homework

Discussion: Introductions. What is Native American literature? What are we doing here? Introduction to Native American history.
* Read Introduction, Native American Literature: A Brief Introduction and Anthology.
* Write response paper.
Last day of official drop-add period.

Thu 5 Due
In class
Homework		 Response paper 1.
Continue discussion of Native American literature in small groups.
Read William Apess in Native American Literature and Zitkala-Sa, class handout.
Tue 10

In class

Homework

What is Native American Literature? What is literature? Who are Native Americans? Biased language handout. If time: Close reading exercise.
Begin reading House Made of Dawn.

Thu 12 In class

Homework

First presentation: Mourning Dove, Cogewea. Discuss Vizenor "Introduction," William Apess, Zitkala-Sa.
* Finish House Made of Dawn.
* Course feedback
Fri 13 Twelfth class day; last day to enroll in classes; last day to drop with refund of fees.
Tue 17

In class

Homework

Second Presentation: McNickle, Wind from an Enemy Sky. Continue discussion of "Introduction," Apess, Zitkala-Sa.
* Write a discussion question on each of the Apess readings and on Zitkala-Sa (3 questions total); write five discussion questions on House Made of Dawn.

Thu 19

Due
In class
Homework

Discussion questions
Discuss Zitkala-Sa and Apess. Historical overview.
Response paper 2, on House Made of Dawn.
Tue 24 Due
In class

Homework

Response Paper 2.
House Made of Dawn. Introduction to literary traditions; what is modernism? What is oral tradition? Why does it matter?
* Read Momaday, excerpt from Man Made of Words (handout).
Wed 25 Last day to drop a class without academic penalty.
Thu 26 In class

Homework

Third presentation: Momaday, The Way to Rainy Mountain.
Introduction to reading - and close-reading - poetry.
Close reading assignment
Begin Storyteller
Topic proposal for midterm paper. Write proposal for midterm paper. You are strongly encouraged to e-mail me your proposal this weekend, and you are also strongly encouraged to e-mail me and/or go to the Undergraduate Writing Center if you need help.
Tue Oct. 1

Due
In class
Homework

Topic proposal for midterm paper.
Introduce Storyteller. Discuss oral and/vs. written storytelling.
Read selections from Blue Horses Rush In.
Thu 3   No class; sign up for individual conferences.
Tue 8

In class


Homework

Fourth presentation: Erdrich, Love Medicine. Poetry - oral and written. Discussion, listen to audiofiles of Luci Tapahonso and others. Native languages and Native literature.
Finish midterm paper!

Thu 10 Due
In class
Homework 		Final draft of midterm paper due.
Film TBA.
Read Blue Horses Rush In
Tue 15 In class
Homework 		Fifth presentation: Eye Killers. Group exercise on pop culture analysis.
* Watch Return of Navajo Boy (UGL A/V Reserves).
* Response paper 3.
Thu 17

Due
In class

 Response paper 3.
TBA (possible filmmaker visit)
Tue 22 In class
Homework 		Reading test.
Begin reading Winter in the Blood
Thu 24 In class
Homework 		Discussion.
Finish Winter in the Blood
Tue 29 In class
Homework		 Discussion.
Post to online discussion in discussion forum. Response paper 4
Thu 31 Due
In class
Homework		 Response paper 4.
TBA
Reading TBA
Tue Nov. 5 In class
Homework 		Discussion.
Begin reading Sherman Alexie, Toughest Indian in the World.
Thu 7 In class
Homework

Learn Dreamweaver
* Familiarize yourself with Dreamweaver
* Design a web page based on your presentation earlier in the semester.

Tue 12 Due
In class
Homework 		Web page.
Discuss Alexie.
Continue Toughest Indian.
Thu 14 In class
Homework 		Discuss Alexie. Go over final paper assignment.
Final paper proposal. You are strongly encouraged to e-mail me your proposal over the weekend, and you are also strongly encouraged to e-mail me if you need help.
Tue 19 Due
In class 		Final paper proposal.
Discussion, TBA
Thu 21 In class
Homework 		Watch Harold of Orange.
Revise proposal as necessary. Begin research. Don't leave it all for the last minute!
Tue 26 In class
Homework 		Discussion: What is Native American Literature?
Work on final paper!
Thu 28   Thanksgiving - no class. Good time to think about the representation of Indians in popular culture…
Tue Dec. 3

In class
Homework

TBA
Work on final paper!
Thu 5 Due
In class		 Final paper due
TBA
Fri 6   Last day of classes
9-10   Reading period (no-class days)
     
Whether or not there is a final exam in this class depends entirely upon you! If the grades of the class as a whole on pop quizzes throughout the semester show that you are keeping up with the reading, there will be no final exam. So make sure - for your own sake and everyone else's! - that you're keeping up with the reading!
This syllabus is tentative and subject to change. Be sure to check back here regularly for updates and changes. You are required to do the work on the syllabus whether or not you are reminded to do so in class!

 

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last updated 3. September 2002