Religion (NAMS)
1100:
Spring 2008
Time: Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-4:45
Room: 115 Peabody Hall
Instructor: Crystal Aycock
Department of Religion, Peabody Hall
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 1:00-2:00 (or by appointment), Office 2 (583-8093)
e-mail: cga99@uga.edu (best way of communication)
Course Description and Objectives: This introductory survey course provides an overview of Native American cultures. Many facets of these cultures will be explored including, but not limited to, history, belief systems, and modern issues in indigenous communities. Special attention will be given to Native nations and peoples in North America, specifically the territory that comprises the United States. By the end of the course, each student should have a sufficient foundation in the overall traditions and cultures of Native American peoples and communities, including a basic knowledge of the methods associated with Native American studies.
Required Texts:
Alfonso Ortiz and Richard Erdoes, Native American Myths and Legends
Taiaiake Alfred, Peace, Power, Righteousness
Peter Nabokov, Native American Testimony
Leslie Marmon Silko, Ceremony
**Additional Readings will be posted on WebCT
Course Requirements:
Class Participation*: 15% (includes attendance, quizzes, and discussion)
Group Presentation: 20%
Midterm: 30% (Tuesday, February 26)
Final: 35% (Tuesday, May 6, 3:30-6:30)
*This course will be primarily discussion. Therefore, class participation and attendance is a must. Two percentage points will be subtracted from the class participation grade after the second unexcused absence. Students will be dropped from the course after eight unexcused absences. In addition, make-up work and exams will only be allowed under dire circumstances, with proper documentation.
Grading Scale: 100-94=A; 93-90=A-; 89-86=B+; 85-82=B; 81-79=B-; 78-75=C+;
74-71=C; 70-67=C-; 66-63=D+; 62-59=D; 58-56=D-; 55-0=F
Course Outline and Assignments: Reading assignments will be posted on WebCT. Students are
expected to login by the second class session (Thursday, January 10) to ensure
no internal problems exist. Assignments will be posted at least one week in
advance. All readings must be completed by the class day they are due. Because
of the discussion format for this course, active participation and preparedness
is essential.
Class Etiquette and
Expectations: First, students are expected
to arrive on time and stay for the entire class period. Always notify the
instructor of any extenuating circumstances that would warrant tardiness or
leaving class early (prior to the event). In addition, NEVER pack up before the
end of class. This action is disrespectful to the instructor and disruptive to
your classmates. Second, since the class will be primarily discussion, be
respectful. Comments that are disrespectful to Native peoples and traditions,
other students in the class, or the instructor are inappropriate and will not
be tolerated. Third, laptop computers are permissible for note taking only.
Other uses of computers
(e-mailing, instant messaging, checking Facebook, etc.) during class time will result in a ban of all computers in the classroom. Fourth, all cell phones must be turned off and put away before coming to class. Anyone caught using his or her phone during class will be asked to leave. Fifth, students are encouraged to utilize the office hours for this course. Feel free to stop by with questions, concerns, etc. In addition, I am always available via email. Communication is key for a successful class experience.
Please Note: The course syllabus
is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the
instructor may be necessary.
All academic work must meet
the standards contained in ÒA Culture of Honesty.Ó All students are responsible
to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work.