NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES

RELI 2004H

Spring 2007

 

INTRODUCTION: This course is designed to give students some familiarity with the diversity of cultures and histories of Native Americans.  The course this semester is a different than it has been in past semesters.  In that it is being run as a ÒReacting to the PastÓ course.  We are lucky enough to play ÒForest DiplomacyÓ before its publication as the first game.  The second game will deal with Cherokee Removal.

 

Week 1: Introduction

     Jan. 9

     Jan. 11

            Film: ÒIn the Land of the HeadhuntersÓ

 

Week 2: Native American Cultures and Religious Traditions

     Jan. 16

     Jan. 18

            Reading: Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of Quest for Harmony

 

Week 3: Government Policy Towards Native Americans

     Jan. 23

     Jan. 25 (Library Day)

              Reading: Merrell, Into the American Woods, Chs. 1, 5-7

 

Week 4: FOREST DIPLOMACY

     Jan. 30  Discuss Into the American Woods

     Feb. 1   Game Setup

              Reading: Game Packet, sections 1-6.

 

Week 5: FOREST DIPLOMACY

     Feb. 6  Faction Meetings and Quiz on Treaties

     Feb. 8  Prelude: 1st constituency reports (Indians meet separately)

               Reading: Game Packet, section 7

 

Week 6: FOREST DIPLOMACY

     Feb. 13 1st Plenary Session: Ceremonies and opening oratory

     Feb. 15 2nd Plenary Session: response oratory and continuation

 

Week 7: FOREST DIPLOMACY

     Feb. 20  Implementation: written assignments and 2nd constituency reports

     Feb. 22  Conclusion and Debriefing

 

 

 

 

Week 8: RED CLAY 1835

     Feb. 27  Discussion

                  Reading: John Ridge, ÒLetter to Albert GallatinÓ

                                 Elias Boudinot, ÒAn Address to the WhitesÓ

     Mar. 1  Discussion

                  Reading: Remainder of Supplementary Documents

 

Week 9: RED CLAY 1835

     Mar. 6  (Library Day)

                  Reading: Wilkins, Cherokee Tragedy, Chs. 1-10

     Mar. 8 Discuss Wilkins

 

Week 10: RED CLAY 1835

     Mar. 20 Game Setup

                   Reading: ÒRed Clay 1835Ó handout

     Mar. 22 Faction Meetings and Quiz on Cherokee Documents

 

Week 11: RED CLAY 1835

     Mar. 27 Red Clay Conference (Position papers due)

     Mar. 29  Red Clay Conference

 

Week 12: RED CLAY 1835

     Apr. 3 Red Clay Conference (Ross Faction publishes Phoenix, Ridge Faction

                         publishes pamphlet)

     Apr. 5 Conclusion and Debriefing

 

Week 13: Aftermath

     Apr. 10

     Apr. 12

                 Film: ÒTrail of TearsÓ

 

Week 14: Other Stories and Bringing the Story Down to Date

     Apr. 17

     Apr. 19

 

Week 15: Conclusion and Review

     Apr. 24

     Apr. 26

 

REQUIREMENTS: This class runs as a seminar.  We will discussion the readings and then, of course, play the Reacting Ògames.Ó  Attendance and participation are a must and will make up 10% of your grade. (You are allowed no more 3 absences—excused or unexcused.  On your third absence, you will be withdrawn from the course and will receive a grade of WF)  The two quizzes make up 10% of your grade.  The final examination will make up 30% of your grade.  Each of the two Reacting games will make up 25% of your grade.  You will be graded in the games on speeches and written work and participation (the same as on other days but more so).  There will be a 5 point ÒVictory BonusÓ for each game (Winning isnÕt everything, but it is nice).

 

NOTE:  A syllabus is simply a guide.  Modifications may be necessary during the semester.  All work is subject to ÒA Culture of Honesty.Ó  Plagiarism will result on a F on the assignment and for the course.