METHODS IN THE STUDY OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES

NAMS/RELI 6701/4701

Fall 2007

 

PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is designed to give students a broad familiarity with the methods and disciplinary tools of Native American Studies.  The study of

Native American cultures and religious traditions has been undertaken from a variety of academic disciplines.  In order to get a complete picture of these diverse cultures and traditions, an interdisciplinary approach must be used.  It is therefore necessary to become familiar with the methods and tools of a number of different fields.

 

Week 1: Introduction

 

Week 2: Issues and Problems in Native American Studies

     Reading: Christopher Jocks, ÒAmerican Indian Religious Traditions and the Academic

                        Study of ReligionÓ

                    Sam Gill, ÒRejoinder to Chris JocksÓ

                    Elizabeth Cook Lynn, ÒWho Stole Native American StudiesÓ

                    Jace Weaver, ÒMore Light Than HeatÓ

                    Duane Champagne, ÒNative American Studies as a DisciplineÓ

     Film: ÒIn the Land of the Head HuntersÓ

 

Week 3: Problems in the Study of Native American Cultures and Religious

  Traditions

     Reading: Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Decolonizing Methodologies

 

Week 4: History I

     Reading: John Mohawk, Utopian Legacies

 

Week 5: History II

     Reading: Claudio Saunt, Black, White, and Indian

 

Week 6: Anthropology

     Reading: Keith Basso, Wisdom Sits in Places

 

Week 7: Archaeology

     Reading: Joe Watkins, Sacred Sites and Repatriation

 

Week 8: Oral Tradition

     Reading: Thomas King, The Truth About Stories

 

Week 9: Law

     Reading: Robert Williams, Like a Loaded Weapon

 

Week 10: Intellectual History

     Reading: Robert Warrior, Tribal Secrets

 

Week 11: Literature I

     Reading: Jace Weaver, That the People Might Live

 

Week 12: Literature II

     Reading: Craig Womack, Red on Red

 

Week 13: Literature/History

     Reading: Gerald Vizenor, Bear Island

 

Week 14: Literature III

     Reading: Jace Weaver, Craig Womack, Robert Warrior, American Literary Nationalism

 

Week 15: Conclusion

     Reading: Jace Weaver, Other Words

 

REQUIREMENTS:  This is designed primarily as a readings course.  Attendance and participation are a must.  This accounts for 25% of your grade.  All students must bring written questions each class session.  For undergrads, these weekly papers account for 25% of your grade.  Each student will present two of the weeksÕ books and run discussion.  A written presentation should be turned in at the end of the classes led.  These participations account for 25% each.  Finally, graduate students are to produce a 20-page research paper on a topic approved by the instructor.

 

NOTE: A syllabus is only a guide.  Changes may be necessary through the semester.  All work is subject to ÒA Culture of Honesty.Ó  All students are responsible for informing themselves about it before performing any academic work.  Any plagiarism will result in failure of the assignment and the course.  Students are allowed only two absences.  Upon the third absence, he or she will be withdrawn from the course, and if it is passed midpoint, he or she will receive a WF.