Leslie Marmon Silko and Louise Erdrich                                 

Contemporary American Indian Literature and Film Course Description: 

                                                            Find the links!

Students compare genre fiction and literature as they read works from one or more literary genres such as mystery, fantasy, science fiction and romance.  Questions of popular culture versus high culture are debated.

 Our section, Contemporary American Indian Literature: American Indian cultures are alive and well and future looking.  This is apparent in some of today's most dynamic literature, created by people with indigenous roots. We will consider ways contemporary Indian writers draw on traditions of songs and oral storytelling, learn about colonial times, but primarily focus on contemporary issues, forms of expression, and humor -- a major part of many Indian cultures.  The writers will include Louise Erdrich, Sherman Alexie, Joy Harjo, Leslie Marmon Silko, and Laura Tohe. Through stories of sexual politics, sci-fi nightmares, magical dreamscapes, and themes of identity, resistance, friendship and rebellion, each of these writers challenge the stereotypes generated by non-Indians over the years.  To further explore ways American Indians have been depicted in popular culture, we will compare movies by Indian and non-Indian filmmakers.  The material will include a novel, a story collection, films, a few poems and articles, as well as your own life experience and perceptions.

 Sample Required Texts:  (Usually we use some combination of the below.)

The Toughest Indian in the World, Sherman Alexie

Tracks, Loiuse Erdrich

Grass Dancer, Susan Power

Ceremony, Leslie Marmon Silko

Fools Crow, James Welch

Native American Songs an Poetry, Anthology      

Films:

Dreamkeeper

Charlie Hill on and Off the Rez

The West (excerpts), Ken Burns

Where the Spirit Lives, Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

 On and Off the Rez with Charlie Hill

(Charlie Hill with Floyd Red Crow above)

 Method of Instruction:  Read.  Write.  Listen.  Observe.  Read.  Write.  Talk!  Brainstorm.  Debate.  Read critically.  Read creatively.  Read standing, read sitting, read pacing.  Write.  Take risks.  Ask questions.  Analyze.  Evaluate.  Explore.  Discuss.  Read.  Imagine.  Challenge your thoughts and our thoughts.

 Estimated Homework:  Students should block for approximately 6 hours of homework per week.

 Process for Evaluation: All of the below is based on the assumption that students read the books and handouts.  Reading the material is a bottom-line must.

Active Participation 25%

Discussion Leader on reading 25%

Writing based on Power or Alexie, 25%

Teaching on an American Indian figure of significance or an Artistic Interpretation: 25%

Creative interpretation: Illustrate, anaimate, or create a video or web-page based on one of the stories.  Or cook native cuisine! 15%

 Attendance will then be applied to the above calculations (below).

AILA’s Grading Scale: A (100-93), A- (92-90), B+ (89-87), B (86-83), B- (82-80), C+ (79-77), C (76-73),  C- (72-70), D+ (69-67), D (66-65), F (64 or below; F is the only failing grade.)  Since writing is a complex and subjective process I will grade holistically using the scale above.  When appropriate, I will assign letter grades and not numerical grades to your writing and provide feedback for your presentation and teaching assignments. When grades are assigned instead of critique, you can assume your letter grade refers to the higher numerical grade.

 Attendance will be figured into the final grade as follows:  During classes that meet twice a week, 2 substantial lates equal an absence, 3 absences may result in a grade drop, 4 definitely will, and 5 will result in a failure. But who would want to miss with such fascinating literature to ponder and ideas to discuss? Onwards!

 Plagiarism:  You are smart and you have something to say.  In this class you will have opportunities to express what is important to you.  We will take your work through drafts.  Writing is a process.  Plagiarism isn’t only a crime that may result in expulsion from school, it is just plain goofy.  However, I know this is obvious to you.  Therefore, I look forward to encountering the creativity that is you and your voice.

Additional Links: 

 nativeweb.org