English 2470 Barbara
K. Robins
brobins@mail.unomaha.edu Wed.
4:00 – 5:00, Tues & Thurs.
Course Description:
(From UNO catalog) An introduction to the literature of the oral
tradition among Native American peoples and to the written literature of
post-contact and contemporary times. (Prerequisite:
English 1160 or permission of the instructor.)
This is a course devoted to
the narrative and literary expressions of the indigenous peoples of
We will explore:
- Value systems and
aesthetics that arise from very diverse cultural groups.
- American history with an
emphasis on Native American experiences and perspectives.
- The long-term affects of
colonialism as expressed in literature.
- Some of the attitudes that
have contributed to both the exclusion of Native American oral and written
texts in literary studies and the rising popularity of these same texts.
We will not:
-devote significant time to those works about Native
Americans by non-Indian writers or filmmakers except as points of contrast in
class discussion.
- promote overly romantic or
racist attitudes and interpretations.
Texts: ( in probable order of
reading & discussion)
Bruchac,
Joseph. Lasting Echoes: An Oral History
Simms,
Thomas. Otokahekagapi: Sioux Creation Story
Peyer,
Bernd. Singing Spirit: Early Short Stories by N.Am.
Indians
Hobson,
Geary. The Remembered Earth.
Erdrich,
Louise. Love Medicine
Howe,
LeAnne. Shell Shaker
La
Flesche, Francis. The Middle Five: Indian Schoolboys of the
Alexie,
Sherman. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in
Heaven
Additional
required or recommended readings may be made available at the Reserve Desk in
the UNO library or on Blackboard.
Please be patient as I continue to build this site and take the time to
review the essays, websites, art, etc. that are being placed there to enhance
your cultural awareness.
Students will be expected to do a variety of interpretive and research tasks both in writing and in short class presentation or discussions.
General Guidelines: Response Papers are 2-3 typed pages (approx.1000 words), double-spaced in MLA format. These should not be merely plot summaries! Instead, these should be opportunities for exploring ideas raised in class discussion and reflecting on our readings. Additional research is not required for these short papers but is highly desirable to improve interpretations. It is expected these essays will be the products of close readings with the inclusion of appropriate quotes from the literary texts in question. Exams will cover content from the readings, biographical information on the authors, lecture and websites on Blackboard as announced in class. Homework will include answering questions related to assigned readings, research, and the selection of a poem to be read in class with a short interpretive follow-up.
Grading
& Expectations for Students:
An extensive knowledge of Native
American history and culture is not expected for this course, but maintaining
an open mind about history and culture is required! Questions are always welcome and indeed,
participation in class discussion and in groups is required. However, please try to remain sensitive
concerning the stereotypes which could emerge and try to engage in acts of
understanding rather than acts of judgement and condescension.
Good discussion in a literature class is a must,
therefore it is expected that all required readings will be completed in time
for class and that all students will contribute ideas, observations, questions
and interpretations. To contribute to
our understanding of the long history of stereotyping and cultural
appropriation, all students are encouraged to attend local/regional events such
as Pow Wows, conferences, lectures, performances, etc. by Native Americans when
available.
KEEP CELL PHONES TURNED OFF!! Arrive on time and always be respectful of
others in class. Share your ideas but
don’t dominate discussion. Encourage
others, as well as yourself, to stretch your ability to understand diverse
points of view.
Plagiarism
&Academic Honesty:
Students must produce their own work
and be able to produce to the instructor drafts and working papers for all
writing assignments. Quoting or
paraphrasing the words of others without the proper acknowledgement will be
regarded as an act of plagiarism and could subject the student to failure of
the course and/or other disciplinary measures.