ENGL 550
TRIBAL AND PAN-INDIAN LITERATURE

Catalog Entry

English 550. Tribal and Pan-Indian Literature
Three hours lecture (3).

This course is a comparative study of various tribal and pan-Indian literatures, including traditional oral texts and transitional and contemporary works in English by Native American authors.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course is a survey of the contributions of Native American authors to the literature of the United States. The course has two main goals: 1) to develop an appreciation of and respect for the variety of genres in which these authors have worked and are working, and 2) to develop an understanding of both traditional Native American and non-Native American world views, genres, and techniques as they have influenced the work of Native American authors. This course will begin with an introduction to the oral literature of selected tribes which will inform the subsequent readings of autobiography, memoir, other non-fiction prose, fiction, and poetry.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course has primarily a reading and discussion format with emphasis upon student participation in shaping its direction. And, of course, the specific conduct of the course will be up to the individual instructor. However, as is common to all upper-division English courses, in addition to reading and discussion, students will be expected to engage in a variety of other possible activities, such as journal writing, both individual and group oral presentations, research papers and examinations.

Goals and Objectives of the Course

In addition to the expectations stated in Section B., students should, upon completion of the course, be able to:

1) demonstrate an understanding of significant issues in traditional and contemporary Native American literature,
2) demonstrate an understanding of Native American literature as a genre, in its own right, and in the larger context of American literary history,
3) effectively express this understanding in both written and oral formats.

Assessment Measures

As previously mentioned, specific methods of assessment will determined by the individual instructor. Those methods may include some or all of the following, as well as other possible methods of evaluation:

1) journals and other informal writings
2) examinations
3) research papers
4) response papers
5) oral presentations
6) group projects

Other Course Information

The possibilities for reading lists and other materials to utilized in this course are vast and, again, would be up to the discretion of the individual instructor.

REVIEW AND APPROVAL

DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
March 1999