E220 : Introduction to Native American Literature
Prof. Miriam Schacht
E-mail: schacht.uwo@gmail.com (preferred) or schachtm@uwosh.edu
Office: Radford 222
Office Hours: M 1-1:30; T/Th 1:15-2:30; by appointment
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to traditions and innovations in Native American literature through textual analysis and an examination of cultural contexts. Because Native American writing has flourished in recent decades, our primary focus will be on contemporary literature; however, we will also read selections from earlier texts. We will explore how Native writers draw from a range of traditions, and how their works reflect histories of struggle both in style and content. Although written texts will form the core of the course, we will also consider other kinds of texts, including contemporary popular media, and their representations of Native peoples.
Required Texts (All Sections):
Kathleen Tigerman, ed., Wisconsin Indian Literature
Basil Johnston (Ojibway), Indian School Days.
Sherman Alexie (Spokane/Coeur d’Alene), The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Craig Womack (Creek), Drowning in Fire
Eden Robinson (Haisla), Monkey Beach
Note: Janet Campbell Hale (Coeur d’Alene), Bloodlines, is now a presentation book, not required reading.
One of the following, depending on your presentation group. (Please note that you will need to order these from the bookstore yourself, use library copies, or order them online; please wait until you've been assigned a presentation text before you buy it!):
Thomas King (Cherokee), Truth and Bright Water; Richard Van Camp (Dogrib), The Lesser Blessed; Louise Erdrich, Four Souls;James Welch (Blackfoot), Winter in the Blood; Susan Power (Standing Rock Sioux), Grass Dancer; Janet Campbell Hale (Coeur d’Alene), Bloodlines
Note: If you are buying your books online, try using the metasearch engine www.bigwords.com to save money and time—it searches multiple online bookstores for the books you want and give you the best prices (it allows you to search for a combination of books and includes shipping costs, and really will save you time).
For more information on English department courses, the English major, etc., the department webpage is at http://www.english.uwosh.edu/
Updated 9. Sept. 2009