NAST 304A	Dr. Martin Brokenleg
NATIVE AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES	Office: MC 136
[This syllabus is illustrative only]	E-mail:martin_brokenleg@augie.edu
	Phone: 274-5221

 

Description

A study of the dynamics of Native American life found in contemporary literature about and by Native Americans. Included will be topics such as the Native American past, Indian-white relations, and recent developments and their meanings. Students will read the resource bibliography, participate in discussion, and design and complete a research project. The course fulfills state teacher certification requirement and area 3.5. The unifying theme for this class is the Circle of Courage.

Goals

Belonging - Mastery - Independence - Generosity

1. Exploration of contemporary Native American identity.
2. Application of the ideals of American citizenship and religious goals.
3. Understanding Native American contact, treaty, and legal history.
4. Familiarity with Lakota philosophy and theology.
5. Discernment of the influence of prejudice, racism, and discrimination in contemporary Lakota life.
6. Design and completion of an area of special knowledge or experience, eg. tutoring Native American students.

Readings

This course is primarily a reading and lecture course. The integrative essays comprise two thirds of the grade for the course. Essays are due as listed on the calendar. Essays will summarize the readings and lectures, analyze major themes, and integrate learning. Essays are judged on the criteria of content, insight, and style.

Project

Library research will form the basis for a project and documentation of learning resulting from the project. If a paper is the outcome, the length should be 12-15 pages. All accepted academic standards apply ( citing sources, reference lists, ect. ). An experience project will be supported with an academic background study, a record of the experience, and a summary self-analysis. Arts projects must be supported by an academic research component that provides intellectual and academic background for the completed object. This project will also provide a time log of work and a summary analysis of your learning. Tutoring for Indian Education is an option. Learning in this project is documented by a journal. Early in the semester an abstract of the project is due. The completed project is due as listed on the calendar. The difficulty of the project design influences the overall evaluation. The project grade makes up 1/3 the course grade.

Participation

While lecture and viewing films take some course time, your dialogue and verbal participation is evaluated for frequency and quality. High grades are earned for stating reasons for questions, reactions, and agreement or disagreement. Absences for any reason may affect a grade.

Deadlines

Work is due as listed on the calendar. Late work, if accepted, cannot earn maximum credit, particularly at the end of the semester.

Evaluation

Integrative essays make up 2/3 of the final grade and the project 1/3 the grade for the course. Simply completing all activities on the syllabus will yield a grade of "C". Quality of work, depth of understanding, presentation of argument, and difficulty of project design contribute to a higher grade.

Bibliography

• Craven, M. (1973). I Heard the Owl Call My Name. New York: Dell.
• Dudley, J. (1992). Choteau Creek. New York: Warner Books.
• Powers, S. (1994). The Grass Dancer. New York.: G.P. Putnam. ( Non-Education majors )
• Reyhner, J. (1992). Teaching American Indian Students. Norman, OK: Univ. Oklahoma Press. ( Education majors )
• Silko, L. (1977). Ceremony. New York: Signet.
• Standing Bear, L. (1978). Land of the Spotted Eagle. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.
• Welch, J. (1986). Fools Crow. New York: Penguin Books.

Calendar By Week ( May be revised )

MONTH 1	28	HISTORY	Read Standing Bear	Introduction, Terminology
MONTH 2	4			Lakota Culture, Society
	11		Read Welch	Lakota Ceremonies, Theology, Values
	18			Legal and contact history
	25		Essay 1 due	Lakota philosophy
MONTH 3	2	LEARNING	Read Powers/Reyhner	History of Indian Education
	9			Contemporary Education
	16		Essay 2 due	Federal Indian policy
	23	Fall Break - No class
MONTH 3	6	IDENTITY	Read Craven	Identity, Nationalism
	13		Read Dudley	Helping professionals
	20	VACATION	Essay 3 due
	27	CONTEMPORARY ISSUES	Project due	Alcoholism, Mental health
MONTH 4	4		Read Silko	Resource management, Population future
	11		Essay 4 due