| NAST 343A |
Dr. Martin Brokenleg |
| PLAINS INDIAN RELIGION |
Office: MC 136 |
| [This syllabus is illustrative only] |
E-mail:martin_brokenleg@augie.edu |
|
Phone: 274-5221 |
Description
A sympathetic exploration of the life and religion of Plains Indian people,
especially the western Lakota in their cultural and religious setting. From
Native perspectives we will examine these religions both in their classical
forms and in response to European culture. The course may be applied to area
3.6.
Objectives
Belonging - Mastery - Independence - Generosity
- Familiarity with contemporary Lakota medicine persons.
- Basic knowledge of Lakota Christian practices.
- Understanding the forms and functions of Lakota society, culture and religion.
- Comprehension of the support religion gives culture.
- Exploration of religious concepts and ceremonial forms in traditional
Lakota religion.
- Describing the effect of Western culture and the Lakota response to it.
- Design and study of an area of special interest.
Activities
- Readings are the focus of this course. Modest reading assignments are
listed on the calendar. Evaluation of this area assumes command and application
of reading knowledge. Readings are completed before the due date listed.
- Responses, dialogue, and verbal interactions show involvement in class
and comprehension of the material. Participation grade includes attendance
and is included in test scores.
- The special interest project can take a number of forms. If a paper
is the result, about 15 pages is an appropriate length and all academic
format should be followed. Artistic documentation should have an
academic component, a log of activities and the finished product. An experiential
tutoring project is documented by a journal and self-analysis.
- Evaluation is by take home essays due as listed on the calendar. Written
work is evaluated on the criteria of content, insight, and style (presentation).
The course grade is made up of 1/3 reading essays, 1/3 tests and participation,
and 1/3 project.
Bibliography
- Beek, P., Walters, A., and San Francisco,G. (1992). The Sacred: Ways of
Knowledge, Sources of Life. Tsalie, AZ: Navajo Community College.
- Mails, T. E. (1979). Fools Crow. New York: Doubleday and Company.
- Powers, W.K. (1982). Yuwipi. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.
- Treat, J. (1996) Native and Christian. New York: Routledge.
- Walker, J. R. (1991). Lakota Belief and Ritual. Lincoln: University of
Nebraska Press.
Calendar By Week ( May be revised )
| MONTH 1 |
28 |
|
|
| MONTH 2 |
4 |
|
|
| |
11 |
|
|
| |
18 |
|
|
| |
25 |
|
Beck essay due |
| MONTH 3 |
2 |
|
Abstract due |
| |
9 |
|
Test 1 due |
| |
16 |
Midterm |
Walker essay due |
| |
23 |
VACATION |
|
| |
30 |
|
Powers essay due |
| MONTH 4 |
6 |
|
|
| |
13 |
|
Mails essay due |
| |
20 |
Thanksgiving break |
|
| |
27 |
|
Projects due |
| MONTH 5 |
4 |
|
Treat essay due |
| |
11 |
|
Test 2 due |