ENGL-235 American Indian Literature

Credits 3 / 3 Contact Hours
Pre-requisite: Placement into ACRD-090, ACRD-091 or ACRD-092, completion of ELAP-110 with a minimum grade of 2.0, or successful completion of ACRD-080; Successful completion of ENGL-101  or ENGL-103  with a grade of 2.0 or higher.
This is an introductory course in the literature of North American Indians primarily in the 20th century. Recognizing that there are literally hundreds of tribal traditions in the Americas we will focus on the mythology history and literature of a handful of indigenous cultures including an extended study of the Spokane and Ojibwa traditions. We will study two authors in depth from these distinctly different tribal backgrounds as we strive to understand the specific effects of geography and history on tribal life traditions and literature.

Course Outcomes
1.       Critical Thinking  Students will:

A.     Closely read, analyze and interpret a variety of texts using relevant theoretical approaches commonly used in English courses.

B.      Support analyses and interpretations with textual evidence in written work and class discussions (both in class and online).

C.      Appropriately use and document outside sources that are considered credible, valid and relevant within the field to further support analyses and interpretations when necessary.

2.       Global/Cultural Awareness  Students will:

A.     Demonstrate an understanding of how and why diverse viewpoints exist based on a complex system that includes, but is not limited to,  religion, culture, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic level, political beliefs, gender identity, historical influences, and/or educational level.

B.      Demonstrate awareness of how a text can perform several functions, such as social critiques, normalizing narratives, and commentaries on the human condition.

3.       Citizenship/Learning Community Students will:

A.      Participate collegially in class discussions (in person and/or online) that examine multiple interpretations of assigned texts.

B.      Recognize the validity of differing interpretations when presented with appropriate supporting evidence.

C.      Gain an understanding of how one’s own reading of a text can benefit through participation in a learning community.