ENGL 2015 - American Indian Literature

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: This college literature course intended for all students will analyze and explore an introductory survey of major literary works written by and/or attributed to American Indian authors, from the oral tradition to contemporary literature. Selections may include works by Sherman Alexie, Black Elk, Ella Vine Deloria, Louise Erdrich, Linda Hogan, N. Scott Momaday, and Leslie Marmon Silko.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts, 7 Human Diversity

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: ENGL 1020   with a grade of C or higher OR ENGL 1021  with a grade of C or higher.

Major Content

1. American Indian Literature
2. The oral tradition.
3. First contact
4. Shifting culture
5. Contemporary identity issues
6. Links between past and present

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the scope and variety of American Indian literature.
2. Analyze those works as expressions of individual and human values within historical, literary, and social contexts.
3. Articulate an informed personal reaction to American Indian literature.
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between American Indians and European-Americans in contemporary society and how those dynamics shape literary texts.
5. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions of various American Indian tribes that shape American society and culture.
6. Interpret literary texts to recognize the effects of the changing meanings of American Indian identities in United States history and culture.
7. Respond critically to works in American Indian literature.

06. 02. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.

06. 03. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.

06. 05. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Competency 2 (7-10)
07. 02. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.

07. 03. Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

07. 04. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

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