Critical Race & Ethnic Studies: American Indian Novel

Representative topics: Introduction to Native American Literature. May be repeated for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Cross-listed with: ENGL 1215.

Crosslisted with ENGL 1215 Total combined enrollment = 40 Open to degree and PACE students

In this course we will be exploring the American Indian novel as it develops from the late nineteenth century to the present. We will begin with two novels preceding the so-called “American Indian Renaissance” of the 1960s and 1970s—the period when the designation “American Indian Literature” emerged—and then proceed to (probably) four others from different points over the last fifty years. The authors, of varied geographical, tribal, gender backgrounds, engage the question of individual and collective identity and experience in a context which has very often been hostile to continued Native existence. Some writers directly engage the worlds they live in, some engage the past; some explore contemporary reservation life, other contemporary urban experience. Authors may include Tommy Orange, Eden Robinson, Louise Erdrich, D'Arcy McNickle, and others.

Class sessions will center on discussion of the materials, with some lecture to provide context relevant to the various readings. The major out of class workload will be reading. There will be a longer final essay (5-7pp), two tests, in-class free-writes, and a group oral presentation.

Foundation of the grades will rest primarily on the essays, participation on the discussion board, and presentation (exact % breakdown to be determined). Attendance, participation, and having work done on time is expected.