NATV 380/SOC 489
IMAGINING INDIANS: AMERICAN INDIANS, MASS MEDIA,
FILM AND SOCIETY
Professor: Dr. Proudfit
Semester: Spring 2015
Office: SBSB 2237 or SBSB 1118 (check with me)
Monday: 2:30 – 5:15
Office#: 60-750-4619
Meeting Room: SBSB 1108
Office Hrs: Monday 1:30 – 2:30 (or by appointment)
Email: jproudfi@csusm.edu
Please turn off or silence all electronic equipment before entering the
classroom.
Course Description:
What is social behavior and social power? How much is our behavior
conditioned by our social environment (mass media)? How are we limited or
empowered to do things? How is it used to control us, how do we us it to
control others? How do the social categories of race, gender and class fit into
the scheme of social power? The media has a huge effect on popular culture.
By looking at media critically, students develop an awareness of messages
that are portrayed through film. Film is a powerful source of social learning
that shapes attitudes, social and consumer behaviors and worldviews. The
critical study of media, therefore, remains an important component of an
instructional program that promotes critical thinking skills. In this course
you will have the opportunity to discuss stereotyping, prejudice, and
discrimination created with film media.
This course surveys the historical and contemporary imagining of American
Indian people. This course will examine the images and perceptions of
American Indians in the mass media. The media has provided stereotyping
of American Indians in Hollywood film, television, literature, marketing,
advertising, academia, sports & recreation, science and journalism. The
media has created a symbolic view that has predominated American pop
culture. A lack of cultural understanding of American Indian people has
perpetuated an unrealistic portrayal of American Indians.
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Only by reviewing the reality of history, rather than the myth, can individual
students have a correct view of Native American societies and people. This
course is designed to provide students with a critical analysis and deeper
understanding of American Indian cultures at the intersection of the Mass
Media. The course will examine American Indians in news media from the
very first instances in America through contemporary news media and
critically examine the effects of media on American Indian identity, politics,
sovereignty, ethnic identity, environment, economic development, health
disparities, human rights, spirituality, religious freedom, language and art
and the very existence of Indian Country in the 21st Century. In addition this
course will examine American Indian cultures as a part of the American
entertainment cinema, television and as mascots for team sports.
What images come to mind when you think of American Indians? Do these
images come from history lessons, movies and TV, personal experience?
This course will address historic and contemporary (mis)representations of
Indians in a variety of media. Through films, photographs, comic books,
advertising, science and literature including works by prominent Native
writers and scholars, the class will consider a range of issues including
ethics, power, authenticity and identity, and the tension between selfrepresentation and representation by non-Natives. The instructor has
worked in the media industry for many years and will bring in Native
American filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, authors and media
experts to offer insight and an American Indian perspective. We will
explore images of American Indians in films created by non-Indians and
compare these constructions (often of inferiority) to the constructions of
Indians created by Native film makers themselves. In the latter, we will
explore the efforts of contemporary American Indian film makers to
reconstruct Indian identities in a way that challenges western notions of
domination and inferiority. We will explore how contemporary American
Indian film makers produce, direct, and write from a marginalized position
in society in an effort to "tell the stories of oppression" and create multiple,
new images of Indianness outside of the western framework.
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (CSLOs)
Imaging Indians focuses on Hollywood representations of American Indian
history and culture. There is no greater "image creator" than Hollywood film
and our emphasis in the course will be on those films that represent Native
people over the broad spectrum of American Indian-White relations. We will
also examine the stereotypes of Native people perpetuated in film and
compare and contrast those images with the historical and cultural realities
of Native Americans. This course looks at how symbolic imagining of
American Indians in the mass media has produced negative consequences,
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and how important it is to overcome such stereotypes, to insure a more
realistic portrayal of Indian people in the future.
Course Philosophy:
In this course Native Ways of Knowing honors culture and diversity by
asking each of us to take pride in our heritage, and encouraging us to share
what we know in a way that is experiential, participatory and fundamental.
We will engage in a constructive learning process that encourages authentic
exchanges, instructive demonstrations and an opportunity to focus on
important life applications, not just methodology. This course will
emphasize the virtues and values that honor both the students and instructor
as part of a never-ending circle of wisdom to be shared.
Course Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the legal and historical foundations of
American Indian political identity
2. Describe and distinguish between American Indian epistemologies
and other forms of knowledge
3. Demonstrate understanding about American Indian cultures,
communities and peoples
4. Explain the historical, cultural, and political contributions of wellknown American Indian leaders, thinkers, artists, and activists
5. Critically contrast and explain the contemporary roles, images, and
perceptions of American Indians against historical, dominant cultural,
and colonial constructions in a diverse set of representational forms
(print/digital)
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
American Indians: Stereotypes & Realities
By Devon A. Mihesuah
American Indians and the Mass Media
By Meta G. Carstarphen, John P. Sanchez
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
By Sherman Alexie
Online Cougar Courses — Readings will be added to (UPDATED)
Cougar Courses on a regular basis.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS:
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Seeing Red: Hollywood’s Pixeled Skins: Americans and Film
By Howe, Markowitz, and Cummings
Regular reading of newspapers such as the New York Times and Los
Angeles Times, watching CSPAN, listening to NPR (National Public Radio)
and reading weekly or monthly news magazines such as Newsweek, Time
and U.S. News and World Report is required. Additional readings and
media materials may be assigned and syllabus may be updated regularly, so
please check Cougar Courses frequently.
Grading Policy: (Details to follow for each of the below)
Film, Media, Stereotype, Image Board
Assignments & Quizzes
Film Reviews
Participation
GIS AIAN Stereotypes and Images Group Project
100pts.
100 pts.
60 pts.
40 pts.
200pts.
Reading:
I cannot stress enough the importance of completing assigned readings. We
are studying material that begs to be argued and discussed, so it is to your
benefit to read.
Community Service Learning:
Participation in community service via a University-sanctioned program
may be used in lieu of participation in the Group Project. Detailed
requirements for CSL will be distributed to individuals separately.
Participation:
Now, if you take the time to do the reading it seems rather silly not to then
talk about it. You have the right and responsibility to an opinion, I expect
you to voice it. Occasionally during the semester, I will ask you to write a
formal response to a question I will pose. The response need not be long
(about a half a page typed) but it should be thoughtful. I am interested in
your feelings and understanding on a particular issue. These papers will be
graded as part of your participation grade. I will use them to generate
discussion. The frequency that I assign these papers will depend on how
well you perform during discussion without them. If you are adequately
prepared to discuss relevant issues without them then I will refrain from
assigning you this extra work too often.
Attendance:
I expect everyone to attend every class meeting.
I impose no specific
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penalties. We are, after all, adults. I will merely note your attendance at
each class. Those with poor attendance should not expect my assistance in
digging themselves out of self-created holes.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
I do not expect problems but let us be clear. Don't do it. These are serious
violations of university policy and a personal insult to both the class and
myself. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. At the
very least, you should expect to fail the course. If you have any questions
about this policy please speak with me.
Disabilities:
A disability of any kind should not prevent anyone from successfully
completing this course. However, I request that anyone with special needs
contact me immediately. Students with disabilities who require academic
accommodations must be approved for services by providing appropriate
and recent documentation to the Office of Disabled Student Services
(DSS). This office is located in Craven Hall, Room 4300, and can be
contacted by phone at (760) 750-4905, or TDD (760) 750-4909. Students
authorized by DSS to receive accommodations should meet with me during
my office hours or in a more private setting in order to ensure your
confidentiality.
Consider a Minor in American Indian Studies:
American Indian Studies is a research-based interactive program grounded
in culture-based higher learning. The American Indian Minor offers
students an integrated knowledge platform to understand the diverse needs
and interests of American Indian communities in California and beyond.
There are 18 federally recognized American Indian reservations in San
Diego County, more than 35 American Indian reservations in the region, and
110 federally recognized tribes in the state of California. CSUSM is ideally
situated to serve the needs of tribal nations in our state. This base of
knowledge draws upon multiple areas related to the history and current state
of American Indians in the United States and includes courses in the Social
Sciences, Arts and Education, Sciences, Health, Tribal Law, Political
Science and Business.
Are you interested in a career in law, public policy, politics, journalism,
education, public health, social work, international relations, community
organizing, public relations, urban planning, and other socially engaged
careers? American Indian Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that
allows students to critically examine the complex dynamics of a variety of
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issues in and tribal nations in the United States. It is especially committed to
developing critical thinking skills and compassionate social engagement. I
encourage you to explore the possibilities of career development and
ongoing community service after graduation by pursuing employment in the
American Indian community. Your American Indian Studies minor degree
can be an advantage, especially after completing this course, in your future
career. For more information, please contact me throughout the semester to
discuss your academic goals. You can also look for current employment at
NativeHire.org or IndianCountryToday.
PLEASE AVOID:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Frequent absences
Being habitually late to class (this will be subtracted from your grade
in class participation)
Handwritten Assignments. All assignments must be typed with your
name, date, course# & Section, and professor's name in the upper right
hand corner. No larger than a 12 point font.
Late Assignments. All assignments are due at the beginning of class.
COURSE OUTLINE –
(EACH WEEK WE WILL ENGAGE IN MULTI-MEDIA VIEWING &
ANALYSIS EITHER IN CLASS OR VIA COUGAR COURSES)
Week One: January 26th
Class introductions
What Do You Know and How Do You Know It?
Cartarphen & Sanchez, Mass Media, Part I. Historical Analysis
Mihesuah, Stereotypes & Realties, 13 -63
Week Two: February 2nd
Myths and Stereotypes
Historical, Political, demographic and Socio-economic
overview of American Indians in the U.S.
Mass Media and American Indian & The Constructions of
Indians in the Western Culture
Cartarphen & Sanchez, Mass Media, Part I. Historical Analysis
Mihesuah, Stereotypes & Realties, 64-93
Reel Injuns (85m. 2009. Neil Diamond)
Week Three: February 9th (Assignment #1 due)
Myths and Stereotypes
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Historical, Political, demographic and Socio-economic
overview of American Indians in the U.S.
Mass Media and American Indian & The Constructions of
Indians in the Western Culture
Cartarphen & Sanchez, Mass Media, Part I & 2. Historical
Analysis Mihesuah, Stereotypes & Realties, 64-93
Images of Indians: The Great Movie Massacre (28m. 1979)
Images of Indians: How Hollywood Wins the West (28m.
1979)
Week Four: February 16th (quiz 1)
Foundations of Non-Indian Perceptions of American Indians
Hollywood - How the West Was Interpreted
Hollywood - From Savage to Noble Man
Mihesuah, Stereotypes & Realties, 94-122
Images of Indians: War Paint and Wigs (28m. 1979)
Images of Indians: Heathen Injuns and Hollywood gospel (28m.
1979)
Images of Indians: The Movie Reel Indian (28m. 1979)
Week Five: February 23rd (Film Review #1 Due)
American Indians in Film & TV
Indians as Specimens
Indians and Anthropologist
Indians and Science
Cougar Courses:
Vine Deloria, Jr., “Anthropologists and other friends”
in Custer Died for Your Sins (1969) New York: Avon Books,
pp. 83-104.
Robert Berkhofer, “The scientific image of the Indian” in The
White Man’s Indian (1978) New York: Vintage Books, pp. 3369.
Guests:
Science or Sacrilege: Native Americans, Archaeology, & the
Law (57m. 1996)
Ishi: Story of Dignity, Courage and Hope (40m. 2011) CIMCC
Who Owns the Past (56m. 2001) Jed Riffe
Week Six: March 2nd
American Indians in Film & TV
Images of Indian Women & American Indian Women
Filmmakers
Romancing & Exoticizing the Other
Cougar Courses: Native Women in Westerns: Reality and Myth
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Selene G. Phillips, Sacajawea: Super Hero, Super Woman,
Super Myth,
Rayna Green, The Pocahantas Perplex
Debra Merskin, The S Word Discourse Stereotypes and the
American Indian Woman
Guests:
Miss Navajo (53m. 2007) Billy Luther
Frybread Babes (30m. 3008) Steffany Suttle
Week Seven: March 9th -Assignment Due – Pocahontas Perplex (Native
Women Actors)
American Indians in Film & TV
Images of Indian Women & American Indian Women
Filmmakers
Romancing & Exoticizing the Other
Cougar Courses: Native Women in Westerns: Reality and Myth
Selene G. Phillips, Sacajawea: Super Hero, Super Woman,
Super Myth,
Rayna Green, The Pocahantas Perplex
Debra Merskin, The S Word Discourse Stereotypes and the
American Indian Woman
Guests:
Miss Navajo (53m. 2007) Billy Luther
Frybread Babes (30m. 3008) Steffany Suttle
Week Eight: March 16th (from print to film assingment)
Representing Indians: Literature, Journalism & Art
Cartarphen & Sanchez, Mass Media, Part II & Part IV
Cougar Courses: But Is It American Indian Art? Traci L.
Morris
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman
Alexie
Week Nine: March 23 (quiz #2)
Playing Indian: The Commodification of Indian Culture –Is
Red the New Black? Native Inspired? Harmless Hobbyist or
Opportunist?
Affirmative Action, Legal questions, Ethnic Fraud: Examining
the real costs of ethnic fraud in Indian country (jobs, politics,
economic development)
Cartarphen & Sanchez, Mass Media, Part III
Cougar Courses: Joely Proudfit, The Fine Line Between
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Trendsetting and Racism
Cougar Courses: Hobby Indians, Authenticity and Race, Phillip
Deloria
White Shamans, Plastic Medicine Men: (26m. 1995) Terry
Macy and Daniel Hart
If Only I Were an Indian (81 m. 1996) John Paskievich
Marketing & Advertising Indians: Buying Into Racism?
Cartarphen & Sanchez, Mass Media, Part III
Imagining Indians in the New Millennium: The Information
Super Highway, Social Media and the Perception of the Red
Road
New Stereotypes? The Only Good Indian is a Poor Indian and
The Wannabe Effect: I believe therefore I am…
http://beyondbuckskin.blogspot.com/
http://nativeappropriations.com/
Week Ten: March 30th (SPRING BREAK HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE)
Week Eleven: April 6th (Film Review #2 Due)
American Indians and Television
American Indian Owned Television Networks
Cougar Courses: High Stakes Stereotypes: The Emergence of
the “Casino Indian” Trope in Television Depictions of
Contemporary Native Americans, Celeste C. Lacroix
Dustin Tahmahkera, Decolonized Viewing of the Sitcom’s
Indian
Guests:
Seinfeld
Northern Exposure
Longmire
FNX
Week Twelve: April 13th
Indian as Mascots
Sports and American Indians
Cartarphen & Sanchez, Mass Media, Part II
Cougar Courses: American Indian Imagery in Sport and the
Public Imagination, Ellen Staurowsky
Elizabeth A. Locklear, Native American Mascot Controversy
and Mass Media Involvement: How the Media Play A Role In
Promoting Racism through Native American Athletic Imagery
Playing Pastime (30m. 2007) James Fortier
In Whose Honor? (47m. 1997) Jay Rosenstein
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Guests:
Week Thirteen: April 20th (Film Review #3 Due)
Images of Indian: A Child's Perspective
The Use of Cartoons in Imagining Indians
http://imagesofindiansinchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/
Naomi Caldwell-Wood and Lisa A. Mitten, I" IS NOT FOR
INDIAN: THE PORTRAYAL OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN
BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
http://www.nativeculturelinks.com/ailabib.htm
Week Fourteen: April 27th (quiz #3)
Indians Imagining Indians
American Indians & Hollywood today
American Indians Filmmakers
Native Narratives & Self – Representation
Sovereignty & Authenticity in Film
American Indian Film making the good, bad and the ugly
Cougar Courses:
Wiping the Warpaint off the Lens, Thinking
Indian Thoughts Beverly R. Singer
Michelle Rajeha, Reservation Reelism: Visual Sovereignty,
Indigenous Revisions of Ethnography, and Atanarjuat (The
Fast Runner)
Guests:
Atanarjuat, The Fast Runner (172m, 2007) Zacharias Kunuk
Week Fifteen: May 4th (Image Board Due)
American Indians Filmmakers
Native Narratives & Self – Representation
Sovereignty & Authenticity in Film
American Indian Film making the good, bad and the ugly
Cougar Courses: Gone With the Wind…Success Remains
Elusive for Native American Filmmakers, Mathew Fleisher
Week Sixteen: May 11th
Student Presentations
Final exam time: 4:00pm to 6pm
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