SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SPECIAL TOPICS COURSE PROPOSAL FORM
ORIGINATING CAMPUS: (X) Ammerman ( ) Eastern
( ) Grant
Date Submitted to Campus Dean: __________
Proposed by: Catherine Lipnick
Date of Proposal: December 13, 2006
Department/Discipline: English Department
Course #
I.
Course Title Contemporary Native American Literature
RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENTS
A.
Credit Hours: 3
B.
Class Size: 35
C.
Course Fees: None
II.
III.
EG 41
RELATIONSHIP TO MASTER SCHEDULE
A.
Proposed Semesters Course will run: Fall 2007 to Spring 2008
B.
Projected Termination Date June 2008
Rationale for Course:
In his book, In the Absence of the Sacred, Gerry Mander quite accurately
asserts that “The American educational system is almost bereft of information
about Indians, making it difficult for young non-Indian Americans to understand or
care about present-day Indian issues”; and, more astonishingly, that “European
schools actually teach more about American Indians” (1992). In hopes of
addressing this unfortunate omission, I propose a Special Topics Course focusing on
the literary works of contemporary Native American authors. While we offer one
class on Native American culture in the Anthropology department, it does not
convey knowledge about people in the form their respective tribal traditions
recorded their understanding of themselves; for thousands of years the
transmission of knowledge has always been through myth and sacred story.
Offering a class that highlights the distinct literary, cultural and philosophical
expression of a varied group of tribal people -- whose storytelling is most directly
linked to the oral tradition from which it continues to evolve -- would be a
wonderful complement to an anthropological approach. Expanding upon its relation
to other disciplines, Native American Literature incorporates ideas from mythology,
psychology, religion, philosophy, history, sociology, and ecology.
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More than many other types of literature, Native American authors – influenced by
mythic vision – often re-inscribe those moral and metaphysical perspectives in
many of their works. And in so doing, they reveal distinctly different visions of
“reality,” ethics, and epistemology, and thus offer students alternative philosophies
of life, against which to assess their own.
Like the many other schools that have recognized the contribution of Native
American literature, both in terms of its own aesthetic value and in how it
promotes diversity, this course could also further the college’s multicultural
mission to enrich students’ educational experience.
Lastly, because a predominant theme in the literature expresses a
reverence for nature and the interrelatedness of all life, such a course would
introduce student to the ethical considerations of the environmental concerns
that so vitally infuse the texts; this vision which promotes the goals of social
ecology and environmental sustainability is an important contribution to any
humanities curriculum. Given the “real world” issues expressed in the literature,
this course will also offer students the opportunity to translate their developing
ethical ideal into acts of social service for extra credit (if they so choose).
IV.
Description of Course:
This course will introduce students to the distinct literary aesthetic of
contemporary Native American Literature as it has been informed by the oral
tradition. Through the genres of story, myth, poetry and drama, as they have
been developed by such writers as Silko, Hogan, Erdrich and Allen, students will
broaden their understanding of such literary elements as character, structure,
symbol, and setting. In so doing, they will explore such tribal themes as the
value of myth and memory, the power of the imagination, the sacredness of life
and land, the consequences of colonization, conflicts in ideology, and the
expanded ethics of reverence and responsibility.
V.
Approvals
Department Approval_______________
Date_______________
Academic Chair
William F. Connors, Jr.
Campus Dean Approval_____________
February 10, 2007
Date_______________
Campus Dean
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SPECIAL TOPICS • COURSE SYLLABUS
I. Course Number and Title:
EG 99 Introduction to Contemporary Native American Literature
II. Description of Course:
This course will introduce students to the distinct literary aesthetic of
contemporary Native American Literature as it has been informed by the oral
tradition. Through the genres of story, myth, poetry and drama, as they have
been developed by such writers as Silko, Hogan, Erdrich and Allen, students will
broaden their understanding of such literary elements as character, structure,
symbol, and setting. In so doing, they will explore such tribal themes as the
value of myth and memory, the power of the imagination, the sacredness of life
and land, the consequences of colonization, conflicts in ideology, and the
expanded ethics of reverence and responsibility.
III. Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course students will:





Explore the elements of a Native American literary aesthetic and
develop an awareness of its major symbols and themes.
Gain knowledge about tribal customs and philosophic beliefs that
broaden their comparative cultural understanding.
Further develop their skills of analysis, evaluation, and research; and
improve upon their abilities to communicate this in writing.
Deepen their understanding of and sensitivity to the issues of
contemporary tribal people, which have been determined by a history
of political, social and economic oppression.
Question the validity of various cultural assumptions and ideologies.
IV. Required Texts and Materials:
BOOKS: Literary Anthologies & Collected Essays
Earth Power Coming: Short Fiction in Native American Literature ed. Simon Ortiz. Arizona:
Navajo Community College, 1983.
Earth Song, Sky Spirit: Short Stories of the Contemporary Native American Experience Ed.
and Intro. Clifford E. Trafzer. NY: Doubleday,1992.
Nothing But the Truth: An Anthology of Native American Literature, John L. Purdy
and James Ruppert, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001.
Spiderwoman’s Granddaughters: Ed. Paula Gunn Allen. New York: Fawcett Clumbine1989.
I Become Part of It: Sacred Dimension in Native American Life Eds. D.M. Dooling and Paul
Jordan-Smith. San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1989.
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List of Specifically Selected Essays:
“Language and Literature from a Pueblo Indian Perspective,” Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna)
“The Man Made of Words,” and “An American Land Ethic,” N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa)
“The Spiritual Landscape,” Elaine Jahner
“The Sacred Hoop,” Paula Gunn Allen
“History, Myth, and Identity,” Carter Revard (Osage)
“Seeing With a Native Eye,” Joseph Epes Brown
“Indian Humor,” Vine DeLoria, Jr. (Sioux)
“What Americans Don’t Know About Indians,” Gerry Mander
“The Indians of the American Imagination,” Vine DeLoria Jr.
Traditional Myths & Tales:
Emergence: Navajo Creation
Fall: Lakota Creation
Origin of the Medicine Lodge (Blackfeet)
Trickster Tales
CONTEMPORARY FICTION:
Novels:
Ceremony, Leslie Marmon Silko (1977)
Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, Sherman Alexie (1994) (Spokane, Coeur
d’Alene)
Short Fiction:
“Woman Who Fell from the Sky,” “Yellow Woman,” “Warrior Maiden,” and “Spirit Woman,”
Paula Gunn Allen
“Man to Send Rainclouds,” and “Private Property,” Leslie Marmon Silko
“As It Was in the Beginning,” E. Pauline Johnson
“Clearing in the Valley,” Soge Track
“Akun, Jiki Walu: Grandfather Magician,” Darryl Babe Wilson
“The Sinh of Nigussdzagha,” Mary TallMountain
“The Journey,” Duane Big Eagle
“The Cave,” Jack D. Forbes
“She Keeps the Dance Turning Like the Earth,” Duane Niatum
“Making Do,” Linda Hogan
“Borders,” Thomas King
“Hawk’s Flight: An American Fable” Gerald Haslam
“Return of A Native Dreamer,” Duane Niatum
“A Good Chance,” Elizabeth Cook-Lynn
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Short Fiction: (continued)
“Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven,” Sherman Alexie
“American Horse,” Louise Erdrich
“New Shoes,” and “Making Do,” Linda Hogan,
“Adventures of an Indian Princess,” Patricia Riley
“Grace,” Vicki Sears
“The Warriors,” Anna L. Walters
“The Killing of a State Cop,” Simon J. Ortiz (Acoma Pueblo)
“Aniwaya, Anikawa, and the Killer Teen-agers,” “The Gleams,” and “The Sonaofabitch
and the Dog,” Ralph Salisbury
“Moccasins Don’t Have High Heels,” and “An American in New York,” Lee Anne Howe
“The Dream,” Penny Olson
“Report to the Nation: Claiming Europe,” Carter Revard
“Only An Approved Indian Can Play: Made in USA,” Jack Forbes
“Avian Messiah and Mistress Media,” Andrew Connors
Drama:
Foghorn by Hanay Geiogama (Kiowa) in Native American Literature. Ed Vizenor 1995.
Films:
Smoke Signals based on the work by Sherman Alexie (1998)
Thunderheart based on the documentary Incident at Oglala (both by Michael Apted 1992)
V. Assessment of Student Learning:
Student will have the opportunity to demonstrate the development of their
understanding in ways that respect the different learning styles: In addition to the
weekly writing assignments in their reader response journals (15%), students will be
tested on their comprehension on tests and quizzes (20%); on their analytic abilities
in a poetry portfolio (15%); on the clarity of their writing in 3 formal papers – one of
which will involve a research component (35%); and on their overall engagement in
topics through class discussion and group presentation (15%).
VI. Weekly Outline of Topics and Assignments:
Syllabus attached.
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EG 99 Contemporary Native American Literature
Catherine Lipnick
Proposed Syllabus
8/30 Introduction to the Native World View “Seeing with a Native Eye,” & “I Become Part
of It,” Joseph Epes Brown (Handout). Cultural Context: the Oral Tradition.
POWWOW: If you would like to experience a tribal ceremonial, visit the Shinnecock
Reservation on Labor Day – but please do so with the utmost respect for the people,
their traditions, their culture and their land. Reflect on your experience in your journal.
MYTH, POETRY & SONG
9/4
Creation Myths: Rising & Falling; “Navajo Creation,” “Woman Who Fell from the Sky,”
(Iroquois). Order & Disorder: Trickster Tales: Raven Steals the Sun, Coyote Tales.
Essay: “History, Myth, and Identity,” Carter Revard (Osage)
9/6
Inscribing the Moral & Metaphysical Universe in the Mythic Landscape: “Origin of the
Medicine Lodge,” (Blackfeet). Myth as Prototype for Contemporary Literature and
Culture Heroes: Excerpts from Ceremony (Pueblo) and The Ancient Child (Kiowa)
9/11 Poetic Voice and Vision: “The Power of the Word,” Silko (Laguna). (Selections from
Poetry Packet) Listen to CD of Poets reading. Joy Harjo, Leslie Silko, N. Scott Momaday,
Louise Erdrich (Chippewa) , Johnny Truddel.
9/13
Sacred Land: Poetry: Joy Harjo: Poems tba
Recommended Essay: “The Spiritual Landscape,” Elaine Jahner (on Reserve); Audio:
“Respect for the Earth,” Charlotte Black Elk (Lakota).
9/18 Word Warriors: “Dear John Wayne,” Erdrich and other selected poems. See also
selected texts on Reserve in the library.
9/20
Poems of Political Protest: What are the issues engaged in the poetry of LeAnne
Howe (Choctaw) and Wendy Rose.
Poetry Analysis Portfolio: Begin reflecting on images, symbol and themes in your reader
response journal. Choose four poems and write what you believe the poet is saying.
Notice recurrent themes and issues and reflect on how poetry can be used for social
awareness and political protest.
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TRADITIONAL TALES ~ CONTEMPORARY TELLINGS
9/25
Essay: “Language and Literature from a Pueblo Indian Perspective,” Leslie Marmon
Silko (Laguna); Stories: “Yellow Woman” & “The Man to Send Rain Clouds” Silko;
“Woman Who Fell from the Sky,” and “Warrior Maiden,” Paula Gunn Allen, (Laguna).
9/27
Essay: “The Sacred Hoop,” Paula Gunn Allen (Laguna/Lebanese) Stories: “Akun, Jiki
Walu: Grandfather Magician,” Darryl Babe Wilson; “The Cave,” J. Forbes (Powhatan,
Lenape, Saponi).
10/2
“Blue Bird’s Offering,” and “As It was in the Beginning,” E. Pauline Johnson
(Mohawk/Iroquois), “The Clearing in the Valley,” Soge Track (Taos/Sioux);
“Spirit Woman,” Paula Gunn Allen.
10/4
Essay: “The Man Made of Words,” N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa/Navajo); Stories: “The
Journey,” Duane Big Eagle (Osage), “Sleeping in Rain,” Gordon Henry (Ojibwa).
10/9
“Hawk’s Flight: An American Fable,” Gerald Haslam (Choctaw/Mestizo) “The Sinh of
Niguudzagha,” Mary Tall Mountain (Athabaskan); “She Keeps the Dance Turning Like
the Earth,” Duane Niatum (Klallam).
10/11
Essay: “An American Land Ethic,” N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa/Navajo). “Private
Property,” Silko, “The Gleams,” Ralph Salisbury, (Cherokee), “Shamrock Road,”
Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel (Creek); “Borders,” Thomas King (Cherokee ).
10/16 “American Horse,” Louise Erdrich, (Chippewa), “Grace,” Vicki Sears, (Cherokee),
“Adventures of an Indian Princess,” Patricia Riley (Cherokee/Irish).
10/18 “New Shoes,” & “Making Do,” Linda Hogan (Chickasaw); “The Warriors,” Anna L. Walters
(Pawnee-Otoe-Missouria). Poem: “The Truth Is,” Hogan (compare the symbol of shoes).
10/23
“A Good Chance,” Elizabeth Cook-Lynn (Crow/Creek/Sioux), “Killing of a State Cop,”
Simon Ortiz (Acoma Pueblo).
10/25
“The Sonaofabitch and the Dog,” & “Aniwaya, Anikawa, and the Killer Teen-agers,”
Ralph Salisbury (Cherokee); “The Endless Dark of Night,” Robert J. Conley (Cherokee).
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NOVEL
10/30
Silko’s Ceremony (pgs. 3-80). Consider the following in your R/R journals: The use
of myth and ritual; the power of language; the types of stories; significance of
symbols; and the evolving structure of the novel.
11/1
Ceremony (pgs 81-163). Reflect on the following: the theme of cultural conflict; the
questions of memory, history and identity; the depiction of race, class and gender;
the critique of the oppressive ideologies; the treatment of the land and the kinship
of people. Recommended Essay: “Desecration of Sacred Lands,” Jerry Mander.
11/6
Ceremony (pgs. 164-202). Reflect on the philosophic perspective reflected in the novel
with regard to the following: rituals of remembrance, awakening mythic memory;
ceremonies of healing; ethics and epistemology; the “integrated totality.”
11/8
Ceremony (pgs 203-262). Reflect on the function story in tribal tradition and Silko’s
integration of oral elements with the written form. What is Silko’s message to the
reader? How has she conveyed this to you? What questions does the text raise? What
issues does it clarify? What actions does she call for?
11/13
Discussion of Novel and Drafts of Papers.
11/15
Watch Film: Thunderheart Identify the mythic themes, the culture heroes, the political
issues, the legal controversies, the trickster figure – and use of language: write a page
for each of these
in you R/R Journal.
TRICKSTER TALES AND INDIAN HUMOR
11/20
Laughter as a Form of Resistance and Survival: “Report to the Nation: Claiming
Europe,” Carter Revard (Osage); Essay: “Indian Humor,” Vine DeLoria, Jr. (Sioux)
11/22
THANKSGIVING: Read from the handout Blessings, Poems and Prayers and reflect
on how Native American harvest celebrations are similar and/or different from
contemporary American celebrations of Thanksgiving (especially the day after).
image of “the Indian” has been appropriated by pop-culture.
11/27
Drama: Foghorn, a short play by Hanay Geiogama (Kiowa);
Essay: “What Americans Don’t Know About Indians,” Jerry Mander
11/29
Identity & “Indianness”: “Only An Approved Indian Can Play: Made in USA,” Jack Forbes
Stereotypes and the Pop Cultural Imagination: “Moccasins Don’t Have High Heels,”
LeAnne Howe (Choctaw). Recommended Essay: “Indians of the American Imagination”
12/4
Dialoguing with Popular Culture: “An American in New York,” Lee Anne Howe (Choctaw);
“The Dream,” Penny Olson (Ojibwe); “Avian Messiah and Mistress Media,” Andrew
Connors (Ojibwe).
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12/6
Excerpts: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, Sherman Alexie.
Watch video clips from the 1950’s TV show.
12/11
Presentations: Research Project of a Contemporary Native American Issue that most
informs your reading of the literature.
12/13
Presentations: Research Project of a Contemporary Native American Issue that most
informs your reading of the literature.
12/18
Film: Smoke Signals (based on Alexie’s novel)
Dates for Speakers and Cultural Events
will be posted and announced through out the semester.
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