Ms. DelGrego, Junior CP English
Native American Cultural/Race Criticism
Assignment: Using at least two or more of the following pieces of
Native American Literature, write a 3-5 page Cultural/Race analysis!!

“Evolution” by Sherman Alexie

“The Walam Olum” by the Delaware Indian

“I Have Killed the Deer” by Taos Pueblo Indian

“Song of the Sky Loom” Tewa Indian

“Everything the Power of the World Does is Done in a Circle” Black Elk of the Sioux

“The Woman Who Fell From the Sky” by Iroquois Indian

“On the Amtrak from Boston to New York City” by Sherman Alexie

“Because My Father Always Said he Was The Only Indian Who Saw Jimi Hendrix Play
‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ At Woodstock” by Sherman Alexie

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Smoke Signals by Sherman Alexie
Helpful Reminders:
1. Choose ONE focus from the four questions listed on the Cultural/Race Criticism handout
(blue handout) to formulate your thesis statement and focus your analysis.
2. Make sure you have a clearly defined introduction with thesis statement (last line of
intro.), body paragraphs, and a conclusion that discusses the significance of your topic
(Why is this important? What does it reveal?).
3. Use textual evidence to support and explain all connections and/or claims made in
support of your thesis.
a. Properly cite your evidence according to MLA standards:
(Author’s last name {space} page number).
b. Backslashes are used for line breaks in poetry.
c. Textual evidence longer than 3 typed lines must be blocked; indent each line of
the textual evidence.
d. Any dialogue needs to be punctuated correctly within the citation.
4. Follow all guidelines outlined on the beige handout in your English portfolio/binder.
a. MLA format guidelines, proper heading, unique title?
5. Graphic Organizers posted in the Tool Bar (side of page) on our Class Wiki are available
for anyone who needs extra guidance in proper structure.
6. Proofread your essay before submission!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
7. Submit to TURNITIN.COM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR the paper WILL NOT be
accepted!!!!!!
8. Bring in a hard copy of your essay or upload it to your personal Wiki page.