Native Americans in the USA since 1865
Academic Responsibility: Sam Hitchmough
Module Aims
This module aims to develop students' critical awareness of the various representations of Native Americans in historical and political reports, literary and art works and film and drama, including Native American self-representation.
By the end of this module students should be able to:
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discuss the representation of Native Americans
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apply analytical skills to such representations, to consider questions of stereotyping, distortion and 'authenticity'
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consider the value of academic and critical approaches to representations
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critically analyse the medium for representation of Native Americans (e.g. the structure of a film or novel, the language or imagery employed)
Module content
Following an introduction on mythology, Native worldviews, music and oral tradition the module continues with work on some key events such as the Removal Act and the Trail of Tears, the Sioux uprising, the Battle of the Little Bighorn, 1876 and the Massacre at Wounded Knee of 1890 with a view to understanding the current situation in a particular geographical and cultural area in the 1990's. Notable figures such as Tecumseh, Geronimo, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse will be examined.
Nineteenth and twentieth century literature by whites and Native Americans is studied. Texts include the following: Little Big Man by Thomas Berger, and Fools Crow by James Welch.
Comparative work, using literature alongside film representations such as Dances with Wolves, will be used to provide an insight into psychological and cultural issues.
The planned visit from three Native Americans (Crow) from Montana in November, for a Native American Study Day, will include Sun Dance Songs, art, spirituality and tribal politics.
Assessment
Assessment consists of three course work assignments. There is no examination.