Department of English

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to U.S. American Indian literatures (works in writing as distinct from oral expression) from their beginnings in the antebellum period to the present moment. The method of studying these literatures will emphasize historical and cultural contexts as well as current critical debates over methodological approaches. We will study examples of fiction, autobiography, the essay, poetry, and drama as well as translations into writing of the oral tradition. Works and authors will be taken from a list that includes: Paul Radin's translation/compilation of Trickster tales, the Diné bahane´: The Navajo Creation Story, William Apess, The Autobiography of Black Hawk, Sarah Winemucca, Zitkala-Sa, Mourning Dove, Black Elk Speaks, D'Arcy McNickle, N. Scott Momaday, Vine Deloria Jr., Leslie Marmon Silko, James Welch, Louise Erdrich, Luci Tapahonso, Simon Ortiz, Gerald Vizenor, Diane Glancy, Ray A. Young Bear, and Sherman Alexie.