Department of English

This course will provide and introduction to Native American literature in all of its many forms: oral tradition, material culture, sacred sites, stories, poems, short stories, novels, and films.  The class will visit the Penn Museum, where objects not normally on display will be brought out.  The stories we read will highlight the humor and depth of Native American literature, where magical thinking-- a drum that comes to life to save a young girl-- are considered to be natural and real.

There will be three five page papers and class participation will be an important part of the final grade.  Students may choose to write creative essays that engage in magical thinking or to write traditional analytical essaysl