Time Schedule:
Mary C Wright
AIS 240
Seattle Campus
Indian women in the social structure; historical and contemporary roles; changes in male-female relationships; problems and opportunities of contemporary women; the feminist movement and Indian rights.
Class description
The class explores Native North American women’s power and importance for their own people and for cross-cultural relations. In the first half of the course, we focus on traditional cultures to the 1880s and explore issues such as economic power, the life cycle, spirituality, gender roles, and history such as Pocahontas and the Sand Creek Massacre. The second half of the term, we analyze women’s experiences from the 1880s until current times focusing on such topics as leading women; protests, reforms and urban activism; women’s work against injustice, violence, and abuse; women role in healing and for Indigenous rights; and current issues such as protesting the word ‘squaw.’
Student learning goals
Increase student knowledge of the historic roles of and current issues for American Indian and Canadian First Nations women.
Engage and utilize students' critical thinking skills on issues regarding American Indian and Canadian First Nations women.
Increase oral and written communication skills through written assignments, essay exams and class discussions.
General method of instruction
Lecture, discussion, films, speakers
Recommended preparation
AIS 101, 201, 202 or 203 helpful.
Class assignments and grading
Two five-page papers on assigned class readings and some library research.
Exams will be essay-based.
25% Midterm 30% Papers 15% Participation 30% Final
