Time Schedule:
Mary C Wright
AIS 435
Seattle Campus
Explores North American Indigenous interaction with, resistance to, and syncretization with Christianity, the European colonizers' religious system. Focuses on Native revitalization movements and new forms of religious expression such as the Indian Shaker Church and the Peyote Road, as well as the legal, social, and cultural issues of Native freedom of religion. Offered: W.
Class description
Sacred sites, environmental concern for the land and modern spirituality will be the focus of the Spring 2010 class. In general the class explores North American Indigenous interaction with and resistance to the European colonizers regarding spirituality and religious systems. Focuses on Native revitalization movements and new fronts in the quest for Native social, legal, and cultural freedom of religion.
Student learning goals
Knowledge of American Indian spirituality, especially as regards to sacred sites, graves and human remains.
Critical thinking regarding perspectives on sacred sites, graves protection and repatriation of humans remains and artifacts.
Application of critical thinking in oral and written communication through class discussion, written exams and a written assignment.
General method of instruction
Discussion of assigned readings, lectures, films.
Recommended preparation
American Indian Studies background is helpful, preferably AIS 201, 202, and 203 classes.
Class assignments and grading
Midterm and final exams will be written essays in response to a series of questions. A 10-page research paper will analyze a theme from the class as developed in assigned readings, tribal sources, and media coverage.
Assigned books: _For This Land_ by Vine Deloria Jr., _The Inner Journey_ by Linda Hogan, _Recovering the Sacred_ by Winona LaDuke, _Monkey Beach_ by Eden Robinson.
30% class participation 30% paper 10% in-class quizzes & written work 30% final
