Time Schedule:
Elissa Washuta
ENGL 359
Seattle Campus
Creative writings - novels, short stories, poems - of contemporary Indian authors; traditions out of which they evolved. Differences between Indian writers and writers of the dominant European/American mainstream. Offered: jointly with AIS 377.
Class description
This course will focus on contemporary novels written by Native American authors. At the time of contact, Native people’s stories were handed down through the oral tradition, but the influence of non-Native culture has had a profound impact on Native storytelling. As we examine novels, we will consider recurring characteristics, including structural innovations, especially those involving the manipulation of time; familial and tribal relationships; ties to the land; and humor. Reading list: Winter in the Blood by James Welch, Tracks by Louise Erdrich, The Grass Dancer by Susan Power, and The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie (a novel-in-stories, perhaps).
Student learning goals
Students will learn to identify the major themes present across various authors' works within contemporary American Indian Literature.
Students will learn to identify the form and effects of the structural innovations of the works discussed.
Students will emerge as effective readers of texts that offer challenging amounts of information for casual readers to process.
General method of instruction
We will spend much of the class in small- or full-group discussion, supplemented by short lectures and videos.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites or background necessary.
Class assignments and grading
Students will be asked to keep a reading notebook during the quarter and will be graded on class participation. They will be assigned three short pages (two pages, three pages and five pages).
