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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 290"
COURSE NAME: "Native American History and Traditions"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2013
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Lanzone Andrea
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MTWTH 16:00-18:00
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday/Thursday 10:00-11:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course aims to broaden the understanding of the history, culture and contemporary situations of Native Americans. The course uses historical, literary, and anthropological analysis to explore American life and culture. It also examines the contemporary legal and social institutions that affect Native American life. Topics treated include: History of the Indigenous Peoples of North, Central and South America, Native American Religion and Traditions, Native American Economic Development and Native American oral and written literatures.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
When Myth meets History: the Pre-Classic Societies of Meso-America

Aztecs - Maya - Incas and the Andean Societies

Cosmogony in Central and South America

Shamanism in North America

Clash of Empires: Parallels and Contradictions, Racism and Colonization.

Two diverse impacts: Spanish Conquistadors and English settlers:

Indian Nations of the US North East

Indian Nations of the US South East

Indian Nations of the US Southwest

Indian Nations of the US Southern Plains

Indian Nations of the US Northern Plains

20th century: Allotment Act, Indian Reorganization Act and Termination Policy

The American Indian Movement

Civil Rights and Sovereignty: Pine Ridge Reservation, Wounded Knee, 1973

Incident at Oglala: the story of Leonard Peltier

Economic Development of Native America

The role of the Native American Church.

Political Relationships between U.S.A. and Indian Reservations

The New Native American Literature: Voices, articles, oral history

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The program is intended to provide a study of American Indians from a humanistic viewpoint in order to present an opportunity for critical analysis and evaluation of the experience, perspectives and continued evolution of Native cultures. One of the aims of the course is to enhance student's skills in critical thinking and reading. To this end, students shall investigate one key event in the Native Americans’ history. Group discussions will be a central part of the course structure.

Key skills taught:

· Analytical thinking

· Critical thinking

· Comparative analysis

· Participate in and lead seminar discussions.

· Originate, develop, and present an exposition focused on a specific topic.

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Studying Native AmericaRussell ThorntonThe University of Wisconsin Press0-299-16064-5 Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 5 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Bury my Heart at Wounded KneeDee BrownHolt, Rinehart & Winston9780030858222  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and participation 40%
Paper 25%
Mid-Term 10%
Final Exam 25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
More than two absences will have a negative effect on the grade, the more absences, the negative-er the effect.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE
Week 1:
Introduction + Meso American Civilization.

Week 2:
Southwestern cultures

Week 3
Southern Plains' Nations

Week 4
Northern Plains' Nations

Week Five
Studying Native America: Problems and Prospects