Contemporary Native Identities: Traditions, Resistance, Resilience, Advocacy and Joy

1 Course Unit

This First-Year Seminar will explore contemporary Native American, Alaska Native and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) identities and experiences through interdisciplinary and multi-media resources. Readings, guest speakers and course lectures will focus on contemporary Native communities as they maintain their cultural traditions and ceremonies, while navigating the ever-changing political landscape that challenges their existence. Native leaders, authors, activists, educators, musicians and comedians such as Vine Deloria, Jr., Tommy Orange, Robert Warrior, Haunani-Kay Trask, Joy Harjo, Leslie Marmon Silko, David Treuer, Joanne Shenandoah, Jim Ruel and the 1491s, among others, will help us learn about Native resistance and advocacy, while also exploring resilience, joy and ways of knowing. Grades will be based on weekly reading, class discussion leadership and participation, in-class assignments, reading summaries and a final paper. 1 Course Unit