Is Pocahontas a Myth? Native American Women in History (FEMGEN 120)

5 credits · Undergraduate

Is Pocahontas a Myth? Native American Women in History. This course will look at notable Native American Women in Native American history beginning with Pocahontas; including other notable women in American history, such as Sacajawea, Liliuokalani and Zitkala-Sa, among others. A key question is whether or not each is viewed through a mythical lens or one reflecting historic accuracy? Native American history is not required in any national education curriculum and as a result, Native American people(s) encounter many stereotypes and false beliefs about Indigenous peoples of the United States. This course will focus on the role of women in Native American in American history including historic narratives told and recorded in oral tradition from a Native American perspective as well as provide historical perspectives from non-Native Americans writing about these women. The inclusion of oral tradition narratives about important women in specific Native American tribal history is key to gaining an understanding of the role of women in Native American culture. The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. In Building 160, Room 321. Please contact Dr. Red Shirt (enrolled member of Oglala Lakota tribal nation) at redshirt@stanford.edu.