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Academic Year 2003/2004


Indigenous Religions of the Americas
LAST 283 SP

Crosslistings:
AMST 283
RELI 276
ANTH 276

This course introduces students to the study of Indigenous religions and discusses problems of comparative religious analysis. We will focus on Native peoples' worldviews as they are expressed through art, architecture, literature, music, mythology, ritual, health practices, and ecology. Readings and lectures will draw upon examples from South America, northern Mexico, and the Western United States. In each case, students will be asked to consider issues of colonialism, "tradition", religious change, and representations of otherness.

MAJOR READINGS

Gill, Sam. 1992. BEYOND "THE PRIMITIVE"
Horse Capture, George. 1980. THE SEVEN VISIONS OF BULL LODGE
Sarris, Greg. 1994. MABEL MCKAY: WEAVING THE DREAM
Silko, Leslie Marmon. 1977. CEREMONY
Irwin, Lee. 1994. DREAM SEEKERS
Jones, David. 1984. SANAPIA: COMANCHE MEDICINE WOMAN
Crow Dog, Mary and Richard Erdoes. 1990. LAKOTA WOMAN
Morrison, Kenneth. 2002. THE SOLIDARITY OF KIN
Evers, Larry and Felipe Molina. 1993. MASO BWIKAM/YAQUI DEER SONGS
Meyerhoff, Barbara. 1976. PEYOTE HUNT
Nelson, Richard 1983. MAKE PRAYERS TO THE RAVEN

This is a partial reading list
Course pack also required

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Midterm exam, a final exam, and a paper due at the end of the semester ranging from seven to ten pages.\

All students will be required to meet outside of regular class times to view films and videos.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

All students will be required to contribute to the web Blackboard weekly and complete weekly critical response papers as well as fulfill the required major assignments for grades: an outline of one of the texts due in the third week of class, a midterm in-class essay exam, and a final paper which must be preceded by separately approved thesis statements, introductory paragraphs, paper outlines and rough drafts. Students will also be required to meet with the writing tutors assigned to this course.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS RELI    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Shorter,David A.   
Times: ..T.R.. 02:40PM-04:00PM;     Location: FISK116
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 28)
SR. major: 10   Jr. major: 10
SR. non-major: 4   Jr. non-major: 4   SO: 0   FR: 0

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Speaking, Writing
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004


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