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Academic Year 2005/2006
Indigenous Religions of the Americas
LAST 283 SP
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 LAST
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
NONE
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-30-2006
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459