Native American Literature

Unit 1 – Native American Literature: An Introduction

Unit 2 – Oral Traditions in Native American Stories

Unit 3 – Pre–Contact Literature

Unit 4 – Early Native American Writers

Unit 5 – Native American Renaissance Poetry

Unit 6 – Native American Renaissance Fiction

Unit 7 – Contemporary Native Poetry

Unit 8 – Contemporary Native American Fiction

Unit 9 – Native American Memoir & Non-Fiction

Unit 10 – Native American Drama

Unit 11 – Native American Lit & Film

Unit 12 – Native American Lit: Identity & Culture

Unit 13 – Native American Lit: Land & Environment

Unit 14 – Native American Lit: Colonialism & Resistance

Unit 15 – Native American Lit: Social Justice Themes

## What do you learn in Native American Literature

Native American Literature explores the rich storytelling traditions and literary works of Indigenous peoples in North America. You'll read novels, poetry, and oral narratives by Native authors, examining themes like identity, colonialism, and cultural preservation. The course covers both historical and contemporary works, giving you a broad understanding of Native American literary perspectives and styles.

## Is Native American Literature hard?

Native American Literature isn't typically considered one of the tougher lit courses, but it can be challenging in its own ways. The content is often deeply rooted in cultural contexts you might not be familiar with, which can make some readings tricky to fully grasp. That said, most students find the material engaging and eye-opening, which makes the work feel less daunting.

## Tips for taking Native American Literature in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Familiarize yourself with basic Native American history for context
3. Pay attention to storytelling techniques unique to Native cultures
4. Don't shy away from discussing sensitive topics like colonialism
5. Watch films like "Smoke Signals" or "Rhymes for Young Ghouls" for visual context
6. Read Sherman Alexie's "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" for a modern perspective
7. Attend any guest lectures or events featuring Native authors if possible

## Common pre-requisites for Native American Literature

1. Introduction to Literature: This course covers the basics of literary analysis and introduces you to various genres and writing styles. It'll give you the tools you need to dig deeper into specific literary traditions.

2. American Literature Survey: This class provides an overview of American literary history, which helps contextualize Native American works within the broader American literary landscape.

## Classes similar to Native American Literature

1. African American Literature: Explores the literary traditions and works of African American authors, examining themes of identity, race, and cultural heritage.

2. Postcolonial Literature: Focuses on literature from countries that were once colonized, dealing with themes of cultural identity, power dynamics, and national independence.

3. World Literature: Covers a diverse range of literary works from various cultures and time periods, offering a global perspective on storytelling and literary traditions.

4. Comparative Literature: Analyzes literature from different cultures, languages, and time periods, often drawing connections between diverse literary traditions.

## Majors related to Native American Literature

1. English Literature: Focuses on the study of literature in English, including various genres, historical periods, and cultural contexts. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring diverse literary works.

2. American Studies: Examines American culture, history, and society through an interdisciplinary lens. Students analyze literature, art, politics, and social movements to understand the complexities of American identity.

3. Anthropology: Studies human cultures and societies, both past and present. Students learn about cultural practices, beliefs, and social structures, often including the study of Indigenous peoples and their traditions.

4. Ethnic Studies: Explores the experiences, cultures, and histories of various ethnic groups. Students examine issues of race, identity, and social justice through multiple disciplinary perspectives.

## What can you do with a degree in Native American Literature?

1. Teacher or Professor: Educate students about Native American literature and culture at various academic levels. This role involves designing curricula, leading discussions, and conducting research in the field.

2. Cultural Liaison: Work with Native American communities, museums, or government agencies to facilitate communication and understanding between different cultural groups. This job often involves organizing cultural events and educational programs.

3. Writer or Editor: Create or edit content related to Native American culture, history, or contemporary issues. This could involve working for publishing companies, magazines, or cultural organizations.

4. Museum Curator: Develop and manage exhibits related to Native American art, literature, and culture. This role involves researching artifacts, planning exhibitions, and educating the public about Native American heritage.

## Native American Literature FAQs

1. Do we only read historical texts in this class? No, the course typically covers both historical and contemporary works. You'll get a mix of traditional stories and modern Native American authors.

2. Are there any field trips or guest speakers? Many professors try to incorporate guest lectures by Native authors or visits to local cultural centers, but it varies by school and instructor.

3. How much writing is involved in this course? Like most literature courses, you can expect to write several analytical essays. Some classes might also include creative writing assignments inspired by Native American literary styles.

Literature

1.3 Overview of Major Periods and Movements

1.4 Critical Approaches to Native American Literature

1.2 Key Concepts and Terminology

1.1 Historical and Cultural Context of Native American Literature

2.1 Role of Oral Traditions in Native American Cultures

2.4 Transition from Oral to Written Literature

2.3 Storytelling Techniques and Performance

2.2 Types of Oral Narratives: Myths, Legends, and Folktales

3.1 Indigenous Writing Systems and Pictographs

3.2 Creation Stories and Cosmologies

3.3 Pre-Contact Poetic Forms and Expressions

4.1 First Published Native American Authors

4.2 Autobiographical and Conversion Narratives

4.3 Early Native American Poetry and Fiction

5.1 Characteristics of Native American Renaissance Poetry

5.2 Major Poets and Their Works

5.3 Themes and Stylistic Innovations

6.2 Key Authors and Their Contributions

6.3 Narrative Techniques and Cultural Representations

6.1 Emergence of Native American Novels

7.1 Evolution of Native American Poetic Forms

7.2 Prominent Contemporary Native American Poets

7.3 Experimental and Hybrid Poetic Expressions

8.3 Genre-Bending and Experimental Fiction

8.1 Trends in Contemporary Native American Novels

8.2 Short Story Collections and Anthologies

9.3 Contemporary Native American Journalism

9.1 Personal Narratives and Autobiographies

9.2 Historical and Cultural Essays

10.1 Development of Native American Theater

10.2 Major Playwrights and Their Works

10.3 Performance and Staging Techniques

11.1 Adaptation of Native American Literature to Film

11.2 Native American Filmmakers and Their Works

11.3 Representation and Misrepresentation in Cinema

12.1 Exploration of Native American Identity in Literature

12.2 Cultural Preservation and Revitalization

12.3 Intergenerational Experiences and Family Dynamics

13.3 Sacred Places and Spiritual Ecology

13.1 Connection to Land and Nature in Native American Writing

13.2 Environmental Justice and Activism

14.1 Literary Responses to Historical Trauma

14.2 Decolonization and Sovereignty in Literature

14.3 Resistance Narratives and Cultural Survival

15.1 Contemporary Social Issues in Native American Writing

15.2 Literature as a Tool for Advocacy and Change

15.3 Future Directions in Native American Literature

Browse all Native American Literature Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next