Native American Narratives

Unit 1 – Native American Creation Stories & Myths

Unit 2 – Oral Traditions in Native American Stories

Unit 3 – Trickster tales

Unit 4 – Hero Journeys in Native American Tales

Unit 5 – Native American Historical Accounts

Unit 6 – Native American Boarding School Experiences

Unit 7 – Cultural Identity in Native America

Unit 8 – Native American Spiritual Traditions

Unit 9 – Nature and Environment in Native Stories

Unit 10 – Contemporary Native American Lit

Unit 11 – Resistance and Resilience in Native Stories

## What do you learn in Native American Narratives

You'll explore traditional and contemporary stories from various Native American cultures. The course covers oral traditions, written literature, and modern forms of storytelling. You'll analyze themes, symbolism, and cultural significance in these narratives, while also examining how they reflect Native American history, identity, and resistance to colonization.

## Is Native American Narratives hard?

It's not typically considered a super tough class, but it does require some serious reading and critical thinking. You'll need to engage with complex cultural concepts and historical contexts. The workload can be heavy with lots of reading and writing, but if you're into literature and cultural studies, you'll probably find it pretty interesting and manageable.

## Tips for taking Native American Narratives in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Read assigned texts carefully and take notes on key themes and symbols
3. Participate in class discussions to deepen your understanding
4. Connect narratives to historical events and cultural contexts
5. Watch films like "Smoke Signals" or "Rhymes for Young Ghouls" for modern Native storytelling
6. Read contemporary Native authors like Sherman Alexie or Louise Erdrich
7. Visit local Native American cultural centers or museums if possible
8. Form study groups to discuss and analyze complex narratives together

## Common pre-requisites for Native American Narratives

1. Introduction to Native American Studies: This course provides an overview of Native American history, culture, and contemporary issues. It's a great foundation for understanding the context of Native narratives.

2. American Literature Survey: This class covers major works of American literature from various periods. It helps you develop critical reading skills and understand literary traditions that influence Native American writing.

## Classes similar to Native American Narratives

1. Comparative World Literature: You'll study literature from different cultures around the world. It's a great way to see how Native American narratives fit into global literary traditions.

2. Folklore and Mythology: This class explores traditional stories and myths from various cultures. It often includes Native American legends and creation stories.

3. Postcolonial Literature: You'll examine literature from cultures that have experienced colonization. It often includes works by Native American authors dealing with themes of identity and resistance.

4. Contemporary Ethnic American Literature: This course covers literature by various ethnic groups in America. It usually includes works by modern Native American authors alongside other diverse voices.

## Majors related to Native American Narratives

1. Native American Studies: Focuses on the history, culture, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples in North America. Students gain a deep understanding of Native perspectives and experiences.

2. English Literature: Covers a wide range of literary works and critical analysis. Students develop strong reading, writing, and analytical skills applicable to many fields.

3. Anthropology: Studies human cultures and societies, often including courses on Indigenous peoples. Students learn about cultural diversity and research methods in studying different societies.

4. American Studies: Examines American culture, history, and society from various angles. Students gain a multidisciplinary perspective on American experiences, including those of Native Americans.

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

1. Cultural Resource Manager: You'd work to preserve and protect Native American cultural sites and artifacts. This job involves collaborating with tribal communities and government agencies to ensure respectful handling of cultural resources.

2. Native American Literature Teacher: You could teach courses on Native American literature at high schools or colleges. This role involves designing curricula, leading discussions, and helping students understand and appreciate Native American narratives.

3. Museum Curator: You'd organize exhibitions and manage collections related to Native American culture and history. This job requires research skills, attention to detail, and the ability to present information in engaging ways.

4. Tribal Liaison: You'd work as a communication link between Native American tribes and government agencies or private organizations. This role involves understanding tribal concerns, facilitating discussions, and helping to implement policies that respect Native American rights and cultures.

## Native American Narratives FAQs

1. Do I need to be Native American to take this course? Not at all! The course is open to students of all backgrounds who are interested in learning about Native American literature and culture.

2. Will we only study historical narratives? Nope, you'll explore both traditional stories and contemporary works by Native American authors. The course covers a wide range of time periods and styles.

3. How much writing is involved in this class? Expect to do a fair amount of writing, including analytical essays and possibly creative projects. It's a great opportunity to improve your critical thinking and writing skills.

Native American Studies

1.1 Emergence and earth diver stories

1.2 Cosmology and world order

1.4 Deities and spiritual beings

1.3 Creation of humans and animals

1.5 Moral lessons and cultural values

2.1 Importance of oral narratives

2.2 Storytelling techniques and performance

2.3 Cultural transmission and preservation

2.4 Oral histories and collective memory

2.5 Adaptation and evolution of stories

3.1 Trickster archetypes and characteristics

3.2 Cultural roles and functions of tricksters

3.3 Coyote, Raven, and other trickster figures

3.4 Humor, irony, and satire in trickster tales

3.5 Trickster tales as social commentary

4.1 Hero archetypes and characteristics

4.2 Initiation and rites of passage

4.3 Supernatural aids and guides

4.4 Trials, challenges, and transformations

4.5 Return and reintegration into society

5.1 Pre-contact histories and oral traditions

5.5 Contemporary issues and perspectives

5.4 20th century events and experiences

5.2 European contact and colonization

5.3 Treaties, removal, and reservation era

6.1 Assimilation policies and practices

6.2 Separation from family and community

6.3 Cultural suppression and resistance

6.4 Trauma and intergenerational impacts

6.5 Survivor narratives and memoirs

7.1 Stereotypes and cultural misrepresentation

7.2 Language loss and revitalization efforts

7.4 Mixed-race and urban Native identities

7.5 Pan-Indian movements and solidarity

7.3 Cultural pride and reclamation

8.1 Traditional religious ceremonies and rituals

8.2 Sacred sites and landscapes

8.3 Shamanism and spiritual leadership

8.4 Syncretism and religious adaptation

8.5 Contemporary spiritual practices and beliefs

9.1 Relationship with land and natural world

9.2 Ecological knowledge and sustainability

9.3 Animals as teachers and guides

9.4 Environmental destruction and activism

9.5 Nature imagery and symbolism in literature

10.2 Diversity of genres and styles

10.3 Urban and reservation life

10.4 Gender, sexuality, and family dynamics

10.5 Native American speculative fiction

10.1 Native American Renaissance

11.1 Historical resistance movements

11.2 Cultural continuity and adaptation

11.3 Activism and social justice

11.4 Healing and recovery from trauma

11.5 Visions for the future

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

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