NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES

RELI 2004H

Fall 2008

 

INTRODUCTION: This course is designed to give students some familiarity with the diversity of cultures and histories of Native Americans.  The course this semester is a different than it has been in past semesters.  In that it is being run as a ÒReacting to the PastÓ course.  We are lucky enough to play ÒForest DiplomacyÓ before its publication as the first game.  The second game will deal with Cherokee Removal.

 

Week 1: Introduction

     August 18

     August 21

            Film: ÒIn the Land of the HeadhuntersÓ

 

Week 2: Preparing

     August 26   Library Day

     August 28   Library Day

            Reading: Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of Quest for Harmony

 

Week 3: Native American Cultures and Religious Traditions

     Sept. 2

     Sept. 4 Discuss Quest for Harmony

 

Week 4: Native American Law and Policy

      Sept. 9

      Sept. 11

               Reading: Merrell, Into the American Woods, Chs. 1, 5-7

             

Week 5: FOREST DIPLOMACY

     Sept. 16  Discuss Into the American Woods

     Sept. 18   Game Setup

              Reading: Game Packet, sections 1-6.

 

Week 6: FOREST DIPLOMACY

     Sept. 23  Faction Meetings and Quiz on Treaties

     Sept. 25  Prelude: 1st constituency reports (Indians meet separately)

               Reading: Game Packet, section 7

 

Week 7: FOREST DIPLOMACY

     Sept. 30 1st Plenary Session: Ceremonies and opening oratory

     Oct. 2    2nd Plenary Session: response oratory and continuation

 

Week 8: FOREST DIPLOMACY

     Oct. 7  Implementation: written assignments and 2nd constituency reports

     Oct. 9  Conclusion and Debriefing

 

Week 9: RED CLAY 1835

     Oct. 14  Discussion

                  Reading: John Ridge, ÒLetter to Albert GallatinÓ

                                 Elias Boudinot, ÒAn Address to the WhitesÓ

     Oct. 16  Discussion

                  Reading: Remainder of Supplementary Documents

 

Week 10: RED CLAY 1835

     Oct. 21  (Library Day)

                  Reading: Wilkins, Cherokee Tragedy, Chs. 1-10

     Oct. 23 Discuss Wilkins

 

Week 11: RED CLAY 1835

     Oct. 28 Game Setup

                   Reading: ÒRed Clay 1835Ó handout

     Oct. 30 Faction Meetings and Quiz on Cherokee Documents

 

Week 12: RED CLAY 1835

     Nov. 4  Red Clay Conference (Position papers due)

     Nov. 6  Red Clay Conference

 

Week 13: RED CLAY 1835

     Nov. 11  Faction Meetings and Negotiations

     Nov. 13  Faction Meetings and Negotiations

 

Week 14: RED CLAY 1835

     Nov. 18 Red Clay Conference (Ross Faction publishes Phoenix, Ridge Faction

                         publishes pamphlet)

     Nov. 20 Conclusion and Debriefing

 

Week 15: Conclusion and Review

     Dec. 2

     Dec. 6

 

REQUIREMENTS: This class runs as a seminar.  We will discussion the readings and then, of course, play the Reacting Ògames.Ó  Attendance and participation are a must and will make up 10% of your grade. (You are allowed no more 3 absences—excused or unexcused.  On your third absence, you will be withdrawn from the course and will receive a grade of WF)  The two quizzes make up 10% of your grade.  The final examination will make up 30% of your grade.  Each of the two Reacting games will make up 25% of your grade.  You will be graded in the games on speeches and written work and participation (the same as on other days but more so).  There will be a 5 point ÒVictory BonusÓ for each game (Winning isnÕt everything, but it is nice).

 

NOTE:  A syllabus is simply a guide.  Modifications may be necessary during the semester.  All work is subject to ÒA Culture of Honesty.Ó  Plagiarism will result on a F on the assignment and for the course.