ANT 312 NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURES
In this course, we will examine the cultures of selected American Indian tribes in the U.S. The class will take as a dual focus current issues in Indian country implicated by diverse worldviews, and expressive culture as a way to understand the performed beliefs and values of a community. Current issues will include multiple constructions of identity, fishing and hunting rights, sovereignty, casinos and cultural appropriation. Aspects of expressive culture will include material culture such as pottery and sand-painting, orally and visually performed genres such as storytelling and dance, and spiritual beliefs and practices, particularly as conveyed through ritual and festival. Focus will be on contemporary American Indian cultures in their relevant social, cross-cultural and historical contexts.