The Meaning of Difference

Winter 2012 quarter

Faculty

John Gates federal Indian law, international indigenous human rights

Fields of Study

Native American studies, cultural studies and law and government policy

Description

In this half-time program, we will explore cultural, social, and legal issues related to defined "differences" in contemporary American society including race and ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, gender, and disability.  We will also explore specific issues related to sovereignty in contemporary America from the perspective of Native American activists and scholars as well as Native Hawai'ian sovereignty proponents who envision political independence from the United States of America.  Grounding for our explorations will come from the texts The Meaning of Difference by Karen E. Roseblum and Toni-Michelle C. Travis and The Ten Worst Cases in Indian Law by Walter Echo-Hawk.  Readings will examine intercultural, cross-cultural, historical, and interdisciplinary themes that are a part of the authors’ constructions of difference.  These texts will be supplemented with additional readings, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, lectures, videos, and music.

Advertised Schedule

5:30-9:30p Mon/Wed

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Offered During

Evening