Reality Check: Indian Images and [Mis]Representations

Winter 2013 quarter

Faculty

Frances V. Rains Native American studies, history, women's studies

Fields of Study

Native American studies, cultural studies, history, media studies and political science

Preparatory for studies or careers in

art, cultural studies, education, geography, history, media studies, Native studies and political science.

Description

This program will address historic and contemporary images and misrepresentations of Indians in a variety of media. Indian images from films, photographs, language, mascots, popular culture and commercial interests will be deconstructed and analyzed for meaning, significance, power, representation and issues of authenticity. Colonialism, U.S./Indian history, geo-politics, and economics will be decolonized through the lenses of Native resistance, Native sovereignty and Native political and economic issues. Essential to this exploration will be an investigation of the dynamics of "self" and "other."

Learning will take place through readings, seminars, lectures, films and workshops. Students will improve their research skills through document review, observations and critical analysis. Students will also have opportunities to improve their writing skills through weekly written assignments. Verbal skills will be improved through small group and whole class seminar discussions, and through individual final project presentations. Options for the final project will be discussed in the syllabus and in class.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Offered During

Day