American Studies 253 - NATIVE LITERACIES TO 1880

Spring
2015
01
4.00
Christen Mucher
TTh 03:00-04:20
Smith College
40876-S15
HATFLD 205
cmucher@smith.edu
This course explores the meaning and use of writing-in many forms-within Native communities in the Americas. We challenge the conventional understanding of writing by examining texts not usually considered as such-like hieroglyphic codices, wampum belts, khipu, and winter counts-alongside poetry, sermons, memoirs and treaties. To facilitate this work, the course is arranged thematically by tribe, technology, or text, rather than chronology, allowing us to deepen our knowledge about the peoples and histories concerned each week. In addition, we immerse ourselves in current-day debates over language study, textual recovery, cultural heritage and scholarly ethics. Prerequisite: a course in history, anthropology or American studies. (E)
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.