Languages: English

Joy Harjo (Muskogee Creek) is a poet, scriptwriter, editor, filmmaker, and musician. She also holds the position of Professor of Literature at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque). Topics of discussion include the relationship between poetry and oral traditions, urban Indian poetry, and the art of teaching poetry.

Luci Tapahonso (Navajo) is a professor at the University of Kansas (Lawrence) and a very well-respected poet in her own right. Topics covered in this discussion include the matriarchal structure of Navajo culture, the nature of American Indian poetry, and the ways in which Navajo readers – both children and adults – can feel more empowered through literature targeted to them.

James Welch (Blackfoot/Gros Ventre) is an internationally respected poet and novelist. Topics covered in this class include the power of the word, the nature of the women in Winter in the Blood, and the importance of names and family history.

Part 1 of 2: Susan Power (Dakota/German) is the author of the national best-seller, The Grass Dancer. Ms. Power is originally from Chicago, and holds both undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard. Topics covered in this class include Indian boarding schools, the religious impact of Christianity on American Indians, an author’s relationship to “place”, and the occasional aggressiveness of white “helpers.” James Welch also makes a reappearance in this class via telephone.

Part 2 of 2: Susan Power (Dakota/German) is the author of the national best-seller, The Grass Dancer. Ms. Power is originally from Chicago, and holds both undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard. Topics covered in this class include Indian boarding schools, the religious impact of Christianity on American Indians, an author’s relationship to “place”, and the occasional aggressiveness of white “helpers.” James Welch also makes a reappearance in this class via telephone.

Part 1 of 2: In these classes, students discuss the works of Sherman Alexie (Spokane/Coer d’Alene), a poet and novelist from the state of Washington. Topics include the politics of writing, a debate on the “cynical” and/or “funny” style of Alexie’s writing, and a discussion of the responsibilities inherent in writing from an ethnic viewpoint.

Part 2 of 2: In these classes, students discuss the works of Sherman Alexie (Spokane/Coer d’Alene), a poet and novelist from the state of Washington. Topics include the politics of writing, a debate on the “cynical” and/or “funny” style of Alexie’s writing, and a discussion of the responsibilities inherent in writing from an ethnic viewpoint.

Part 1 of 2: Linda Hogan (Chickasaw) is a poet and novelist of immense talent. She teaches at the University of Colorado and is an environmental activist. She is a major force in the development of written Native American poetry, a well-respected fiction writer, an environmental essayist, and an award winning dramatist. Topics covered include the many uses of fiction and non-fiction writing.

Students are introduced to series content and the course’s studio class members.