Subjects: Contemporary

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.

Ms. Ross is the direct descendent of Principle Chief John Ross, who was the leader of the Cherokee Nation at the time of the Removal (“Trail of Tears”). She is a very well-respected storyteller, an expert on oral tradition, and the author of several editions of Cherokee stories.

Part 1 of 2: Dr. Owens is of mixed-blood descent (Choctaw/ Cherokee/ Irish/ Welsh/ Cajon) and currently serves as Professor of Literature at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque). Among his novels is Other Destinies, which is featured in one of the two tests for this course. In addition, he has penned numerous critical essays, articles and texts. Some of the topics covered in this class include the commoditization of Native American identity, the “erotics of desire” and the concept of mixed-blood identity.

Part 2 of 2: Dr. Owens is of mixed-blood descent (Choctaw/ Cherokee/ Irish/ Welsh/ Cajon) and currently serves as Professor of Literature at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque). Among his novels is Other Destinies, which is featured in one of the two tests for this course. In addition, he has penned numerous critical essays, articles and texts. Some of the topics covered in this class include the commoditization of Native American identity, the “erotics of desire” and the concept of mixed-blood identity.

Part 1 of 2: Dr. Bell (Cherokee) is a professor at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Intriguing topics covered in her interviews include “An Indian with a pen,” the “The lost generation”, and the power of oral storytelling and its relationship to Native American writing.

Part 2 of 2: Dr. Bell (Cherokee) is a professor at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Intriguing topics covered in her interviews include “An Indian with a pen,” the “The lost generation”, and the power of oral storytelling and its relationship to Native American writing.

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.