Subjects: General

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.

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.

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