To earn your grade in this class, you will need to complete four (4) of the six (6) activities below. Note well: All students must choose Activity 1: Projects. Each project name has a link to a more detailed discussion of how you might best do the Activity.
You will complete five (5) brief projects related to the topics in the schedule below. You will write a brief report on the project and should be prepared to discuss it in class. Your grade will be based equally on the quality of the written report and your participation in discussion. Each project report will count equally toward your grade (that is, the average of the five grades on your projects will be your activity grade). Submission dates: As noted in the class schedule
Activity 2: Book Reviews & Presentations
Undergraduates will select two (2) books from the list below; graduate students will select three (3). You will prepare a review of the book no longer that 750 words (about 3 double-spaced pages) and give a brief report on the book to the class (10-15 minutes at most). Submission dates: During the topic most clearly associated with the subject of the book, which is listed on the syllabus by each book.
Activity 3: Term PaperIn consultation with the instructor, you will select a topic related to the topics in the schedule, conduct research on the topic, and write a paper (10 pages undergrads, 15 pages grads*). You should use in-text citations to reference your sources and have a references cited section. These should follow American Anthropologist style (check a current issue or go to the style guide online). Go to the Papers section of the class web site for more information.
Submission dates: You must inform me of the general topic of your paper by October 5, submit a short (5-10 sources) bibliography by October 26, and an outline by November 23. Final copy is due on or before December 7.
*Length is not the primary concern; they can be slightly shorter or longer if the content is good.
Activity 4: Final Exam
You will complete a final exam consisting of six (6) essay questions that you will receive no later than the last regular class period. You will answer four of them. Submission Date: December 14.
Activity 5: Watching Movies
Select and watch three movies from the following list: Smoke Signals; The Doe Boy; Skins; Naturally Native; The Business of Fancy-Dancing; Dance Me Outside; Grand Avenue (based on the Greg Saris novel, not the old version); Medicine River; or another contemporary (post 1985) film with substantial American Indian content. Prepare a short review of each film and be prepared to discuss them in class. Grades will be based equally on the written report and quality of discussion. Submission Date: November 30.
Activity 6: Museum Exhibition Critique
Your task will be to do a detailed critique of the Mihtohseenionki (The People's Place) exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum. Also look at the educational resource materials in the Mihtohseenionki Teacher Resource Guide. Compare this treatment of Indians with another exhibit in the area, such as the Prehistoric Archaeology exhibit at the Indiana State Museum, the1816 Lenape Camp at Connor Prairie, or the exhibits at the Mathers Museum on the IU campus in Bloomington. These are only suggestions; others with substantial American Indian content can also be used. Your critique should be no longer than 15 pages excluding any images you choose to add, but quality is more important than length. Submission Date: December 7.