The Cherokee Humanities Course is one of the most unique programs
offered by the Cherokee Heritage Center. Adult students have the
opportunity to study Cherokee culture through the humanities discipline
on a college level. Credit hours are earned at no cost to the student
through the University of Science and Art, Chickasha, OK in either
History or Indian Studies. Mileage and child care stipends are offered
to encourage class attendance. The course is designed to compare and
contrast the Cherokee culture and the western world through the study of
humanities and language. The Cherokee Humanities course is taught by
Cherokee instructors and encourages dialogue and integrated learning.
Class registration is taken each year during July and August. For more
information contact the Cherokee Heritage Center Education Department at:
education@cherokeeheritage.org or 888-999-6007, ext. 240.
Brief history of Cherokee Humanities Course
The Cherokee Humanities Course is a Cherokee-centered educational
opportunity where the Cherokee language, history and culture are
interwoven through the learning experience. The course is designed to
bring to light ideas and experiences that have remained quieted in the
general history books. The course endeavors to create a collaborative
learning environment in which personal experiences and oral traditions
are respected.
These classes are interdisciplinary, college-level humanities courses
offering credit hours through the University of Science and Arts of
Oklahoma. The course is open to adults who have the ability to read and
write. Students may take the course two times for a total of 6 hours
of college credit in the Humanities or Indian Studies field.
The Cherokee Humanities Course was established by Dr. Howard Meredith,
Professor and Head of American Indian Studies degree program at the
University of Science and Arts. The course replicates the original
Clemente course offered in New York City by academic scholar Dr. Earl
Shorris in 1995. Customarily, the study of humanities was reserved for
people of wealthier income brackets. Dr. Shorris wanted to offer
humanities regardless of income, race or other adversities and
hindrances that should not prevent anyone from seeking education. In
his book, "New American Blues", he discusses the implementation of the
original Clemente course, named after the Clemente Building at Bard
College in New York City where the first class was held. The only
requirement was the ability to read a common newspaper. Along with
supplying college level academics, driving reimbursement and childcare
were also provided as an incentive.
The original concept of Dr. Shorris' theory of teaching the humanities
has become world renowned and currently there are 62 courses being
taught in 7 different countries: United States, Mexico, Canada,
Argentina, Dominican Republic, Australia and Korea. Each year, there
are an estimated 1,300 students being enrolled into Clemente Courses
worldwide.
Course Syllabus
Grades will be based upon the number of points attained in the class from student assignments and work.