CHEROKEE HERITAGE CENTER - CHEROKEE HUMANITIES COURSE
Course Syllabus Fall 2009
Instructor:
Name: Wyman Kirk Contact Info: 918.456.5511 xt: 3683,
Course Title:
Cherokee Humanities 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Monday
Course Description:
This course examines Cherokee life, beliefs, practices, and behaviors from historic to contemporary times. Different perspectives will be used to look at these aspects of Cherokee society such as anthropological and Native Cherokee vantage points; the unifying element being that the basic concepts explored fall under a “Humanities” based approach. This emphasizes the Cherokee world view as a philosophical concept by itself and as it intersects with non-Cherokee (specifically Western) philosophies. A definition of Cherokee humanities will be explored and developed over the course of the semester, and contrasts with Western Humanities will be provided for similarities and differences. Of particular import to this course is the place of the Cherokee language and key cultural attributes to understanding a “Cherokee” world view.
Instructional Materials:
Required textbooks and/or classroom materials will be provided free of charge to students.
Instructional Procedures:
Instruction will include, but is not limited to, lecture, discussion, videos, field experiences and guest speakers.
Grades:
Grades will be based upon the number of points attained in the class from student assignments and work. Participation in class discussion will help you in your grade.
Points for the semester will be based on the following types of work assignments:
Assignment |
Total |
Points Each = Total Points |
|
Class Participation |
1 |
80 points for the semester |
|
Cherokee Language |
1 |
200 points |
|
Weekly Assignments |
12 |
10 points each = 120 points |
|
Essays |
1 |
30 points |
|
Course Project |
1 |
70 points |
|
|
Total Points: |
500 Points |
|
In addition, students may earn bonus points for selected assignments during the course of the semester. These bonus point assignments will be announced over the course of the semester.
Total points: 270 + = A; 240-269 = B; 210-239 = C; 180-209 = D; 179 or less = F.
Attendance is expected and required – missed assignments and absence during class participation will factor into a student’s final grade. You are allowed three excused absences. Make-up work is allowed, however, arrangements must be made with the instructor about make-up assignments and work.
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*Essay: For the essay assignment, you will choose a cultural topic relevant to Cherokee society. This topic can be historical in nature or it can be contemporary. Your grade will be based upon providing two different (but not necessarily contrasting) perspectives on this cultural feature. These two perspectives are up to you; for example, you could look at the idea of “full blood”, and then talk to (and/or research) younger Cherokee people and then older Cherokee people to see if they have different ways of thinking and looking at the idea, or if their perspectives are the same.
*Student Project: Your final for the course will be a student project. This project examines the idea of defining “What is Cherokee to you?” This project can be in the form of an essay, a poem, a creative paper (short story, family genealogy, etc.), a painting, a sculpture, a Cherokee basket – whatever it is that for you can define what “Cherokee” is and what that means to you. If you choose to do a creative piece such as a basket or sculpture, then you will need to be prepared to explain why that basket or sculpture represents “being” Cherokee.
Student Evaluation of the Course and Instructor
Students will be given the opportunity to evaluate the Cherokee Humanities Course near the end of the semester. Comments on course content (what was taught), guest lectures, language instruction, course assignments, and any other aspect of the course will be open to critique.
Students with Disabilities
If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodation, notify the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.
Course Outline:
Week |
Overview |
Course overview. Cherokee Immersion. Perspective – Native vs/and Non-Native. |
|
NO CLASS – LABOR DAY HOLIDAY |
|
Field Trip to the Museum – Exploring “Culture” through Representation. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokee Culture History Lecture & Discussion. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokee Life Today – Where are the Cherokees? |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokee “world view” – Philosophy and Humanities. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokee Religion. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokee language – What does language mean? |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokee By Blood – What blood means, what “nation” means. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokees and Community – Where are you from? |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokee and Non-Cherokee – Boundaries of Meaning. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokees in an Academic Perspective – Western Philosophy. How Western thought has affected Cherokee life, culture, and society. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Thought, Action, and Belief – Defining Culture. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokees Past & Present – People, Leaders, & Life. |
|
Cherokee Immersion. Cherokee “Philosophy” – What did we learn? |
Course Syllabus
Instructor:
Name: Wyman Kirk Contact Info: 918.456.5511 ext: 3683,
Course Syllabus
Grades will be based upon the number of points attained in the class from student assignments and work.