Description:

This course introduces students to many art forms of the various American Indian nations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mediums to be explored include traditional and contemporary visual art, traditional and contemporary music and dance, oral tradition, and film. In addition, social, political, economic, and legal influences on art will be discussed. Lectures, discussions, readings, and films will be utilized to accomplish this. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify and describe various forms of traditional and contemporary American Indian visual arts.
2. Identify and describe numerous traditional and contemporary genres of American Indian music.
3. Identify and describe several American Indian dance styles.
4. Identify and describe various forms of American Indian oral traditions.
5. Identify and analyze the connection between traditional American Indian storytelling and contemporary American Indian film making.
6. Trace and describe historical and contemporary social, political, economic, and legal trends that have affected American Indian artisans and their art.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to American Indians  
   A. Explain the differences between the terms “Native American” and
“American Indian”
    B. Describe the historical and legal uses of the terms “Tribe” and
“Nation”
    C. Identify current American Indian demographic statistics

II. Historical Factors on American Indian Arts 
   A. Describe the effect the following European and American groups have
had on American Indian artistic traditions
      1. Explorers
      2. Fur Trappers and Traders
      3. Missionaries
      4. Tourists
   B. Describe the effect the following American institutions have had on
American Indian artistic traditions
      1. Reservations
      2. Boarding Schools

III. American Indian Visual Arts
   A. Analyze briefly the history and cultures of the ten American Indian
culture areas
      1. Northeast
      2. Southeast
      3. Plains
      4. Southwest
      5. Great Basin
      6. Plateau
      7. California
      8. Northwest Coast
      9. Sub-Arctic
     10. Arctic
   B. Identify and describe selected visual artistic traditions from the
ten American Indian culture areas 
      1. Northeast
         a. Basketry
         b. Masks
         c. Bags
      2. Southeast
         a. Baskets
         b. Masks
         c. Patchwork
      3. Plains
         a. Quillwork
         b. Beadwork
         c. Hide Paintings
      4. Southwest
         a. Pottery
         b. Basketry
         c. Textiles
      5. Great Basin, Plateau, and California
         a. Basketry
         b. Beadwork
         c. Leatherwork
      6. Northwest Coast
         a. Wood Carvings
         b. Masks
         c. Blankets
      7. Sub-Arctic and Arctic
         a. Beadwork
         b. Embroidery
         c. Soapstone Carvings 

IV. Contemporary American Indian Visual Arts
   A. Identify and describe Contemporary American Indian painting
   B. Identify and describe Contemporary American Indian sculpture
   C. Identify and describe Contemporary American Indian mixed media
   D. Identify and describe Contemporary American Indian installations
   E. Identify and describe Contemporary American Indian performance art

V. American Indian Music
   A. Identify and analyze traditional Indian music
      1. War Songs
      2. Ceremonial Songs
      3. Courting Songs
   B. Identify and analyze powwow music
      1. Northern Style
      2. Southern Style
   C. Identify and analyze Native American Church music
   D. Identify and analyze contemporary Indian music
      1. Folk
      2. Gospel
      3. Country
      4. Hip Hop
      5. Rock

VI. American Indian Dance 
   A. Identify and describe men’s styles
      1. Traditional
      2. Grass
      3. Fancy
      4. Smoke
      5. Gourd
   B. Identify and describe women’s styles
      1. Traditional
      2. Shawl
      3. Jingle
      4. Round
   C. Identify and describe children’s styles

VII. American Indian Oral Traditions and Film
   A. Describe ceremonial oral traditions
      1. Songs
      2. Prayers
   B. Discuss story telling
   C. Discuss poetry
   D.Analyze American Indian Film Making

VIII. Legal and Political Connections between American Indian Identity and
American Indian Art
   A. Explain the Indian Arts and Crafts Board
   B. Explain the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990

IX. American Indian Art and American Indian Economics
   A. Analyze role of trading posts
   B. Analyze role of pawn shops
   C. Analyze role of art galleries
   D. Analyze role of museums and cultural centers
   E. Analyze role of powwows 
   F. Analyze role of roadside stands
   G. Analyze role of art markets

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

 Research Project    35%
 Class Participation 25%
 Mid-Term Exam       20%
 Final Exam          20%
              Total 100%

Grade Criteria:
  A = 90 – 100%    
  B = 80 –  89%  
  C = 70 –  79%  
  D = 60 – 69%   
  F = 0 –  59%    

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.