ENG371H1S

ENG371H1S  L0101  T11-1, R11
Indigenous Literature 
Professor Cheryl Suzack

Brief Description of Course: This course explores popular representations of Indigenous peoples by comparing literary texts with their film adaptations. Focusing on both genres as different modes of representation, it explores how questions of Indigenous identity arise in literature and film by considering the literary and cinematic requirements of these representational forms. Class lectures will examine how organizing categories of race and ethnic identity contribute to our understanding of the relationship between Indigenous writing and broader literary movements, and assignments will consider how the cinematic requirements of film inform literary adaptations. Our purpose will be to understand how Indigenous representation becomes a site of intervention, contestation, and appropriation by Indigenous authors, filmmakers, and directors.

Required Reading: Richard Van Camp, The Lesser Blessed;Katherena Vermette, The Break;Sherman Alexie, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven 

First Three Authors/Texts: Richard Van Camp, The Lesser Blessed; Katherena Vermette, The Break; Sherman Alexie, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven

Method of Instruction: Lectures and class discussion

Method of Evaluation: Class participation, essays, final test.