In this course we will read a range of works by Indigenous poets that address history in myriad senses: from works that focus on specific historical events; to personal histories of specific figures; to histories of colonialism and resistance as broader processes structuring our present moment; to works that interrogate history itself as a concept through the interaction of historical narrative and collective memory. We will also read these works as themselves emerging from historical contexts and thus reflective of history in their form and style as well as content. A range of older and contemporary works will be read ranging from single poems to book length projects with accompanying theoretical and critical texts.
Readings
Readings may include: Simon Ortiz's from Sand Creek; Marilyn Dumont's The Pemmican Eaters; Armand Ruffo’s The Thunderbird Poems; Layli Longsoldier's ’38'; César Vallejo’s Spain Take This Cup from Me; and others.
Assessment
Assessments will include short and long written assignments, presentations, and class participation.
