Elements of Evaluation:

The following assignments will be factored into your course grade:

(1) Three Analyses of Cultural Artifacts: Each student will choose one (1) piece of craftwork or artwork, one (1) piece of music or song or dance, and one (1) piece of literature (either traditional or contemporary). Look for connections between the cultural artifact, its function(s), the idea(s) or value(s) it expresses, the particular Native American cultural context from which it emerged, and the ideas in one or more of our readings. Include a picture/copy of each artifact or a link to it. Post the picture/copy or link in the Forums along with a BRIEF summary of your analyses. Submit the full analyses (2-3 pp. for each analysis is generally sufficient, but longer is acceptable though not rewarded) via email or hard copy. (15 points each, 45 points total).

(2) Reflective Forum Posts: As we finish each text, students will post a response to the Reflective Question posted in the Forums There will also be one End-of-Course Reflective Question. Think in terms of 1 to 2 solid paragraphs for each. (5 points each, 20 points total).

(3) Individual Project: Each student will design an individual project drawing together larger issues and patterns in Native American cultures and their philosophies. This paper should cite ideas from EACH of our three texts and reference a variety of cultural expressions of those philosophical and cultural ideas (such as language, arts and crafts, music and dance, traditional and contemporary literature, religion, and social behavior). The paper could focus on a particular tribe or nation, a regional pattern, or a continent-wide concept or look at a single cultural element across a variety of cultures. This paper should be approximately 6-8 pp. but longer is acceptable though not rewarded. (35 points total).

Figuring Course Grades:

Analysis #1	15
Analysis #2	15
Analysis #3	15
Reflective Forums (4 Entries)	20
Project	35
	100 Possible