Assignments
9/26/14
Today in class we continued the work started with Ms. Vest yesterday unpacking and deconstructing Black Elk's Great Vision. A very appropriate word for the day (suggested by Asa) was iconography, which means the meaning behind a symbol or set of symbols. Together we investigated the iconography of the Great Vision. We then discussed what we could learn about Black Elk's and Lakota cultural values from the Vision.
HOMEWORK: The homework due on Tuesday is: 1.) Finish reading Black Elk Speaks. 2.) Write one page to hand in. Compare and contrast a cultural value in Black Elk Speaks with one of your cultural values. You can choose something from anywhere in the book, and it can be either a value that is very different than your values, or one that is similar to yours. I will collect these after we use them for discussion in class.
9/23/14
Ms. Vest started our class today with a brief history of the Battle at Little Big Horn and the defeat of General Custer. We talked about how, after Custer's defeat, the federal government required that the Lakota move to the reservation and give up their culture, or face further battle with the army. We also discussed how the Lakota successfully resisted this forced assimilation/eradication for a long time. I encouraged folks to watch the video above, especially the part about the Lakota, which starts at about 40:00. This isn't a requirement, but I think you'll find it interesting and helpful.
We also did some close reading of Black Elk Speaks, and discussed the book's point of view and perspective, symbolism in the book, and the impact of Neihardt's translation on Black Elk's story.
HOMEWORK: For Friday, please write one page that you will hand in. This isn't a formal essay, just your ideas. I'd like you to compare and contrast society's expectations of men and women as presented in Black Elk Speaks. As usual, please email or see me if you have any questions.
9/19/14
Today in class we discussed the story of the composition of Black Elk Speaks, and some of the controversy surrounding the book. We also discussed the article The Theft of the Black Hills and went over some of the history that we will encounter in the book. IF YOU WERE ABSENT: Please see me as soon as you can.
HOMEWORK:
Read chapters 1 through 13 of Black Elk Speaks. Write at least two notes in your reading journal for each chapter. If you don't know what to write about, use the reading guide handout for ideas. You do not have to answer all the questions on the reading guide; they are there to help you get started. Be sure to note the page of your quotes, so we can refer to them during class discussion. I will be giving you a class participation grade, so be sure to come to class prepared for discussion. Please don't hesitate to see me or send me an email if you have questions!
9/16/14
Today in class we collectively summarized the essay Neihardt and Black Elk Speaks by Lori Utecht. We briefly discussed who Black Elk and Neihardt were, and the circumstances surrounding the creation of the book Black Elk Speaks. We asked the question, "Who is the author of this book?'
HOMEWORK:
Read the article The Theft of the Black Hills. Find a question you have about a historical fact or reference in either this article, or the one we read in class. Find an answer to your question to share with the class on Friday. Your answer can be in the form of notes. You won't turn it in.
I also handed out the guide to reading Black Elk Speaks. We'll talk about that more on Friday. Please read chapters 1-13 for Tuesday 9/23, and finish the book for Tuesday 9/30.
Today in class we continued the work started with Ms. Vest yesterday unpacking and deconstructing Black Elk's Great Vision. A very appropriate word for the day (suggested by Asa) was iconography, which means the meaning behind a symbol or set of symbols. Together we investigated the iconography of the Great Vision. We then discussed what we could learn about Black Elk's and Lakota cultural values from the Vision.
HOMEWORK: The homework due on Tuesday is: 1.) Finish reading Black Elk Speaks. 2.) Write one page to hand in. Compare and contrast a cultural value in Black Elk Speaks with one of your cultural values. You can choose something from anywhere in the book, and it can be either a value that is very different than your values, or one that is similar to yours. I will collect these after we use them for discussion in class.
9/23/14
Ms. Vest started our class today with a brief history of the Battle at Little Big Horn and the defeat of General Custer. We talked about how, after Custer's defeat, the federal government required that the Lakota move to the reservation and give up their culture, or face further battle with the army. We also discussed how the Lakota successfully resisted this forced assimilation/eradication for a long time. I encouraged folks to watch the video above, especially the part about the Lakota, which starts at about 40:00. This isn't a requirement, but I think you'll find it interesting and helpful.
We also did some close reading of Black Elk Speaks, and discussed the book's point of view and perspective, symbolism in the book, and the impact of Neihardt's translation on Black Elk's story.
HOMEWORK: For Friday, please write one page that you will hand in. This isn't a formal essay, just your ideas. I'd like you to compare and contrast society's expectations of men and women as presented in Black Elk Speaks. As usual, please email or see me if you have any questions.
9/19/14
Today in class we discussed the story of the composition of Black Elk Speaks, and some of the controversy surrounding the book. We also discussed the article The Theft of the Black Hills and went over some of the history that we will encounter in the book. IF YOU WERE ABSENT: Please see me as soon as you can.
HOMEWORK:
Read chapters 1 through 13 of Black Elk Speaks. Write at least two notes in your reading journal for each chapter. If you don't know what to write about, use the reading guide handout for ideas. You do not have to answer all the questions on the reading guide; they are there to help you get started. Be sure to note the page of your quotes, so we can refer to them during class discussion. I will be giving you a class participation grade, so be sure to come to class prepared for discussion. Please don't hesitate to see me or send me an email if you have questions!
9/16/14
Today in class we collectively summarized the essay Neihardt and Black Elk Speaks by Lori Utecht. We briefly discussed who Black Elk and Neihardt were, and the circumstances surrounding the creation of the book Black Elk Speaks. We asked the question, "Who is the author of this book?'
HOMEWORK:
Read the article The Theft of the Black Hills. Find a question you have about a historical fact or reference in either this article, or the one we read in class. Find an answer to your question to share with the class on Friday. Your answer can be in the form of notes. You won't turn it in.
I also handed out the guide to reading Black Elk Speaks. We'll talk about that more on Friday. Please read chapters 1-13 for Tuesday 9/23, and finish the book for Tuesday 9/30.