American Literature 2006-2007
<<< Previous	Native American Literature	Next >>>

Native American Literature--Learning Levels Planning

I want my students to know

that Native American literature followed the oral tradition.
- The literature of most cultures begins with an oral tradition and moves to writing only when writing becomes necessary, often due to geography or population expansion.
- The oral tradition includes both literary and dramatic story-telling elements.
that mythology is one of the four parts of humanity to which writers can attempt to reach us.
- mythos: our belief system. Sounds like myth or mythology.
- pathos: our feelings. Sounds like sympathy.
- ethos: our values. Sounds like ethics.
- logos: our ability to use reason. Sounds like logic.
Native American myths show a reverence for nature.
Native Americans did not consider themselves to be one united country or even one united race, and while different tribes shared many essential values, we should not assume that they all believed exactly the same things.
the difference between a natural setting and one of fantasy.

that the oral tradition helped Native American maintain their values not only because the stories present those values but also because a trusted story-teller and leader of the community told those stories, connecting the people as a live audience.
that most Native American stories and myths show a respect for nature, a respect that often became a sense of pride in themselves, their regions, and their families.
that animal characters often appear in creation myths because each animal seems to have special characteristics.

to write an analytical essay that explains how two myths (or stories) show the values of that culture's values.
- What characters are used and why are those characters important?
- What natural elements are presented in this story, and how do the humans or gods relate to those elements?
- What characteristics does the speaker seem to value most and how do you know? (i.e. The speaker seems to value courage the most because only those characters that show courage survive the storm.)
- What cultural values are presented in the story?

How do writers present their cultural heritage so that their audience understands, remembers, and possibly shares those values?

<<< Previous	Home	Next >>>
Native American Literature	Up	Native American Literature--Learning Focus Lesson Plan