Topics in History (492-0-30)
Topic
Indigenous Anti-Colonialism in 'America'
Instructors
Douglas Metoxen Kiel
847/467-4821
Harris 229
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L04: Mon 2:00PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This graduate seminar offers a critical exploration of Indigenous anti-colonial resistance movements across North America, spanning from the 17th century to present day. Moving beyond conventional US-centric narratives, this course pushes the boundaries of the term "America" to incorporate territories such as Hawaii and other Pacific regions, challenging the settler colonial notion of American territoriality. Throughout the course, we will critically interrogate Eurocentric constructs of "America" and the implications these have on erasing and marginalizing Indigenous histories and perspectives. Key themes encompassed in the seminar include the historical and contemporary impacts of European colonization on Indigenous communities, the myriad strategies of Indigenous resistance ranging from political activism and armed struggle to cultural revitalization, and the intersections of gender, sexuality, and race within these resistance movements. Beyond the politics of resistance, students will also gain insights into Indigenous epistemologies, worldviews, and the co-constitution of colonial and Indigenous identities. This course welcomes graduate students from all disciplines.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Historical Overview: Trace the history of Indigenous resistance movements in North America from the 17th century to the present, highlighting pivotal moments, figures, and events. Geographical Broadening: Challenge and reframe US-centric perspectives of "America" by incorporating narratives from territories such as Hawaii and other Pacific regions. Critical Interrogation: Deconstruct and question Eurocentric constructs of "America" and analyze the implications these constructs have had on the erasure and marginalization of Indigenous histories and perspectives. Colonial Impacts: Recognize and articulate the multifaceted impacts, both historical and contemporary, of European colonization on Indigenous communities in North America. Strategies of Resistance: Understand and evaluate the diverse strategies employed by Indigenous communities in their resistance to colonial oppression, ranging from political activism and armed struggle to cultural revitalization. Intersectional Analysis: Examine the intersections of gender, sexuality, and race within Indigenous resistance movements and understand the complex socio-political dynamics at play. Indigenous Epistemologies: Gain a foundational understanding of Indigenous worldviews, epistemologies, and philosophies, and appreciate their significance in the context of anti-colonial resistance. Identity and Colonialism: Analyze the co-constitution of colonial and Indigenous identities and the intricate relationship between oppressor and oppressed. Multidisciplinary Engagement: Engage with and apply insights from a range of academic disciplines to the study of Indigenous resistance movements, fostering an interdisciplinary understanding.
Evaluation Method
Participation in seminar discussions, weekly reflections, and a final research paper