While European authors were able to focus on writing poetry, plays and novels, American Indians were forced to use their literary skills for more basic needs until around 1970, Jenkins explained. Since then there has been a significant amount of poetry and novels, leading some to call the period the Indian renaissance. Many people wonder why there wasn't Indian poetry and novels. Many Indians are great orators and expert politicians. In response to this concern, the class focuses on cultural and historical issues, as well as literature, to provide students with an understanding of the subject.
Students read mostly short stories and some texts of political speeches.
Guest speakers also will be invited to the class, including Chief Buffy Redfeather, of the Earth Band, Southeastern Cherokee Confederacy. In typical English literature you don't think of political oration, but that's where the energy went for Indians. Like the early settlers of this nation, the direction the course will take is anybody's guess, Jenkins said. I don't know if it will be a repeatable course either. Truthfully, I'm not sure what the course will be for students other than strange.