Course Syllabus
ETHST 26, The Original Californians
Section 0861 - Course Syllabus
Instructor Contact
Lori Laiwa Thomas
Email: sthomas2@santarosa.edu
Phone: (707) 524-1599
Course Location: 1509 Emeritus Hall
Course Day/Hour: Tuesday, 6:00-7:30 PM
Office Hours: Tuesday, 2:00-3:00 PM
Office Hour Location: Virtual Office Hours
I respond to emails within 24-72 hours.
Course Web Site
Students will use the Canvas course web site for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, viewing classmate's work, sharing resources, and viewing grades.
Required Textbook
- Akins, Damon and William J. Bauer, Jr. We are the Land: A History of Native California.University of California Press. 2021: ISBN: 9780520280496
- Online Text: Online Textbook Akins & Bauer
- Lara-Cooper, Kishan and Walter J. Lara, Sr. Kam-'Tem: A Journey Toward Healing.Great Oaks Press, 2019. ISBN: 978194227926 (On reserve at SRJC Library)
- Eargle, Dolan H. An Introductory Guide to the Original Peoples from Earliest to Modern Times. Trees Co. Press. 2007. ISBN: 9780937401118 (On reserve at SRJC Library).
- Eargle Textbook PDF - Entire Book
Recommended Textbook
- Fields, Les W. Abalone Tales: Collaborative Explorations of Sovereignty and Identity in Native California. Duke University Press, 2008. ISBN: 9780822342332
- Miranda, Deborah A. Bad Indians: A Tribal Memoir. Heyday Publishing. 2012. ISBN: 9781597142014.
You can locate and order textbooks online via the SRJC Bookstore. Please keep checking the bookstore for required texts, they were ordered. Note that if you want to pick your books up in Petaluma, you need to order them from the Petaluma Bookstore website.
Required Software
You will need the following software for this course.
Important Dates
Day Class Begins: 08/15/2023
Day Class Ends: 12/08/2023
Last Day to Add without instructor's approval: 08/20/2023
Last Day to Add with instructor's approval: 09/03/2023
Last Day to Drop without a 'W' symbol: 09/03/2023
Last Day to Opt for Pass/No Pass: 12/08/2023
Last Day to Drop with a 'W' symbol: 11/12/2023
Course Description
This Ethnic Studies course will study Native people of California: their origin, language, arts, customs, religion, folklore, and music. In this course students will use an ethnic studies lens to develop a dynamic comparative grid, focusing on the persistence of tribal identities and evolution of socio-economic changes, tribal and inter-tribal cultural practices over time.
ETHST 26 Course Outline of Record (COR)
Student Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
Student Learning Objectives
Ethnic Studies Objectives
Class Meetings
This class is a hybrid course and lecture portions will be in person and online. Course materials will be provided in class and on Canvas.
Dropping the Class
If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%). Also, for several consecutive, unexplained absences, the instructor may drop a student.
Pass‐NoPass (P/NP)
You may take this class P/NP. You must decide before the deadline, and add the option online with TLC or file the P/NP form with Admissions and Records. With a grade of C or better, you will get P.
You must file for the P/NP option by 12/08/2023. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If you are taking this course as part of a certificate program, you can probably still take the class P/NP. Check with a counselor to be sure.
Instructor Announcements and Q&A Forum
The instructor will post announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences as soon as the instructor creates an Announcement. A “Q&A Forum” is also on Canvas to ask for assistance of your classmates or of instructor.
Attendance
Students who fail to attend the first class (face-to-face courses) or do not log-in to an online class after the second day of the semester will be dropped from the class. It is strongly advised that if you need to miss more than one class/homework deadline in a row that you contact me to avoid being dropped from the class.
Late Policy
All assignments are due 11:59 PM on the due date. A late submission will receive a 20% penalty. Submissions more than one week late are not accepted without prior arrangement. Late work will not be graded unless student sends instructor an email with URL for late work.
Exams
There will be 2 online quizzes and posted seven days prior to due date. There will be online midterm and final exams. The material comes from the textbook, class lectures and supplemental materials. If any exam is missed, a zero will be recorded as the score. It is your responsibility to take the online exams by the due date.
Grading Policy
Visit the “Grades” in Canvas to keep track of your grades. I grade [once a week] and post grades and comments on the online Canvas gradebook.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
A |
90% |
90 points or more |
---|---|---|
B |
80% |
80 to 89 points |
C |
70% |
70 to 79 points |
D |
60% |
60 to 69 points |
F |
|
Below 60 points |
If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 70% of the total class points and complete the midterm exam and the final exam to pass the class.
Standards of Conduct
Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Student Code of Conduct page.
Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:
SRJC Writing Center Lessons on avoiding plagiarism
SRJC's policy on Academic Integrity
Other Important Policies and Practices
Avoid Plagiarism
Although most students have likely heard about plagiarism during their years of schooling, it still is prevalent-even in higher education.
The video below reviews what plagiarism is and how not to do it.
Netiquette, or Why Is It Harder to Be Polite Online?
Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All members of the class are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications. Use these guidelines:
- Use capital letters sparingly. THEY LOOK LIKE SHOUTING.
- Forward emails only with a writer's permission.
- Be considerate of others' feelings and use language carefully.
- Cite all quotations, references, and sources (otherwise, it is plagiarism).
- Use humor carefully. It is hard to "read" tone; sometimes humor can be misread as criticism or personal attack. Feel free to use emoticons like :) for a smiley face to let others know you are being humorous.
- Use complete sentences and standard English grammar to compose posts. Write in proper paragraphs. Review work before submitting it.
- Text speak, such as "ur" for "your" or "ru" for "are you" etc., is only acceptable when texting.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Sonoma County Junior College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnic group identification, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic condition, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its policies, procedures or practices; nor does the District discriminate against any employees or applicants for employment on the basis of their age. This non-discrimination policy covers admission, access and treatment in District programs and activities-including academic admissions, financial aid, educational services, and athletics-and application for District employment. For more information see:
https://catalog2021-2022.santarosa.edu/catalog-2019-2020/catalog-2019-2020/non
Mental Health and Well-Being
Guidelines for Action
Note: For students who are distressed or disruptive, there is the option to use the red "File a Report" button above if the steps outlined below are not sufficient. When you file a report, send information to all BCARE team members, and appropriate personnel will respond. If you believe the student knowing you filed the report would be sensitive, please indicate this in the report, and we will act accordingly. After the team responds, in most cases you will be notified.
For more information on B-CARE, contact https://bcare.santarosa.edu/students
Disability Statement
If you are receiving services from the SRJC Disability Services Office, please contact me using Canvas Inbox feature so I can make necessary accommodations for you. To meet with a Specialist about disability services, how to apply for services, obtain verification, or any other disability related questions, please call (707) 527-4278 or (707) 778-2491, or email us at disabilityinfo@santarosa.edu. For Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing students: (707) 331-1156 Videophone. For more information go to: https://drd.santarosa.edu/
Course Format
Lecture portions (in person and online) will be comprised of activities, including pre-recorded video lectures, power point slides, videos, and handouts, and can be found in Canvas under a Page titled Content. (For example: Week 1 - Content). If you have any questions about lecture materials, you can address those during virtual office hours or post them on the discussion forum titled, “Got Questions?” Weekly modules will be opened and unlocked and for viewing by students every Monday by 11:59 PM.
To access this course on Canvas, you will need access to the internet and a supported software and hardware. You log into Canvas using your 9-digit student ID number and the same password you use for your student portal here: https://santarosajc.instructure.com/login/canvas
It is important that you can access course materials and assignments using your SRJC Canvas account. All course lessons, instructional resources, assignments, quizzes, exams, and discussions are in weekly modules. Computer, Calculator and Textbook Loaner.
If you do not have access to a computer with the required software, SRJC has a loaner program for textbooks, laptops, and calculators. Visit the website below:
Access to Computer & Equipment Loan Program
Course Assignments & Requirements
- 20% Writing
- 25% Final Project/Final Presentation
- 25% Participation
- 30% Quizzes & Exams
These assignments will help students develop and gain experience in various types of response writing, critical analysis, literary analysis, and using texts to support your claims and arguments. Assignments will focus on the following:
- Students will be able to describe and analyze the author's argument, claims and rhetorical strategies.
- Students will assess the strengths and weaknesses of texts and critically analyze conversations between texts and authors. Students will be able to construct a clear argument, use research to support their claims, and find articles and other materials that will clarify, extend and complicate their argument and ideas.
- Students will engage with primary research materials and learn how to construct an analysis of these materials by applying critical approaches from Native American Studies including: Oral History, Space/Place/Time/Regionalism, Sovereignty, and Self-Determination.
Summary of Assignments
- 100 points Online Individual Discussion Participation (5 @ 20 points each)
- 100 points Online Group Discussion Reflections ( 2 @ 50 points each)
- 100 points Indians in the News Essay
- 100 points Editorial Comment or Memo
- 50 points Quizzes (2 @ 25 points each)
- 100 points Midterm
- 100 points Final Exam
- 100 points Final Essay/Final Presentation
- 50 points Annotated Bibliography
Group Discussion Reflections
There will be certain class assignments and writing/discussion projects set aside for more in-depth small group discussions. You will be randomly assigned to a group that you will work with to answer discussion questions that I give you in class. From that discussion you will write a reflection paper about the main topics (ie. Sovereignty, Survivance, etc.). Your reflection should be at least two pages long and should discuss what you have learned about the topic and what perspective you gained from the group discussion. We will go over this in class. Online group project can be tricky, but not impossible.
Online Discussion Participation
There will be five require online participation activities. These activities will be announced ahead of time. The participation activities will be on the readings and/or subjects from the course. You must respond to the discussion participation activity. There will be no make-up activities given.
Writing Assignment #1
An editorial letter (250 words) or letter memo (500 words) about a policy or resolution (or lack of policy or resolution) regarding an issue surrounding native communities and society in the district, county, state, nation or hemisphere.
Writing Assignment #2
Indians in the News. For this assignment, you will be given five short articles/news reports to review. Of these you will select two you will respond to with an analysis of the issue, the rehetoric used to discuss Native Americans and the issue, and how well the source approaches the issue and/or the key terms that we have discussed during the semester. Each response will need to be at least 1-1.5 pages long. You will need to refer to sources that we have used this semester to support your argument.
Final Essay
There will be one large essay assignment during the semester. Please refer to the syllabus calendar below for the dates of these assignments. Prompts for the essay assignments will be handed out during class and posted on Canvas. The essay will ask you to complete outside research and find articles that you will use to create an argument and discuss themes from the course. Your essays should meet the following basic guideline:
- 5-7 pages
- 12 point Times New Roman font
- Double Spaced
- Last Name and Page # on top right of all pages
- MLA Citation
Search Terms Annotated Bibliography
This assignment will help you prepare for your final essay. For this assignment you will be deciding on your keyword search terms that include at least one from the list: (sovereignty, survivance, self-determination, decolonization) and one particular issue that we will go over during the semester. You will need to find at least three outside sources and two in class sources that you will use to make your annotated bibliography. Your annotated bibliography will include a discussion of how these sources help to expand your knowledge about the particular issue you are researching. We have a library tour scheduled to assist you with this project and will be announced on Canvas.
Exams
You will have two quizzes and two exams (midterm exam and final exam), that will ask questions based on the readings, lectures, and films presented on Canvas. The exams will be online and consist of a series of fill-in, short and long answer essay questions, multiple choice, true/false and matching. You may receive a study guide.
- Quiz 1 Due Date Sept 12
- Quiz 2 Due Date Nov 27
- Midterm Exam October 23
- Final Exam December 9
Learning Atmosphere
Students learn best when they are actively involved in the teaching and learning process. Thus, this is an active and interactive course where you will often learn by doing. You are expected to observe the world, read, write, discuss, and participate. I think of our class as a collaborative learning environment where we all teach and learn from each other. Every time you make a comment or ask a question, you teach something to the rest of us. I challenge you to abandon the traditional passive student role and to get involved with teaching and learning—I think you will enjoy it and learn a lot in the process.
SRJC Kanopy
Register for Kanopy at SRJC Library: https://libraries.santarosa.edu/kanopy. All Kanopy users have five films per month to watch so please select according to syllabus/canvas weekly module topic.
You must register for Kanopy to review required films for our course in the event you are absent from class.
Portal Canvas and Email
Students must check their email and canvas page daily for class updates and announcements. All course materials are available exclusively on Portal Canvas. I strongly encourage you to adjust your Canvas notification settings so that you receive announcements immediately.
For detailed Canvas Module information, visit:
https://canvas.santarosa.edu/courses/65212
Cell Phone Policy
Students are not allowed to use cell phones in class unless instructed to do so.
Syllabus Revisions
I reserve the right to amend or update this syllabus at any time during the semester. I will ALWAYS inform you of any changes.
COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR
Week 1 - August 14-18
Introduction and Overview of California Indian History and Studies, Cultural Regions, Tribal Groups, Language Families, Introduction to Linguistics
Readings Due: Eargle 11-14, 16 Map (Textbook on Reserve at SRJC Library; PDFs available in Canvas Module 'Eargle Text')
Complete Chamay Meet & Greet Orientation in Class Participation
Week 2 - August 21-25
CA Worldview (Fix the World People, World Renewal People, Round house People, Powwow People)
Tribal Origins/Creation Stories/Emergence Stories and Oral Tradition, Relationships to Land & Life
Readings Due: Eargle, 17-29, 53-54. Akins/Bauer, pgs. ix-xi Maps; 1-12, 13-31.
Video: History of California California Indian History Video
Library Tour - Loretta Esparza, Lanzamiento Program
Week 3 - August 28-Sept 1
Identity Concepts, Definitions, Terminology. Who is a California Indian? Other Indigenous populations in CA? Federal recognition, State Recognition, Disenrollment, Disenfranchisement, Self Identification, Pretendian.
Readings Due: Eargle 59-60 definitions; 92-93. Akins/Bauer, 239-261
Video: What is tribal sovereignty? (2:36 minutes)
Video: Disenrollment at Elem Indian Colony - Southeastern Pomo (2:23 minutes)
SRJC Multicultural Museum Tour - Rachel Minor
Week 4 - Sept 4-8 (LABOR DAY HOLIDAY-Sept 4)
Colonization of California - Invasions by Russian, Spanish, Mexican and American Settlers; Forms of Resistance and Survival. S. Cook Population Theories, CA Mission System, Russian American Company Treaty with Kashia Pomo.
Readings Due: Eargle, 30-45 (Skim Reading). Akins/Bauer 36-58, 59-63.
Complete Quiz 1
Lecture at SRJC Multicultural Museum
Week 5 - Sept. 11-15
Colonization of California Continued. Invasion and Genocide in California, 18 Unratified Treaties, Homeless Indians.
Film: Big Valley ANA Film: History of Clearlake, Film by Tim Ramos
Readings Due: Eargle 64-88, 126-160 (Skim Reading);
Brijit Aleman, Behavioral Health Services, Lanzamiento
Week 6 - Sept 18-22
Survey of California Indians - Northwestern CA
Hupa, Wiyot, Tolowa, Yurok, Karuk, etc.
Readings Due: Fields, Les. Abalone Woman Attends the Wiyot Reawakening, pgs 84-106;
Lara-Cooper,
"Voices from the Sacred: An Indigenous Worldview and Epistemology of Northwestern California," pgs. 3-14.
Film: Return of Tuluwat Island (8:46 minutes)
Film: Restoring the River - Yurok (26:41 minutes)
Complete In class participation
Week 7 - Survey of Northeastern CA Sept. 25-29
Cultural regions, tribal groups, cultural traditions, land back.
Readings Due: Eargle, 123 Map, 124-125, 126-145. Akins/Bauer, pgs. 193-200.
Lecture Content: Modoc/Pit River/Atsumawi/Atsugewi/Maidu
Video: Modoc Indian War (6:47)
Complete Group Participation Reflection #1
Week 8 - Survey of California Indians: Central California Oct 2-6
Readings Due: Eargle, pgs 147-151 Maps; 152-175. Akins/Bauer, pgs 161-166, 167-192.
Film: The Spirit Lives
Quiz #1
Prepare for Midterm (Weeks 1-8)
Week 9 - Survey of California Indians: Central California Oct 9-13
Coast Region, Sacramento Valley
Readings Due: Eargle 177 Map; 178-181, 182-207.
Videos: California Coastal Trail (8:09 minutes)
Complete In Class Participation #3: Due 10/9
Week 10 - Survey of California Indians: Central California Oct 16-20
South SF to Big Sur, Ohlone and Esselen Peoples
Readings: Eargle 213, 214-227.
Doctrine of Discovery - Sycuan Nation: https://youtu.be/HNJXh52sgFo
Compete Midterm - Material covered between Week 1-8
Week 11 - Survey of California Indians: Southwestern and Southeastern California
Oct 23-27
Readings Due: Eargle pg 229, 259, 271, pls 230-283
Videos: San Diego's First People Video (51:43)
Complete Quiz 2
Week 12 - Survey of California Southern Oct 30-Nov 3
Readings Due: Eargle, pg 213 map; pgs 214-227
Videos: Cahuilla Bird Singers
Video: Preserving the Desert - Tending Nature, KCET
Tongva Food Sovereignty Programs
Complete Quiz 2
Week 13 - Survey of California - Sierras & AZ border Nov 6-10
Havasupai, Bishop, Markleeville
Readings Due: Learning the language
Videos Due: Cara Romero - Identity
Chemehuevi Indian Tribal Website
Complete In Class Participation #4
Week 14 - Language Families, Language Preservation and Maintenance in California, AICLS, University Collaborations Nov 13-17
Readings Due: Lara-Cooper & Lara, pgs 299-303
Videos Due: Language Keepers Tolowa Dee-nii
**Wintertime Storytelling - Nov 14, 5-6:30 PM, 380 Pioneer Hall. Class will meet at Pioneer Hall
Week 15 - Cultural Revitalization Movement - Post COVID Surge Nov 20-24
Regalia Makers, Artists, Photographers, Graphic Artists.
Readings: Lara-Cooper & Lara, pgs. 3-14
Complete In Class Participation #5
Week 16 - Contemporary Topics, Land Management Systems, Natural Resource Management, Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK), Future Trends Nov 27-Dec 1
Readings Due: Lara-Cooper & Lara, pgs 115-133.
Video(s) Due: TBA In Canvas
Prepare for Final Exam
Week 17 - Final Project Presentations Dec 4-8
Week 18 - Final Project Presentations Dec 11-15
Take Home Final Exam Due (Comprehensive Exam)
.