Native American Literature
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Unit Outline: Native American Literature

I. Informational Article: "Introduction to Native American Culture and Literature"

II. Lecture Notes on Native American Literature

III. Selected Native American Literature

IV. Study Questions on Native American Literature

V. Native American Literature: Important Terms and Concepts

Study Questions

1. Create a Venn Diagram that compares/contrasts "The Origin of Fire" myth and the "How Raven Helped the Ancient People" myth.  Make sure to address devices, functions, traits and themes.  Use a graphics program or a table in a word processing program to create the Venn Diagram. 

"The Origin of Fire" Similarities "How Raven Helped the Ancient People"
 

 

 

 

 

    

 

2. List the aspects of the world created in the Huron creation myth.

3. Explain what the Navajo 'House Made of Dawn' chant reveals about the Navajo culture in a paragraph.

Important Terms and Concepts

Genres

  • Oral literature
  • Myths (Characteristics)
  • Legends (Characteristics)
  • Chants
  • Oaths
  • Lyrics (Songs)

Native Culture

Native American Literature

  • Literary Devices
  • Literary Functions
  • Culture Heroes
  • Trickster Heroes
  • Common Themes & Archetypes

Serious study of Native American Literature has only recently begun in earnest.