Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Identify the breadth and depth of Native American artistic traditions.

• Explain the social, cultural, political, and historic contexts for Native American artwork.

• Examine the issues and themes that are explored by Indigenous artists through their artwork.

• Explore how Native American art has changed over time to incorporate new materials and accommodate cultural shifts.

• Articulate how contemporary Native American art addresses various themes and issues using both culturally relevant and contemporary methods.

• Apply insights gained from lectures and discussions to create a culturally sensitive project that explores Native American artwork.

To provide a safe space for students to explore Indigenous art and Indigenous issues with respect for the material and for each other. Connect to local Indigenous artists and to local tribal communities. Involve students in local cultural events such as the PCC Powwow

Assessment tools may include:

• responses to in-class and online discussion topics

• discussion of reading assignments

• analysis of artwork in class, writing assignments and examinations

• formal research papers

• visual art projects

• in-class presentations of research and visual art projects

• involvement in class field trips

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

The successful student should be able to:

• research artwork and demonstrate knowledge in both formal writing and creative projects

• recognize Western biases and assumptions that impede understanding and appreciation of Indigenous art and culture

• understand and analyze Indigenous art from Indigenous viewpoints

• develop a sensitivity to Indigenous issues

• gain an appreciation of how historic and political events have impacted tribal communities

• respect and facilitate Indigenous voices in art

THEMES, CONCEPTS, ISSUES:

• the rich diversity of culture represented in Native American artwork

• adaptability of Indigenous culture and its art forms

• importance of material and process in artwork and the ritual of art-making

• the role of art in cultural, personal and spiritual expression in Native American culture

• performance and dance as an essential art form in tribal communities

• cultural and spiritual worldviews that influence artistic expression

• place and displacement in Indigenous culture

• historic and political events that impact Native American cultural and artistic expression

• role of the artist within the tribal community and how their personal identity can effect their artistic choices

• the repression, commodification, and stereotyping of Indigenous culture and its influence on Indigenous artists’ access to the art market

• contemporary Indigenous artists and art practices