What's in this Course?
This three credit course will be structured as an upper level reading seminar. Chapters from your three texts will be assigned for every meeting which will serve as the basis for class discussion. Given the primary importance of discussion, verbal participation will be mandatory in each class meeting. There will also be series of required writing assignments: in-class essay quizzes on the readings, book reviews, analytical journal article reviews, and a comprehensive final exam.  This class is not for the feint of heart--the reading load will be extremely heavy and the writing will be constant. As a result, however, you will emerge from the course not only with a greater understanding of the origins of Indian-White relations from the standpoints of race, religion, gender, economics, politics, warfare, and class, but also with fined-tuned reading, analytical, and writing skills. If, after reading this syllabus, you do not feel that you can faithfully complete all of the work I assign for every class meeting, please inform me of your intentions to drop the course as soon as possible--there are several people who have expressed interest in adding this class. And to those of you who--against your better judgement--have decided to stay, "WELCOME!" You will work hard this semester and at times you may find yourself resenting me, but when it is all said and done you will leave this class a better student.

Required Reading:

Participation
Since this class will live or die with your level of participation, I am requiring you to contribute to our conversations by according 20% of your grade (100 points) to participation.  I will make a seating chart and I will record each relevant contribution you make to our class discussion.  At term's end, the highest 10% will receive an A, the second 20% will receive a B, the middle 40% a C, the next 20% a D, and the lowest 10% an F for the participation grade.  If the class as a whole does well, then the scale will slide from A to D, or A to C, but that depends on all of you.  I know what you're all thinking now: "1. But it's not fair!  2. I'll feel stupid!  3. I don't like to speak in front of people!  4. You're mean old S.O.B.!"  Well, in response to those statements, I would say: "1. Life isn't fair, get over it.  2. If you were stupid you would not be in college, and I care about your intellectual development, not your  "feelings."  3. You may not like speaking in front of people but honing your oral communication abilities is one of the most important skills that you can take out of college and into the real world.  Things that are good for you are not always pleasant.  4.  I am a mean old S.O.B., refer back to response number 1."

Quizzes
There will be periodic quizzes on your reading material that will account for 20% of your grade (100 points).  Only persons with excused absences will be permitted to take "make-up" quizzes–no exceptions.  Excused absences will only be granted prior to the class you intend to miss. You are responsible for making up your quizzes.  I will make no attempt to remind you or track you down.  Any quizzes that you fail to make-up will be recorded as a zero at term's end.

Book Review
You will a 3-5 page typed book review of a book of your choosing.  There are many books on the Native American experience in Early America in Owen Library.  You must select a book and submit it to me for approval by January 31.  The completed review is due on March 2.  If you receive a C or lower, you will re-write the review.  If you receive a B, you will have the opportunity to revise for a better grade if you wish.

Book Review How To

Book Review Exercise
In order to prepare yourself to write this review you must do two things.  First, read the "Book Review How To" document linked above.  Second, you must use the Owen Library's web-site to access the William & Mary Quarterly, choose and read 5 reviews of books on Native American topics (since 1980) and submit a two-page typed summary of those reviews.  The summaries must include brief summaries of the books themselves as well as the reviewers' positive and negative criticism of the books.  You will bring this assignment, and be prepared to discuss the project, to class on February 23 for 25 points (5%).

Analytical Journal Article Review Essay
You will read four journal articles from the William & Mary Quarterly relating to one of the following topics: War, Cultural Exchange, Religion, or European Ideas About Native Americans.  Attached is a Bibliography of approved essays from which to choose.  You must also include at least one essay from "Friends and Enemies" and at least one from "American Encounters." You can decide for yourself which essays relate to which topic, though I will provide assistance if you have trouble.  The essays will be 5-8 pages in length, will be worth 125 points (25%) and will follow the "Analytical Journal Article Review Essay Guidelines" linked below:

Analytical Essay Guidelines

The analytical essay will have a peer review process. I will subdivide you into groups of four.  In these small groups, you will meet outside of class to read and critique each other's Analytical Article Review.   You should have a completed draft turned in to your teammates by April 11.  You will read and critique each others work by April 13.  You will write a one page, single-spaced critique of each of your peers' essays, judging their thematic analysis, summary, analytical comparison, organization, writing style, and grammar for 25 points (5%).  On April 13 you will use class time to discuss each other's work and then revise per your peer's suggestions.  You may use the plastic box labelled "Native Americans" outside of my office door as a drop-off/pick-up bin.  You will turn in your final draft to me on April 22.

Writing All Papers (not including final exam essay)
All written assignments--book reviews and analytical essays--will be graded on the "Total Package," that is grammar, organization, style and composition in addition to content– summary, thematic analysis, and analytic comparison (for the analytical essays).  Please refer to "The Bare Basics of Writing" form linked below:

The Bare Basics of Writing

Films
There will be a number of films you will watch.  Some may be shown in class, one will be in theatres in January, and some you'll watch on your own time in the library.  In January, we will go see the new film "The New World" in the theatre--assuming we get it in J-town.  You will also watch "The Mission," "Black Robe," and "Last of the Mohicans."  You will write a 3 page movie review for one of the films.  You will be expected to use the class readings to critique the historical accuracy of the film.  The movie review is due on April 4 for 10% of your grade (50 points).

Grading
This class will operate on a points system composed of 500 points.  At term's end, 450=A, 400-449=B, 350-399=C, 300-349=D, and 299 and below=F.  The points will be accorded as follows:
 

Participation   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quizzes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Book Review Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Book Review   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Peer Review of Analytical Essay . . . . . . . Film Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Analytical Journal Article Review Essay . . . Total Points for Semester   . . . . . . . . . . .

100  100   25  75   50   50 100  500

Due Dates

• February 23 Book Review Exercise
• March 2 Book Review
• April 4 Film Review
  
• April 11 First Draft of Analytical Journal Article Review Essay to Peers
• April 13 Critique of Peers' essays in class
• April 22 Analytical Journal Article Review Essay to Dr. Newman

Attendance
You will be permitted only three unexcused absences.  You will lose one letter grade for each unexcused absence after the third.  No one will pass this course who has missed more than six classes, excused or unexcused.  No exceptions.

Late Work
Late work is absolutely unacceptable and will merit a zero.  Period.  However, all assignments must be turned in, no matter how late, in order to pass the course.  Anyone with uncompleted assignments at term's end will fail the course.

Incompletes
Only students with severe cases of hardship will be permitted a grade of "I" or "G" at term's end with the permission to finish the coursework at a later date.  I reserve the right to determine what is a "severe case of hardship."

Cheating
Any attempt to offer anyone else's work as your own will merit a zero for that assignment, a G grade for the course, and will automatically begin the proceedings for an F in the course and for your expulsion from this university in accordance with the Academic Integrity Guidelines found in your student handbook.  In addition, I may subject you to the type of punishments that the Spanish Conquistadors are administering to the Native Americans in the art work at the head of this document--or worse!

Snow Policy

Watch WJAC-TV channel 6 (7 on your cable).  If Conemaugh Township schools are closed, then I will not be here.

Disabilities
Anyone in need of special accommodations due to a disability of any kind must seek guidance from the Disability Resources and Services Director in the Academic Support Center, Owen Library basement, 269-7109 immediately in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Do so now.

Returning Papers and Grades
According to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, each student of the age of majority (18) has the right to absolute privacy concerning their academic grades.  If that privacy is breeched, the instructor and the institution are liable and may be sued by the injured student.  Therefore, I will only return graded papers to their owners, face to face, and I will only discuss scores and grades with students face to face.  I will not discuss scores or grades over the telephone, e-mail, fax, conventional mail, hologram, or through a spiritual medium.  The only totally secure method to maintain your right to privacy is to handle all grade reporting in person.  THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE.

Finding Out About Your Final Grade
I will not report your final exam grade to you until the grades have been turned in and sent to you in the mail by the Registrar's Office.  DO NOT PESTER ME with the question, "Do you have our finals graded yet?"

Professorial Prerogative
I reserve the right to make any changes to this syllabus that I deem necessary at any time for any reason of my choosing.  Failure to comply with any revisions to the syllabus will not be excusable due to absence on the day the changes were announced.  You are responsible for everything that transpires in the classroom every class meeting.

1. First Day: Read the Introductory matter to all three books.
Pre-Columbian Pennsylvania
2. Richter 1 & 2

Contact
3. AE 1 & 3
4. AE 2

Pre-Penn Pennsylvania and America
5. Richter 3
6. FE 1 & 2
7. AE 4
8. AE 6 & 14
9. AE 15