This course focuses on the self-knowledge and strong routines, time management, and foundations that are key to comfort and success with academic writing and research. Designed as an entrance to college-level expository writing, it focuses on planning short personal essays. According to Shawn Wison, “The purpose of any ceremony is to build stronger relationships or bridge the distance between our cosmos and us. The research that we do as Indigenous people is a ceremony that allows us a raised level of consciousness and insight into our world. Through going forward together with open minds and good hearts we have uncovered the nature of this ceremony.” Built upon Wilson’s framework, and structured to explore and critically examine writing and thinking through an inclusive Indigenist lens, Writer’s Journey is for students wanting to improve critical thinking skills, understand the compelling nature of Indigenist research methodologies and style, expand communication and problem-solving skills, and develop a tool kit of techniques suitable for both academic and creative writing. This course will explore process-oriented skills with hands-on activities to encourage well-developed habits of mind that lead to self-reflection, self-confidence, and writing that communicates effectively to audiences. This is a welcoming environment for any student wanting to strengthen their writing, close reading, and project management skills.
Online synchronous via zoom 6-9:30 p.m. Mondays.
Required Texts:
• Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing by and About Indigenous Peoples by Gregory Younging
• Research is Ceremony by Shawn Wilson
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
2 - Writing and Rhetoric
2 - American Indian and Indigenous Studies