University of Wisconsin-Superior

Syllabus

 

Course:                      FNS 307 Ojibwe Culture

Class:                         Fall Sem.  3 Credits

                                    Location: Erl 203       Time: 1-2 Wed 1-4 Fri

Instructor:                  Gary W. Johnson

                                    Office: 101 Sundquist              Phone: 8132

                                    Office Hours  MWF 10-11   T/TH 2-3

                                    E-mail  gjohnson@uwsuper.edu

 

Course Description:

 

Ojibwe Culture is a unique class in which the students will learn about the Anishenabe people of this region through hands on experiences.  The majority of class time will be spent in the field.  Students will learn by participation in cultural activities that Anishenabe people have always done.

 

Course Rationale:

 

Ojibwe Culture will provide a means for the students to experience the activities first hand that comprise the essence of Anishenabe culture.  They will be in “Indian Country” and experience the day to day activities that make up Anishenabe culture.  In participating in these activities the students will begin to appreciate the Anishenabe philosophy of life.

 

Objectives:

 

1.                  The student will participate in seasonal Anishenabe activities.

2.                  The student will be able to articulate the connection of earth, people, and spirituality.

3.                  The student will gain an understanding and appreciation of the Anishenabe way of life/

 

Procedure:

 

1.                  Lecture/Discussion

2.                  Field experiences

3.                  Guest Speakers

4.                  Final project

 

Evaluation:

           

1.                  Attendance/Participation 75%

2.                  Project 25%

 

Suggested Reading:

 

Chippewa Customs, Frances Densmore, Minnesota Historical Press, 1979

Ojibway Heritage, Basil Johnston, University of Nebraska Press, 1976

Chippewa Child Life and Its Cultural Background, Minn. Historical Press, 1992

 

Course Outline

 

This is an outline of activities that hopefully we will be able to get to.  It is not intended to be a schedule and we may not complete everything on the outline.  We are dealing with seasonal activities, traditional people, and the weather.  Putting time constraints on these activities is not possible.

 

I           Introduction

            What is Culture?

            Wild Ricing

            Video-That Which is Given to Us

 

II.          Waswagoning-Lac Du Flambeau

         Deer Hunting

Hide Tanning

Video-We are all Related

 

III.         Camping/Canoeing

            Spirituality

            Lodge Building

            Craft-Beadwork/Leatherwork

 

IV.        Life Cycle

            Food

            Work Cycle

Video-Healthy Way of Life

 

V.         Ceremonies

Video-Oral Tradition

Storytelling

 

VI.        Presentation of Projects

           

University Policies

 

 

(a)        Class Cancellations:   When weather conditions are dangerous, students will be informed via the media about class cancellations.  Students should not call Campus Safety.

(b)        Accommodation of Religious Beliefs: Students’ sincerely held religious beliefs should be reasonably accommodated with respect to scheduling all examinations and other academic requirements.  Students should inform the instructor of these needs at the start of the semester.

©         Disabilities Accommodation:  Adaptations of methods, materials or testing will be made to accommodate educational participation.  Students should inform the instructor at the start of the semester.

(d)     Bloodborne Pathogens: Students who may be exposed to human blood and certain bodily fluids through classroom activities, practicums, or internships must be provided training and information.  Contact Carol Lindberg, Campus Industrial Hygienist, Ext. 8073 for more information