2. Learn the Formation of the Seminole and Miccosukee Indian Tribes

Native Floridians Syllabus October 16-November 20, 2009

The Native Floridians, or as the students will soon learn Native Americans, have existed and contributed to the rich tapestry of our history. However, they are terribly misunderstood and, more times than not, grossly misrepresented. In this class we will be studying Native Americans in general and specifically the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians. Where did they come from? Who are they? How are they alike or different? What is their future? Come along with me as we learn about these wonderful “Native Americans” and investigate a bit about their lives, culture, and contributions to our world. By the way, have you ever played Cowboys and Indians? What about the “real” Thanksgiving? Did Pochahontas marry John Smith? Hmmmm!

Objectives: 1. Study Native American existence in the U.S., geographical information of tribes, chronological timeline of events, and stereotypical depictions. 2. Learn the formation of the Seminole and Miccosukee Indian tribes. 3. Learn about the contributions and future of these two distinctive tribes.

Students will need to be prepared with paper and pencil. I will be giving various handouts and homework will be assigned based on internet searches and short questions or fill in the blank assignments. These will be collected and graded. Any questions can be emailed: [email protected] or cell# 305-796-2417 in the afternoon or late evening please.

Week 1: October 16 Native American Tribes, Geography, Misconceptions, and Stereotypes HOMEWORK: “Facts in Five” project The students will be given a handout in class to find “Five examples of….” Instructions will be given in class.

Week 2: October 23 Brief History of the Seminoles, Timeline, and Wars HOMEWORK: Internet Scavenger Hunt. Find pictures and information on a person, place, or event from either the 1st or 2nd Seminole War. More instructions will be given in class.

Week 3: October 30 Third Seminole War, Presidents, Way of Life, Culture HOMEWORK: Internet Scavenger Hunt. Investigate the diet of the Seminole Indian. Find one or two staples of their diet and bring in a recipe.

Week 4: November 6 Brief History of the Miccosukee, Timeline, Geography, Similarities & Differences HOMEWORK: Internet Scavenger Hunt. Use website handouts to research the Miccosukee and Seminole Indian Tribes flag. Include a picture and a brief description. Differences between the two should also be noted. Week 5: November 13 Important persons, Way of Life, Culture HOMEWORK: Internet Scavenger Hunt. Use the website handouts to research similarities and differences between the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians and the Seminole Tribes. Include at least 5 facts. Study for a test over the information given in class and handouts.

Week 6: November 20 Culmination of Study, How these diverse tribes have adapted in the 21st century, and the future of the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes.