NAS 224 Native American Beadwork Styles Winter 2016 NAS 224 - 4 credits Instructor: April E. Lindala 12 Monday meetings from 5 – 9:10 pm in Whitman 127 Office Hours: Appointments early are best. Center Native American Studies in 112 Whitman Hall CNAS Website: www.nmu.edu/nativeamericans Phone: 906-227-1397 EMAIL: [email protected] NOTE: Please put YOUR LAST NAME NAS 224 W16 in the subject line. Thank you. I will do my best to respond in a timely manner, but I will not guarantee an answer during evenings or weekends. Teaching Philosophy (Active Learning Credo) · What I hear, I forget · What I hear & see, I remember a little · What I hear, see & ask questions about or discuss with someone else, I begin to understand · What I hear, see, discuss, and do, I acquire knowledge · What I teach to another, I master Course Description: The purpose of this course is three-fold: first, study contemporary forms of cultural expression of Native bead artists; second, examine laws and cultural responsibilities associated with Native art, and third, produce a portfolio of original beadwork. Course Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course successful students will be able to… Create a portfolio of original beadwork that demonstrates mastery of multiple stitches, Reflect upon and give examples on how beadwork functions to share stories, values and ideas, Recognize federal laws in relation to Native American art and artifacts, Recognize the diversity of beadwork styles among differing Native nations, and Identify multiple Native bead artisans. Native American Studies here at NMU Mission Statement: The Center for Native American Studies offers a holistic curriculum rooted in Native American themes that . challenges students to think critically and communicate effectively about Indigenous issues with emphasis on Great Lakes Indigenous perspectives; . stimulates further respectful inquiry about Indigenous people; and . provides active learning and service learning opportunities that strengthen student engagement, interaction, and reciprocity with Indigenous communities. The NMU Center for Native American Studies will offer a major in Native American Studies beginning in Fall 2016. The Center also offers a minor in Native American Studies and an undergraduate certification in American Indian Education. Several courses meet liberal studies/world cultures requirements and all examine various issues and topics within Native America. Please see me if you are interested in learning more. 1 NAS 224 Native American Beadwork Styles Winter 2016 The Origin Story of this Course This class was created in response to the daily stresses of running an academic department. When I thought about ways in which I find peace, beadwork came to mind. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to create a course. I realized along the way that beadwork 1) represents significant cultural expression, 2) is worthy of scholarly examination and engagement, and 3) opens a door to all of Native studies. It is my wish that this class instill knowledge, skill, creativity, and perhaps even, (after some practice) peace of mind. This Course in Relation to this Region In this region, bead art evolved from the use of porcupine quills as a means of visual storytelling; this region being Anishinaabe country [tribes of the Ojibwa, Odawa and Potawatomi]. In Anishinaabemowin (Anishinaabe language), the word for beads is = manido minesag (spirit seeds). Towards the eastern end of the Great Lakes is the Haudenosaunee or Six Nations, so we’ll spend time talking about them and their relationship to beads as well. We will also move around to the plains, the plateau and even the artic. I will do my best to represent a well-rounded look at Native beadwork. The larger questions Class time will be devoted to learning different types of beadwork styles and much time will be spent working on projects and your portfolio, BUT the expectations are that you will also be able to wrestle with challenging questions such as “What is American Indian art?” and “What does cultural appropriation mean?” and even larger questions such as “How can art help to solve problems?” Your beading background Some of you will be more advanced than others at doing beadwork. Some of you maybe even know tricks I don’t know (very cool!). Some of you will pick up one stitch quicker than another. Everyone brings something to the circle. Active learning strategies and small group learning communities will be highly encouraged. We will all find ourselves being learners and teachers at some point in this class. Text, Materials and Other Important Items Art materials can be an expensive investment. To help you with costs, the CNAS purchased items in bulk. Total cost of one packer per person is $50.00. Should you wish to add more and/or different beads to your portfolio or outside materials of your choice, the cost is your responsibility. All reading and viewing materials -- videos, PDFs and power points -- will be posted on EduCat or shared in class. How will I be assessed? Quizzes – This class is a mixture of reading and beading as well as viewing and talking. There is one quiz to assess your knowledge of the course material. There is also one demonstration quiz to assess your comfortability with multiple stitches. Participation and Reflections –You will be asked to compose a written reflection at the end of each class meeting. Questions will be given to you to prompt you to reflect on the activities, readings, and assignments. This is also your opportunity to provide me with feedback in case I need to make adjustments with your instruction and/or learning process. I want each of you to be successful and more importantly fall in love with this art enough to do it independent of me after twelve meetings. Visual progress reports. Upload photos of your on-going progress on EduCat. This will be a great way to stay in touch especially during ‘off’ weeks. 2 NAS 224 Native American Beadwork Styles Winter 2016 How will I be assessed? – cont’d Celebration of Student Work – Share your work beyond the classroom and with the NMU community. So...I’ve never done this before. Please set aside Thursday, April 7 on your calendar. I’ll explain more in class. Articulating your words in relation to your art. For each piece of beadwork you submit as part of your portfolio, you will compose what is known as an ‘artist statement’ (75-90 words). We will talk about this in class. Portfolio of Original Beaded Work –Each time we meet, we will work on projects that will help you learn multiple stitches and beading skills. Your goal is to create a mid-term and final portfolio of original beaded work. These portfolios are a significant amount of your grade. Here are multiple categories that your beadwork that will be graded on: Compose a title and artist statement for each piece Clear application/mastery of multiple stitches Cleanliness and quality of construction Creativity – this can range from colors used to design to story and perhaps even function. Comprehension/conception (the story) of the design of the portfolio Completion of the portfolio of work Total of Points Possible Grading Scale Description Points A 95-100% 713-750 Visual Progress Reports 60 A- 90-94% 675-712 Class Reflections 100 B+ 87-89% 653-674 B 84-86% 630-652 CSW Abstract/Participation 100 B- 80-83% 600-629 Information Quiz 60 C+ 77-79% 578-599 Demonstration Quiz 60 C 74-76% 555-577 Mid-term Portfolio 120 C- 70-73% 525-554 Final Portfolio 250 D+ 67-69% 503-524 Total Possible 750 D 64-66% 480-502 D- 60-63% 450-479 3 NAS 224 Native American Beadwork Styles Winter 2016 Class Meeting Rundown - Prior to meeting 7, I reserve the right to make changes. Meeting 1 Monday, January 11, 2016 Discussion: Introductions and medicine wheel framework Beading: Basic beading tools The rosette stitch and the lane (or lazy) stitch Before you leave: Sign up to meet with April. For next time: Check EduCat for Readings/Videos, etc. Meeting 2 Monday, January 18, 2016 Discussion: What does it mean to imagine? Learning outcomes. What is Indian Country? What is art within Indian Country? Beading: Wrapping stitch and the start of the tulip bag For next time: Check EduCat for Readings/Videos, etc. Meeting 3 Monday, January 25, 2016 Discussion: Wampum Beads and Historical Impact/Range of beadwork styles. Beading: Tulip bag – edging stitch and moccasin patterns For next time: Check EduCat for Readings/Videos, etc. Meeting 4 Monday, February 1, 2016 Discussion: Story, Function and Position Beading: Single needle and double needle appliqué stitch For next time: Check EduCat for Readings/Videos, etc. (no class February 8) Meeting 5 Monday, February 15, 2016 Due First Draft of Abstract for Celebration of Student Work Discussion: Responding to Art Beading: Peyote stitch and brick stitch (and possibly working with quills) For next time: Check EduCat for Readings/Videos, etc. Meeting 6 Monday, February 22, 2016 Due Information Quiz 1 Discussion: Beaded Bags Beading: Raised Beadwork For next time: Check EduCat for Readings/Videos, etc. Abstracts for the Celebration of Student Works will be accepted between Monday, 2/22 and Friday, 3/25. Abstracts are submitted via online form. See link on EduCat): www.nmu.edu/studentcelebration. Have a safe and enjoyable winter break! Try to bead at least 30 minutes every other day! 4 NAS 224 Native American Beadwork Styles Winter 2016 Class Meeting Rundown Meeting 7 Monday, March 7, 2016 Due Close to Final Draft of Abstract for Celebration of Student Work Discussion: Powwow Lifestyle Beading: Beading on a Loom For next time: Check EduCat for Readings/Videos, etc.