Module HIST2871: Native Americans and Minority Rights in the US, 1914-2000

Department: History

HIST2871: Native Americans and Minority Rights in the US, 1914-2000

Prerequisites

• A pass mark in at least ONE level one module in History.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to an understanding of the twentieth century struggle for minority rights in the United States, focusing upon Native Americans, but also taking into account the African American Civil Rights movement of the mid-century decades, and the movement for gender equality.
• To acquaint students with recent trends in minority rights scholarship, notably decolonization theory and minority agency.

Content

• This module will trace the evolution of the Native American struggle for civil rights in the 20th century.
• Students will study the impact of federal policies such as the Indian Reorganization Act and Termination upon Native communities.
• In addition, students will explore and assess the emergence of an organized Native American self-determination movement, including the militant 'Red Power' ideology and the legislative battles of the later 20th century.
• The course will also examine the major civil rights struggles of African Americans and US women and demonstrate the impact of these movements upon Native activism.
• Thematic issues such as the growth of pan-Indianism, the struggle for religious freedom, and the presentation of racial minorities (African American and Native American) on celluloid will also be examined.

Learning Outcomes

• An understanding of the development and limitations of 'modern' civil rights movements.
• An understanding of the position of Native Americans in the present time.
• An appreciation of the influence of recent trends in Native and Minority scholarship.

• Building on and developing skills gained at Level 1
• Deepening and extending historical understanding through focused, concentrated modules
• Developing precision, depth of understanding, and conceptual awareness.

• The ability to employ sophisticated reading skills to gather, sift, process, synthesise and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources (print, digital, material, aural, visual, audio-visual etc.)
• The ability to communicate ideas and information orally and in writing, devise and sustain coherent and cogent arguments
• The ability to write and think under pressure, manage time and work to deadlines
• The ability to make effective use of information and communications technology.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Student learning is facilitated by a combination of the following teaching methods:
• Lectures to set the foundations for further study and to provide the basis for the acquisition of subject specific knowledge. Lectures provide a broad framework which defines individual module content, introducing students to themes, debates and interpretations. In this environment, students are given the opportunity to develop skills in listening, selective note-taking and reflection;
• Seminars to allow students to present and critically reflect upon the acquired subject-specific knowledge, methodologies and theories, and to identify and debate a range of issues and differing opinions. The seminar is the forum in which students are given the opportunity to communicate ideas, jointly exploring themes and arguments. Seminars are structured to develop understanding and designed to maximise student participation related to prior independent preparation. Seminars give students the opportunity to develop oral communication skills, encourage critical and tolerant approaches to reasoned argument and historical discussion, build the students' ability to marshal historical evidence, and facilitate the development of the ability to summarise historical arguments, think in a rapidly changing environment and communicate in a persuasive and articulate manner, whilst recognising the value of working with others and, occasionally, towards shared goals.
• Assessment:
• Examinations test students' ability to work under pressure, to prepare for examinations and direct their own programme of revision and learning, and develop key time management skills. The examination gives students the opportunity to develop relevant life skills such as the ability to produce coherent, reasoned and supported arguments under pressure. Students will be examined on subject specific knowledge;
• Summative coursework will test students ability to communicate ideas in writing, present clear and cogent arguments succinctly and show appropriate critical skills as relevant to the particular module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative work done in preparation for and during seminars, including oral and written work as appropriate to the module. The summative coursework will have a formative element by allowing students to develop ideas and arguments for the examination and to practice writing to similar word limits.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University