Since the 1960s Native American musicians have left their marks in the various music genres of the USA, yet have often gone unnoticed by a wider majority of Americans and - with few exceptions such as Buffy Sainte-Marie, Floyd Westermann and Litefoot - are almost always unknown beyond North America. However, their songs and especially their lyrics offer an essential insight into Native American perspectives on the uneasy relationship between the original inhabitants of Turtle Island and the (post-)colonial powers in past and present.
In this course we will focus on reoccuring historic and cultural topics in selected songs (the relationship to land, first contact, contemporary struggles etc.) first, then choose examples that comment on specific historic and contemporary events with a broader message for non-Native and Native audiences alike, all the while highlighting the creativity and professionalism of Native American musicians and bands.
This course will allow you to listen to original Native American voices in an engaging and meaningful way. It is especially recommended for future teachers of English.
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