Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Course Description 

Provides an overview of Native American artwork with an emphasis on artwork from the United States and tribes that spanned the US-Canada border. Examines artwork from all eras of Indigenous culture. Compares contemporary Native American artwork with artwork from earlier eras. Studies Native American artistic traditions, and discusses issues and themes particular to Indigenous artwork. Explores the cultural, political, social, and historic contexts for the artwork, providing students with a multidisciplinary understanding of Indigenous artwork. Prioritizes Indigenous voices as a direct source of knowledge and insight. This course is also offered as ART 203; a student who enrolls in this course a second time under either designator will be subject to the course repeat policy. 

Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available. 

Intended Outcomes 

Upon successful completion students should be able to:
Recognize the breadth and depth of Native American artistic traditions. 

Understand the social, cultural, political, and historic contexts for Native American artwork. Examine the issues and themes that are explored by Indigenous artists through their artwork. 

Explore how Native American art has changed over time to incorporate new materials and accommodate cultural shifts. Articulate how contemporary Native American art addresses various themes and issues using both culturally relevant and contemporary methods. 

Apply insights gained from lectures and discussions to create a culturally sensitive project that explores Native American artwork. 

Course Requirements 

This class will explore difficult issues, such as genocide, racism, poverty, and colonial violence. It is important that students engage in discussions with sensitivity and respect toward the material and each other. 

Classes will incorporate both lecture and discussions. Guest artists and experts will be brought in to provide inside perspectives on the material. Whenever possible, field trips will be arranged so that students can experience American Indian artwork in person. 

Students will need a laptop, webcam, and microphone.