Preface:

This seminar will be taught at the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, and is inspired by the new exhibition Native American Voices: The People – Here and Now which will open at Penn Museum on March 1, 2014. The exhibition introduces contemporary Native American leaders and concerns in Indian country today, against the backdrop of Penn Museum’s remarkable Native American collections. The course will ask the following questions: What is the status of Native Americans in our country today? What issues are of concern in Indian country now? And, who are some of the current leaders? Topics to be explored include Native American sovereignty, language preservation, the importance of sacred places, the significance of ongoing commemorations and celebrations, and economic and health initiatives. Teachers will have the opportunity to explore a variety of tribes and topics and to become familiar with Native American material culture through hands on experience.
Teachers can create their own curriculum in relation to, or independent of, the five year exhibition. Teachers of social studies and history will find this topic especially useful.