ANS 239: Native American/Alaska Native Children’s Literature

This course will explore Native American storytelling and literature for children with an emphasis on Alaska Native/Iñupiaq literature and oral tradition. Topics covered will include: the history of multicultural literature for children, the representation (and misrepresentation) of Native American/ Alaskan Natives in children’s literature, and storytelling traditions. Students will examine the pedagogical aspects of multicultural literature, learning, through practical application, techniques for using literature, including oral literature, as a means of incorporating language and culture into the curriculum. This course meets the initial teacher certification requirements of AS 14.20.20(h) and 4 AAC 12.075(b) of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Office of Teacher Education and Certification, Approved Courses (for specific certification requirements, please see http://www.eed.state.ak.us/TeacherCertification/).