Term Paper 1

AIS 310 American Indian Religion & Philosophy

Time, Space and People

Critique and Analyze the material, then Support your position.

– Introduction (1 page)

· Is there one religious view/practice that all American Indian groups adhere to?

· What did you already know about American Indian religion and philosophy?

· What did you expect or hope to learn?

– Time (1-2 pages)

· How does history play a significant role in what takes place within an American Indian religion/philosophy? Consider federal law, role of the military, western religions.

· Give examples of American Indian religious practices that reflect a specific time period.

– Space (1-2 pages)

· Give examples of how geography is significant in religious practices?

· There are examples of how a Native view of the land might differ from other people. Describe this conflict and how it is initiated or how it perpetuates. (Refer to the film: In the Light of Reverence)

· Describe or interpret how the origin stories (those in iLearn) might give us information about the people and their environment.

– People (2-3 pages)

· Describe how people are involved in their ceremony (either as an individual, or as a group; you can describe a specific ceremony, the preparation of the ceremony, or how it is conducted).

· What do you consider to be the purpose or expected outcome of their ceremonies? You can choose a general theme or a case-by-case study.

– Conclusion (1 page)

· What do you now understand about American Indian religion and philosophy?

· Compare your knowledge of American Indian religion and philosophy to another major religious practice and/or philosophy.

NOTE: Use terms from the Glossary, found in iLearn.