ES360/FNR360-370: Ethncity and the Land

Dr. Colleen O'Neill
Winter 2004
Interpretive paper:

Ethnicity and Landscape in
Daryl Babe Wilson’s The Morning the Sun Went Down

In Wisdom Sits in Places, Keith Basso takes us on a journey through the Western Apache landscape. Through his retelling of their stories we develop a complicated understanding of the role of “the land” in shaping Western Apache cultural identity. Thinking through Basso’s ideas about place and place-making, offer an analysis of The Morning the Sun Went Down, and think about how the natural world informs his cultural identity (as part of the Pit River Nation -- Achumawe/Atsughewi). How does his relationship to the natural world shape and reinforce his cultural identity?

This question is deliberately open-ended. As long as you examine the relationship between culture and landscape, the specific topic of your paper is up to you. This is not a simple plot summary or "book report." Your grade will be based on the depth of your analysis and the quality of your writing. Your paper should be approximately 1000-1250 words, typed and double-spaced with 1-inch margins.

You do not need to do outside research for this paper, although you may refer to class readings (with appropriate citations) if they pertain to your argument. And, please do not use literary criticism or other literary analysis that you may find in published journals or on the internet. A late paper will be penalized 1/2 a grade for every day it is late. If you need help or want to talk about your ideas for the paper, please do not hesitate to come see me during office hours or make an appointment.

The paper is due in class on March 3rd.

Good luck and happy writing!