Essays and Research Papers on Native Indian Studies

4 pages in length. The writer discusses similarities and differences between the Mayan and Inca political structure, as well as addresses the religious influences of the architectural layout and planning of Teotihuacan. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

In 6 pages the author gives a general overview of the Aztec Empire. Their beginning, how they came about, their growth, success, and eventual decline are discussed. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

Provides a 7 page overview of the various factors which are used to determine whether or not a person is indeed a Native American. Stresses the importance of what is in the heart rather than phylogenetic or stereotypical images of what a 'true' Native American is. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 10 page overview of the Blackfeet. Provides historical information from the eighteenth century onward including specific information regarding subsistence patterns and ceremonies such as the Sun Dance and the Shaking Tent Ceremony, as well as contemporary population numbers. Bibliography lists 11 sources.

A 9 page overview of marriage in three indigenous cultures from three separate geographic areas: The Inca, the Navajo and the Masai. Provides general information about marital responsibilities and ritual. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

A 10 page exploration of Geronimo, the great Apache warrior. Bibliography lists six sources.

A 5 page exploration of the term 'Koyaanisqatsi' which means 'life out of balance,' its relation to Hopi life, ceremony and legend, and its relation to all life. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 6 page comparison of the philosophies of two very different yet very similar peoples. Emphasizes the importance of nature and harmony to both cultures. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the book Rabbit Boss by Thomas Sanchez and compares and contrasts the anesthetic sense of ritual with the notion of the savage and savage acts experienced by the Washo and the migrating settlers. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper discussing the use of imagination in the book titled, 'The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven,' by Sherman Alexie. This book, filled with many hard-hitting and often humorous stories, uses imagination in many ways. On the surface the use of imagination is obviously used in light of the fact ...

A 5 page paper that reviews Weatherford's book, focusing upon defining his thesis and demonstrating support for Weatherford's belief that major political, cultural, and social constructs in the Americas, including the economy, were based on the principles and techniques of Native American communities. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 15 page paper looking at the Episodios Nacionales series by Spanish author Benito Perez Galdos. The paper specifically analyzes Perez Galdos' use of romantic and realist techniques, and concludes he has found the perfect balance to express the Spanish character. Bibliography lists eleven sources.

A 5 page paper that provides an overview of the life and work of White and reflects on the major themes in his The Roots of Dependency. White's book essentially discusses the subsistence, environment and social change among Native American tribes in his work The Roots of Dependency. Bibliography lists 1 source.

An 11 page paper that considers the extent to which the book From Time Immemorial: Indigenous Peoples and State Systems by R. Perry addresses the relationship between the nation-state and the aboriginal communities of Australia, and provides specific examples to round out Perry's limited perspective. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Austin~1.wps

A 5 page essay discussing the Native American society and conservatism. Issues discussed include world view orientation, impact of the Western traders and other influences on Native American world view and concluding remarks regarding the validity of the conservatism argument. No sources are listed.

A 5 page paper discussing Sherman Alexie’s novel taking a far different tack on the native American reservation view of outside society. Reservation Blues contains condemnation of social issues as they stand, but Alexie’s talent prevents his work from being a novelized version of a lecture directed at evil whites busily subjugating Alexie and ...

A 3 page overview of the usefulness of comparing archaeological data with information gleaned from ethnographic accounts. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page discussion of the interactions of the Maya and the Franciscan Missionaries. Presents the view that the Franciscan goal revolved around two issues: conversion of the Maya to Christianity and the production of revenue for Spain. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 9 page overview of Cherokee familial relations. Discusses the role of women and men and provides details on the matrilineal descent practice, clans, how it was determined who could marry whom, who was responsible for child care, and other aspects of Cherokee family life. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A six page analysis of these two important works on ancient Mayan tradition. The paper asserts that in comparing Mayan myths with those of the Old Testament, the Mayans emphasize self-reliance and the use of intelligence while the Old Testament emphasizes obedience. No additional sources.

A 7 page discussion of Native American property rights. Provides a brief historical review of the move to the reservation system and tribally owned lands and then the pressures to dissolve that tribal ownership. Ties the concept of property rights into the issue of sovereignty and concludes that tribally owned lands are ...

A 5 page discussion of the Sacred Pipe and its recent return to the people. Traces the importance of the Pipe, Its Loss, and Return under the North American Graves and Repatriation Act. Emphasizes that the return of the Pipe is critical to the survival of Cheyenne culture. Bibliography lists 3 sources. ...

A 6 page overview of the Shawnee tribe of Native Americans. Provides a cultural description of the Shawnee and a brief overview of their encounters with the white encroachers to their lands in the 1700s and 1800s. Outlines the role of Tecumseh in these encounters, the ultimate loss of Shawnee traditional lands, and ...

A 5 page overview of the factors which have affected Native American culture. Defines Native American culture as being composed of a number of distinctive components. Relates the concern that while the number of Native Americans may be increasing, the cultures of many groups are being lost as they associate more and more with mainstream ...

A 4 page outline of three of the most noteworthy Native American military alliances formed to resist the European subjugation they were expected to endure. Provides an outline of the reasons the alliances were formed and a brief encapsulation of the details and outcome of each. Bibliography lists 3 sources.