Did you grow up playing “cowboys” and “Indians” and watching western-themed TV shows? Did your high school or university (or favorite sports team) have an Indian mascot? Have you noticed how many products use Native American imagery and logos? Join us as we explore the evolution of Native American stereotypes in America. We’ll start by viewing movies made in the early days of fascination and admiration. We’ll look at the “glory years” of the American Western and how portrayal transitioned in the 1970s and ‘80s to a resurgence of interest in and appreciation for Native American ways. We’ll end by exploring current efforts to realistically depict modern Native American life. Our investigation will rely primarily on movies, TV episodes, and TED Talks that we’ll view in class. To inform our discussions, we will also read additional selected short articles and stories. Your active participation in discussion is not only invited but expected.