1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Phoenix College Brings First Navajo Literature Course to the Maricopa Community College District

By: Christy Skeen

Beginning this semester, students a Phoenix College will have the opportunity to explore the works of prominent Navajo writers and poets, thanks to the newly developed English 262 – Navajo Literature course.

Phoenix College is the first college within the Maricopa Community College District to offer this particular course, which will be implemented into the American Indian Studies Program.

The literature course will allow students to get a more in depth understanding of one of the largest American Indian tribes in America—the Navajos. The class will cover Navajo literature and beyond: oral tradition, ideology, history and culture. Students will examine both poetry and fiction.

In addition to highly praised works ranging from Luci Tapahonso’s The Women Are Singing to Irvin Morris’ From the Glittering World, students will also examine and critique current films with elements linked to the Navajo culture.

Navajo Literature instructor, Hershman John is extremely excited about teaching this course. In addition to teaching such courses like Native Images and American Indian Literature, John believes this particular course allows for more time to specifically focus on Navajo Literature.

"I love teaching American Indian Literature, but there is a lot more literature out in Indian country to doing any justice to the study of this work," he said. "As a result, Navajo Literature gives more time and opportunity to just focus strictly on this subject. Now students can fully explore Navajo Literature to its fullest."

For more information about the course, please call (602) 285-7367.