Introduction to Indigenous Philosophy

Catalog description

This course serves as an introduction to Indigenous thought with an emphasis on Lenape philosophy. West Chester University occupies the land of the Lenape. This land, known as Lënapehòkink (Lenapehoking), is the source of Lenape beliefs, practices, and stories. As such, throughout the course students will be reading Lenape stories, while also focusing on Lenape history and culture to provide context for the ideas and morals found in those stories. They will begin with some articles on general themes that are common in Indigenous thought. Then, since they are on Lënapehòkink, students will focus on the history and stories of the Lenape whose descendants are now members of the Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe of Indians, and Stockbridge-Munsee Community in the U.S. and the Delaware Nation at Moraviantown, Munsee-Delaware Nation, and Six Nations of the Grand River in Canada.