I am doing a paper on The Minority Experience - American Indian Studies. My question would be how far back can any of this information acutually be documented? My professore replied this is fine as long as I make my focus a literay one. He suggest using the respective American Indian writings . What does this mean, where and how do I get started?

To address your question about how far back American Indian Studies can be documented, it's important to note that Indigenous peoples have a rich and diverse history that extends back thousands of years. Documenting their experiences began with oral traditions, which have been passed down through generations. The written records about American Indian history and experiences started with European contact and colonization.

Since your professor suggested focusing on American Indian writings, it seems they are encouraging you to utilize literary works by American Indian authors. This approach allows you to explore the minority experience from the perspective of those who have firsthand knowledge and personal narratives to share. By examining American Indian writings, you can gain insight into their experiences, struggles, culture, and resilience.

To get started, consider the following steps:

1. Research American Indian authors: Look for prominent American Indian authors such as Sherman Alexie, Leslie Marmon Silko, Louise Erdrich, N. Scott Momaday, Vine Deloria Jr., and Joy Harjo (the current U.S. Poet Laureate). Familiarize yourself with their works and their contributions to American Indian literature.

2. Select key works: Choose specific literary works that align with your paper's objectives. You can focus on novels, short stories, poetry, or essays that discuss the minority experience and American Indian identity.

3. Read and analyze the texts: Read the selected works carefully, taking notes on key themes, characters, historical context, and the author's writing style. Consider how these elements contribute to an understanding of the minority experience.

4. Incorporate scholarly sources: To enrich your analysis, include scholarly sources that provide historical, cultural, and social context about the American Indian experience. These may include books, articles, or academic papers written by scholars in the field of American Indian Studies.

5. Evaluate secondary sources: Look for reputable secondary sources that discuss and analyze American Indian literature, the historical context, and the significance of these works in understanding the minority experience. These sources will help you situate the literature within a broader academic discourse.

6. Formulate your arguments: Based on your analysis of the literary works and scholarly sources, develop a clear thesis statement, main arguments, and supporting evidence for your paper. Ensure that your literary analysis addresses the minority experience within the American Indian context.

Remember to always cite your sources accurately and adhere to any guidelines provided by your professor or academic institution. Good luck with your research and paper on The Minority Experience - American Indian Studies!