Silko and Erdrich: Paradigm for Multicultural Education

Author

Jean Kathryn Como Sando, Indiana State University

Date of Award

Spring 8-1-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Mary Jean DeMarr

Second Advisor

Jeannie Thomas

Third Advisor

Jake Jakaitis

Abstract

Multicultural education is one of the most challenging issues for modern scholars. This thesis studies the issue of ethnicity in teaching, using the works of Leslie Marmon Silko and Louise Erdrich and the theory of R. Radhakrishnan which outlines "programmatic" and "radical" ethnicity. Louise Erdrich and Leslie Silko are women about the same age, of mixed-race heritage, but they represent very different agendas within the Native American community and the American community as a whole. They are not interchangeable; Erdrich focuses on individuals, Native and non-Native, inside a bizarre community. Her concept involves radical ethnicity. Silko's characters are more important as members of a community than as individuals. She is emphasizing programmatic ethnicity. By using the works of these writers I hope to show that they should be taught in tandem since each author contributes vitally to the understanding of Native American literature.

Recommended Citation

Como Sando, Jean Kathryn, "Silko and Erdrich: Paradigm for Multicultural Education" (1993). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3642.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3642