In this course, students will explore the groundbreaking series Reservation Dogs, a coming of age comedy/drama about four Indigenous teens navigating loss, identity, and the ties that hold their community together. Through weekly episode viewings, we will examine how the show blends humor and heart to highlight themes of self-awareness, friendship, cultural heritage, and collective responsibility.
Students will discuss how each character grows by understanding their place within a larger community, such as family, friends, ancestors, and the land itself, and how those connections shape their choices. Along the way, the class will analyze storytelling techniques, representation, and the importance of indigenous voices in media.
Weekly writing assignments, both short form responses and long form essays will have students respond to characters’ journeys, explore moments of personal insight, and reflect on how community supports healing and growth.