Sophomores, Welcome to Livin' In The Future. This site will be used as a supplement to your United States History course. Here I can post links to articles, news stories, video clips, etc. As stated in your syllabus, some homework assignments and extra credit options will be issued through this blog.
In case you were wondering, I got the title 'Livin In The Future' from a Bruce Springsteen song that was stuck in my head the day I created this blog. Some of you may have just snickered that I like Bruce Springsteen, and some of you may have wondered, 'Bruce who?' but his song title has stuck with this blog for the past two years. And you know what?... you are living in the future. In order to understand how to successfully move forward we must first look back...all way back to the discovery and colonization of America.
"In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue." Most of you remember this little rhyme from grade school to recall the year Christopher Columbus "discovered" America. As we discussed in class, there are conflicting opinions about the impact of his discovery. The cultural collision, known as the Columbian Exchange, that occurred when the East (Native Americans) met the West (the Europeans) had a profound impact on both cultures. Is he a hero who carried Christian civilization across the Atlantic Ocean, or is he linked to conquest and imperialism? (If you don't know what imperialism is look it up in the glossary of your text, or use the web) Read through your notes and ch 1, section 4 (pgs 22-26) of your text to answer the following questions.
Part of being a historian is having the ability to analyze written sources. How does your text portray the story of Christopher Columbus and the impact of his "discovery?" Does your text mention anything about conquest, domination, heroism, or the start of the slave trade? Be sure to explain your answer, as well as use information from your notes and the text to support your decision. Your answer should be at least 15 lines (not sentences). Answer in complete sentences and use specific information from the book, but do not plagiarize.
Blog Homework Rating
5: Excellent, thorough answers that are written in your own words. Complete
sentences are used. Required length is met.
4: Good answers in your own words. Complete sentences are used, however some
supporting details are missing. Required length is met.
3: Average answers. Missing many details.
2: Answer is too short and inadequate
0-1: No effort was made to read or submit an appropriate answer; or the assignment is not
