HIS 1301 Tidewater Community College Pre Columbian America Discussion Question 1 In the last couple of decade, certain incidents or moments have become li

HIS 1301 Tidewater Community College Pre Columbian America Discussion Question 1

In the last couple of decade, certain incidents or moments have become litmus tests for larger historical understandings. The arrival of Columbus to the New World is one such event. Both historians and the public at large have debated the meaning of Columbus’ voyages and his legacy. In this discussion, please explain what you understand to be the actual accomplishments or failures of Columbus, then discuss the legacy of the explorer specifically tied to Columbus Day. Does a man who never stepped into the Continental US deserve a federal holiday? What do you think of the argument for changing the name and focus of the holiday from Columbus to “Indigenous Peoples”? Does changing the holiday dishonor the heritage of Italian-Americans, a group that has also faced discrimination? Or does changing the name serve to recognize and affirm the overlooked history and contributions of Native Americans?

To receive full credit for this assignment your post must:

Address the questions asked in the paragraph above in at least a 300-word post and cite all outside sources appropriately
In your initial post, include at least one interesting question the readings raised for you

Question 2

One of the main jobs of historians is to interpret the past by reviewing primary documents, scholarly secondary sources, and then creating an analysis of this research. After reading your text and reviewing the assigned materials, submit an analysis of the recent and on-going research into Pre-Columbian America.
You might want to consider the following questions, but you are not limited to them: What has changed in the research into Pre-Columbian America? How does this research change your understanding of either Native Americans or Native American culture? Why does this research matter to our modern understanding of history?
This assignment should be at least 300 words and contain your reactions or questions about some specific issue within the historical narrative which you find compelling. For full credit, your paper must not simply sum up the reading or repeat points made there. Rather, I’m looking for you to create your own interpretation, explain the emotional content of the piece, or discuss some original insight. Include citations as needed.