Discussion 1 Columbus Day

Instructions:

1. [READ CHAPTER 2] Before you begin this assignment, you will need to review chapter 2 “Early Globalization: The Atlantic World 1492-1650” in the textbook to learn the historical context on Christopher Columbus.

2. [REVIEW PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES] After completing reading chapter 2 “Early Globalization: The Atlantic World 1492-1650,” you will proceed to read and review the following primary and secondary resources on the topic of Columbus Day.

Primary Source #1:

1. Read the Introduction to Columbus’s Journal and his diary entries on October 11th, 14th, and November 4th. (Links to an external site.)

Secondary Source #2:

2. “Five Myths of Christopher Columbus” by Kris Lane (2015) (Links to an external site.)

Secondary Source #3:

3. “Can a Holiday to Honor Native Americans Help Heal a History of Oppression?” by The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board (2016) download

Secondary Source #4:

4. “Columbus Should be Celebrated” by David A. Sprecace in the Denver Post Editorial (2007) download

Secondary Source #5:

5. “Christopher Columbus | Native Americans | One Word” by the Cut (Links to an external site.)

3. [ASSESS AND POST A TOPIC REPLY/30 points]: Now that you have reviewed the readings and sources, what are your thoughts on Columbus Day? To complete this assignment, you will participate in this online class discussion on the topic of Columbus Day by posting a Topic Reply (minimum of 400 words) that answers all of the following critical thinking questions:

• What was your previous understanding of Christopher Columbus? Did you ever participate in a celebration of Columbus Day?
• Based on the sources, what were Columbus’s true motives for sailing west of the Atlantic?
• Based on the sources, what were his intentions with the Native Americans?
• What are the reasons why some states continue to celebrate Columbus Day? What are the reasons why many states have abolished it?
• Do you think America should abolish Columbus Day? Explain your position
• Will abolishing Columbus Day help Native Americans to address and solve the issues within their communities?