Module 1 Discussion

Contains unread posts

You may answer one or both questions in your initial post. I suggest that you answer both questions. Your initial response should be at least two paragraphs long.

1. If you were asked to provide a definition of what is an American and what it means to be American, what would you say? Why is it such a difficult task to describe an American and to define what it means to be American? Is America a unique place? Are Americans unique? Why or why not? How does this discussion relate to the Saint Leo University Core Value of Community?

2. Chapter 1 of the textbook describes the evolution of the cultivation of maize. Keeping in mind the SLU core value of community, explain how the evolution of maize cultivation accompanied the development and intertribal relations of the Southeastern tribes.

Module 2 Discussion

You may answer one or both questions in your initial post. I suggest that you answer both questions. Your initial response should be at least two paragraphs long.

1. Compare and contrast Native American experiences with Europeans in New York (Henry Hudson and the Algonquians), Pennsylvania (William Penn and the Delaware) and in Virginia (the Powhatan and the English).

2. Provide examples of and explain how Native Americans were tricked into giving up their land. What schemes exist in society today to trick people out of their money, property, or possessions?

Module 3 Discussion

You may answer one or all questions in your initial post. I suggest that you answer both questions. Your initial response should be at least two paragraphs long.

1. Is there a universal moral code? Are there certain activities or actions that are considered wrong by all cultural groups across space and time? Why or why not?

2. Would you work with someone you do not trust or respect in order to accomplish a goal? Do the ends justify the means? Why or why not?

Module 4 Discussion

You may answer one or both questions in your initial post. I suggest that you answer both questions. Your initial response should be at least two paragraphs long.

1. Discuss American conceptions of "civilized" behavior and Cherokee expectations that they would be able to keep their land in light of their adoption of this lifestyle. How does their forced removal align with the SLU core values of respect and integrity?

2. You viewed a video that showed the Bureau of Indian Affairs apologizing to Native Americans. Is the United States Government's official apology to the Native American people for centuries of mistreatment meaningful? Would such an apology make you feel better if you were Native American? Why or why not? How does this align with the SLU core values of respect and integrity?

Module 5 Discussion

You may answer one or more questions in your initial post. I suggest that you answer more questions. Your initial response should be at least two paragraphs long.

1. Does Democracy mean that the desires of the majority should at all times supersede the interests of the minority? Should Native Americans be moved aside since elected officials precipitated this action?

2. Discuss American conceptions of "civilized" behavior and Cherokee expectations that they would be able to keep their land in light of their adoption of this lifestyle. How does their forced removal align with the SLU core values of respect and integrity?

Module 6 Discussion

You may answer one or both questions in your initial post. I suggest that you answer both questions. Your initial response should be at least two paragraphs long.

1. Why were Christianization and farming key elements of the reformers' efforts to assimilate Native Americans during the 19th century?

2. The Dawes Act paved the way for Americans to gain access to lands in Indian Territory. Do you think these settlers knew they were doing harm to Native Americans? Explain your answer.

Module 7 Discussion

You may answer one or more questions in your initial post. I suggest that you answer more questions. Your initial response should be at least two paragraphs long.

1. If you were listening to the arguments against termination presented by Oliver La Forge in the video clip below, would you be convinced that termination was a policy that should not be pursued? Why or why not?

2. Prior to the 1940s the government provided a safety net for Native Americans by allocating tens of millions of dollars each year for Native American programs. Why were Native Americans singled out for this special treatment? Should the government have set this money aside for them? Why or why not?

Module 8 Discussion

You may answer one or both questions in your initial post. I suggest that you answer both questions. Your initial response should be at least two paragraphs long.

1. Was the Native American Movement more similar to the Civil Rights Movement or the Black Power Movement? Why?

2. Is the Native American gaming industry the answer to Native American economic problems? Why or why not?

3. If you were in charge of creating policy related to Native Americans in society today, what initiatives would you pursue to help improve their social and economic problems?