Syllabus for Period 1 (abbreviated)
Lesson 1 (L1): To what extent did European ethnocentrism alter the political,
social, and economic lives of Native Americans?
Day 1:
(Homework for Day 1)
1. Define ethnocentrism.
2. Review your summer assignment
3. Readings: Zinn (Chapter 1: Columbus, The Indians, and Human Progress.
Begin reading at “Columbus wrote…” end reading at “…the culture of education and
the mass media”. (Link for this reading can be found on our website under Period 1)
4. Exploring the Issue: “Was Conflict Between Europeans and Native
Americans Inevitable?” (PDF link can be found on our website under Period 1, at the bottom of the page.)
5. “America, Through the Eyes of its People” / Print out for Class (PDF link can
be found on our website under Period 1, at the bottom of the page.)
(Classwork for Day 2)
A. “Why do Maps Change Over Time?” (Reading Like in a Historian)
B. “America, Through the Eyes of its People”.
1. Document Analysis (PATH= Purpose, Audience, The Author, Historical Context).
2. Apply PATH for each document and write a response for each question
that follows.
Day 2:
(Homework for Day 2)
1. Continue with the Zinn reading.
2. Begin reading for Day 3’s Debate: “Was Conflict Between Europeans and
Native Americans Inevitable?” (PDF link can be found on our website under Period 1, at the
bottom of the page.) Gather facts that would support either side of the argument. You
will be told which side you are on in class and given time to prepare an argument.
(Classwork for Day 2)
1. Complete the “Consequences” assignment by applying your document
analysis skills and writing a response to the prompt question, (What were the
consequences of early Spanish exploration, conquest, and settlement in the New World
for native peoples?).
2. Class discussion
Day 3:
(Homework for Day 3)
1. Finish reading, “Was Conflict Between Europeans and Native Americans
Inevitable?”. Gather facts to support an argument on either side.
(Classwork for Day 3)
1. Philosophical Chairs (debate). “Was Conflict Between Europeans and Native
Americans Inevitable?” You will be assigned a side and allowed time to prepare an
argument in class. The method of the debate will be instructed in class.
2. Quickie Quiz (20%): (5 Mins---responding to 2 multiple choice questions).
3. Quiz grade(80%): Write an essay responding to the Main Aim question above (L1)