CORE 176: North American Indians
Spring 2000 T-Th 1:00-2:30, Alumni 209
Professor Thomas D. Hall
A. Lindsay O'Connor Professor of American Institutions
417 Alumni Hall, x7545, email:thall; web: people.colgate.edu/thall
OFFICE HOURS:  Tu 6-7; Th 3-5, & by appointment
FIRST REACTION PAPER
Due in Class Thursday, February 17
Last Updated 2-2-00

Write a 4 to 5 page (1200-1800 word), typed, double-spaced, essay on ONE of the topics below. Be sure to consult the general instructions, How to Write Essays for Professor Hall.
Paper form: NO Cover pages or binders Name, course, paper, & topic in the upper LEFT-hand corner:

Your Name
Core 176
RP 1, TOPIC X, where X = topic letter
Page 1

If you do not know how to set running headers, you may write it in by hand!

References:  For references to class texts you need only put author and page in parentheses [e.g., "blah, blah, blah...." (Margolin, p. 133)]. For references to material OUTSIDE OF COURSE TEXTS use " blah, blah, blah,....." (Smith & Weson 1938, p. 45) and a bibliography at the end (NOT on a separate page).

Remember:   Essays are FORMAL exercises, no slang, no contractions, correct spelling and grammar are required.  In your FIRST draft, work at getting your ideas on paper. In your SECOND draft, work on getting the argument in order. In your THIRD draft work on grammar, spelling etc. Keep the introduction, BRIEF, get right to the point.  Write it last!

*** NO Bibliography for course books ***
** Label Your Topic**

GENERAL:  For purposes of this paper, you may assume that Margolin's account of the Ohlone is correct.

Topic A:  Compare and contrast Ohlone culture with American culture.  Describe at least 4 ways they are similar.  Describe at least 4 ways they are different.  For the differences, if you could remake the world, which if any of the four differences among the Ohlone would you implement in our world?   Why?

Topic B:   Some people have argued that "civilization" is better than "savagery."  Such people usually consider peoples like the Ohlone as "savages."  Based on Margolin's account how would you counter this argument?  Name at least four factors or features of Ohlone life make it desirable, and not savage?  Why are they desirable?  How would "civilization" benefit from having them?
 
Note: the answer to "WHY" is the heart of each essay. That is, logic and evidence, not position on the issue, is the key factor. Try to think of arguments FOR & AGAINST your position, and state why those FOR it are more persuasive.

Send comments or questions to thall@mail.colgate.edu