The Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools: A Historical Reflection
Overview
For this assignment, you will select the link/documentary above that depicts some topic/issue related to race and interracial communication. Suggested list of documentaries is provided below. Watch one of the documentaries from the list below and write a 750-1000 word essay on what you learned from the documentary and how it relates to the topics of our class. Going over 1000 word limit is ok.
Writing Your Essay
The essay should reflect careful thought, writing, and attention to form. The essay is a form of expository prose, a kind of writing in which you argue several points. Once you selected your documentary, watch it several times, noting the thesis and the subpoints in the reading. You can also note aspects of style that affect the strengths and weaknesses in the article, and how well the article develops its main ideas and subpoints. If you are not familiar with the topic/issue discussed in the documentary, you will need to do additional research to learn about the event/topic/issue covered in the news article.
Work on this essay similarly to how you completed your first assignment. Begin with an outline, write a draft, then refine your essay.
Additional Research Required
To support your analysis, you must cite at least 2 scholarly sources. These have to be in addition to sources you read as part of the course. So citing course readings is strongly suggested but will not count towards the 2 source requirement.
Grading Criteria
The essays will be evaluated according to: 1) soundness of content (logic and reasoning in support of the thesis; development of main points; 2) clear organization (intro, body, conclusion; subpoints fully developed); 3) writing style (effective language, grammar, punctuation, and proper format in references); and 4) use of sources (cited sources are credible and used fully, not just for one quote)
The Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools: A Historical Reflection
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Navigating the complex narrative of Indian Boarding Schools in the United States, the documentary Indian Boarding School delves into a history marked by profound contradictions in race relations and cultural assimilation. It focuses on the realities of the Indian Boarding School and educational system, serving as a microcosm of broader themes. This essay aims to dissect the documentary's exploration of these schools, scrutinizing their profound impact on Indigenous communities and the ensuing ripples in the landscape of race and interracial communication. Through this analysis, we seek to unravel the intricate interplay between cultural identity and historical narratives, casting a new light on a complex chapter of American history.
Overview of the Documentary
In the documentary, the Santa Fe Indian School emerges not just as an educational institution but as a symbol, encapsulating the complex evolution of the American Indian education system since the Civil War. Intriguingly, the documentary traces the boarding school concept back to Lieutenant Richard Henry Pratt, a figure whose actions during the westward expansion epitomize the stark juxtaposition between cultural annihilation and forced assimilation.
Intertwined in this narrative is the subtle yet significant shadow of President Thomas Jefferson. His policies and ideologies, particularly regarding Native American lands and the early seeds of what would become the concept of 'civilizing' Native Americans, unwittingly set the stage for this