1. Take just a moment to think about something you have researched in the past, and describe what that experience was like. What did you research? What were your reasons for researching it? What did you find out about the topic and about yourself? Did you find yourself seeking out primary or secondary sources? What kinds of sources did you use? How did you choose your topic, and what was the result of your research?
Feel free to choose any experience. You do not have to limit yourself to an academic research topic. You might reflect upon research that you did for your job, or you might want to reflect upon a time that you researched a large purchase, such as a new computer or a car.
2. Colonization: The period of exploration and colonization was filled with violence between the Europeans and Natives. Reflecting on what you have studied this week, in your opinion, was this violence inevitable as Europeans established colonies or could it have been avoided and a more pacifistic approach used to establish relations? Why? Crew, when you are thinking about this question, make sure that you put yourself in pre-colonial times. Consider things like international relations, cultural differences (religious, language, etc.), economic elements, and political differences.
Which was more enticing? What do you believe had the greater appeal of the American colonies for migrants: freedom of religion or economic opportunity? Remember to include evidence to help support your opinion.