In this unit, you studied 19th century America through religious, economic, and social lenses. Outside of academic or classroom environments, we seldom consider any lens for examining history apart from our own personal lens, informed by our own individual values and experiences. Your discussion assignment for Unit 6 is to write a discussion post of 2 paragraphs (totaling 250-300 words) that discusses 2 of these different lenses in your own life and answers ALL of the following questions:
Use an economic lens to evaluate your own life. Describe your economic reality and how this informs your own decisions and priorities.
How does your economic lens shape your view of 19th century America and how is it different from the view(s) of people from that period?
Use a social/moral lens to evaluate how you view the world you live in today. What are the most pressing social and moral issues of our time? What is your perspective on how these issues should be addressed? How does your social/moral lens shape your view of 19th century America and how is it different from the view(s) of people from that period?