whether indigenous Americans thought Europeans were gods or supernatural beings at their first encounter. You must write a response that takes a clear position on the question – yes or no (not both or neither)

This 2-3page (max 750 word) paper asks that you consider different interpretive frameworks for understanding primary sources. When we examine primary sources describing first encounters between indigenous groups and Europeans, we must read not only across the expanse of time, but also across culture. Many of your assigned sources, for example, were written by Europeans who described encounters but did not fully understand what they observed of indigenous groups. Ask yourself: What assumptions or motivations did Europeans and Indigenous Americans share in these moments of encounter, and in what ways might they have differed? How accurate were Europeans’ “reading” of Americans in these sources, and vice versa? Your interpretation will inform our first in-class debate.

The question to consider in your response is whether indigenous Americans thought Europeans were gods or supernatural beings at their first encounter. You must write a response that takes a clear position on the question – yes or no (not both or neither) – and presents a clear thesis.

If you answer YES, your thesis will be: Indigenous Americans thought Europeans were supernatural beings at their first encounter.

If you answer NO, your thesis will be: Indigenous Americans did not think Europeans were supernatural beings at their first encounter.

What you should include in your response paper:

1. State your thesis and summarize your main points (2-3). No other introduction is necessary – just get right to it!
2. Identify specific evidence from assigned readings (provide footnote citations in CMS format (see index)) for each point and explain how your interpretation of the evidence supports your thesis. You must include at least 3 different assigned primary sources (assigned Jan. 16 through Feb. 4). You may also use secondary sources like A Land So Strange and editors’ introductions for support, but these do not count as primary sources. NO OTHER SOURCES ARE ALLOWED. I would expect each main point to be addressed in a separate, logically organized paragraph with ample primary source evidence. The best points/paragraphs draw support from at least two separate primary sources and demonstrate comparisons and/or synthesis in analysis. The more connections you can make across different historical contexts, the stronger your analysis and overall thesis.
3. You may strengthen your thesis by anticipating counter-arguments and, if you can maintain logical consistency, rebut them using primary sources.

How your response paper #1 will be evaluated:

• Does the author clearly state the thesis and provide a succinct summary of the main reasons for this position?
• Is the selected evidence the best of that available to make the case in each paragraph? Does it support a main point? Has the author left out any relevant and strong supporting evidence?
• Is the evidence clearly introduced with factually accurate background information? Are the names, dates, and places correct?
• Is the evidence clearly explained and interpreted to maintain logical consistency?
• Is the evidence ample, drawn from at least three different assigned primary sources, and correctly cited, including page numbers when available?
• Is the paper no more than 750 words (not including footnote citations)?