Socratic Method Exploration leading to thesis development

1. SocraticMethodExplorationleading to thesis development Columbus... Hero or Villain ?

2. How can we effectively sort objective history from myth and legend ?

3. …WE can start with a little brainstorming for our Exploration Villainous …”traits” Needless harm inflicted Damage was intentional Callous + Selfish Stealing from others Negative Impact Victims Exploited Greed Rewarded Hypocrisy Evident Heroic … “traits” Exceptional Attempt, Risk+ Accomplishment Bravery, Worthy Cause Positive Impact Values Reinforced Role Model Behaviors Actions Justified

5. Christopher Columbus Hero • humble background / religious • successful pitchman for voyage • daring adventurer / bravery • successful risk taking exploration • role model entrepreneur • begins “Columbian Exchange” • cultural diffusion + knowledge • Commercial Revolution launched • literary / artistic impact on Renaissance • individual “exceptionalism” epitomized • Christianity replaces “pagan” worship • Christopher Columbus Villain • family relations = immorality • greedy lust for fame + fortune • tyranny over crew / distrustful • deception with Native Americans • brutality with Native Americans • abysmal leadership in America • example for later Conquistadores • destruction of cultures / ethnicities • prison time in Spain • de las Casas criticisms / complaints

7. Sample questions: Were the motives for the actions of Christopher Columbus honorable? How much of a factor is the historic time period (1400s-1500’s) for criticism or praise for the legacy of Christopher Columbus ? 3. Who would most value / appreciate the Columbus Heroic p o v ? Why ? 4. Who would be most offended by the Columbus legacy ? Why ?

10. Applying Tension Model Concepts: Columbus’ actions had both positive + negative motives. Columbus’ actions had both positive + negative outcomes. Columbus’ legacy is disputed based on the values of the observer. A “TENSION” loaded thesis p o v would include the counter-argument but be certain to more substantially support their stronger convictions with historic evidence and sound rationale. …after weighing the evidence in a thoughtful discussion / analysis… … write your P o V as a tension loaded thesis statement.

11. Tension Loaded Thesis Statements: … 2 typical resulting p o v s • …please note … the “counter-argument is conceded 1st … • then the “stronger conviction is delivered 2nd • Although Christopher Columbus has been labeled a diabolical villain • responsible for the downfall of primitive Meso-American cultures, • his greater heroic historic legacy is richly supported by the • notable spread of Western Institutions imbued with respect • for individual rights and achievement. • Despite the increase in European wealth and cultural diffusion • precipitated by the voyages of Christopher Columbus, • the more accurate historic legacy is a villainous “Black Legend” of • Spanish conquest, tantamount to a genocide of Native American • ethnicities, cultures, and civilizations.

12. Seminar Exploration Conclusion It seems the Columbus Legend is nearly mythical… …so much change was set in motion by his actions there is a tendency for hyperbole, overstatement, etc… …European Conquest meant so much to the course of World History…Columbus’ actions receive added attention relative to other factors causing dynamic shifts and upheaval…