For this discussion thread, I would like you to post two paragraphs. Each paragraph should summarize and explain each opposing position on The 1619 Project. I do not want you to take a side in this Discussion; just show that you understand what each side is arguing. You can begin by stating what the 1619 Project is, then explain the position and why those that believe this position believe that they are correct. Questions you can consider: What do they think is at stake in this problem? What changes would they like to see to the way we teach the past? What reasons do they provide for why they take the position they do? How is this position different from the other side? What are the critiques they give about why the opposing side is wrong?

In the final section of the course, I’d like you to think about building on the work we have done with our own voice and our own stories and work toward addressing an issue. I’m calling this “Issue Review” rather than “Research” because what I would like to see is that you can discuss an issue objectively and intelligently in a well organized essay. I do not expect you to do outside research for the next two essays, but I do expect you to consider the issue from the perspective of the sources that I provide. You will not be graded on your stance on the issue, only on the clarity and organization of your writing.

The 1619 Project

I have chosen the 1619 Project mostly because it has been in the news often in the last year. I think it also represents a tendency in public issues today that we should be aware of. The tendency I mean is that an academic issue becomes politicized. I don’t mean to suggest that academic issues do not have political importance; they certainly always do. I mean that the current volatile (and often uncivil) political climate takes the issue on as a point of debate, making it difficult to see the issue beyond the lens of contemporary political affiliations. I would like you to learn a bit about the 1619 Project and to consider the criticisms that some have leveled against it.

To begin our consideration of the 1619 Project, I would like you to watch the following video in which a debate between two scholars is moderated by a journalist. The information presented in this video will be essential to the success of your next two essays. Make sure you watch the entire video and that you take notes while watching. What you should be looking for while watching is what each person says about the 1619 Project and on what terms they defend or critique the project.