The following post has two assignments namely;
The definition of the term ;carrying capacity is straight-forward, yet its applicability in understanding the relationship between human populations and natural resources remains contested.
Consider, for instance, how carrying capacity is mediated and complicated by myriad natural, social, cultural, and technological factors. In light of this complexity, do you think that the idea of
carrying capacity still has merit as it is applied to understanding the relationship between human populations and natural resource consumption? Or do you think that the idea of carrying capacity
should be discarded and replaced with a different way of understanding the relationship between human populations and natural resources?
1) Zinn and Foner offer differing portrayals of the Columbus story and of colonization/imperialism in general. Discuss these
portrayals, keeping in mind that Foner might be a bit more difficult to deal with because it is presented in a bit more subtle (but no
less biased) manner, while Zinn is not keeping any secrets regarding the motives and actions of Columbus, his men and other
Europeans.
The questions that historians, and with the Columbus issue, cultural activists and critics, have been considering include the
following:
2) Simplistically put, Columbus-Hero or Villain?
3) Should we talk about Columbus to our children? If so, at what age are they ready to hear about the things that Columbus’ men
did? WiII telling children about Columbus encourage children to loose faith in their country?
4) What sources are the textbook authors using? Pay special attention to Zinn’s sources; they give his history a certain credibility
on this topic.