Please note that you will receive an assignment sheet specifically for your particular GROUP later in the semester – this is a general overview of a new assignment in this course!
INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the laws, documents and customs relating to African burials in early New York City. Students will also gain exposure to the social, political, economic and historical effects of the descent, distribution and ownership of property under New York laws. In addition, students will be able to analyze the will clauses found in the earliest of New York wills and compare them to modern will clauses.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES
a. Focusing event: A field trip to the African Burial Ground (290 Broadway) during Week Nine of the semester.
b. Teaching procedures:
1. Shared Readings:
National Park Service Brochure, Two wills from early New York
2. Lecture from a National Park Ranger during a one and one half hour visit to the Visitor’s Center where students can begin researching their assigned portion followed by the preparation of a group wiki and a group oral report (each group presents their research for no longer than 10 minutes) plus a one page individual memo.
3. Student Research: Students will receive a personal grade for posting a memo synthesizing their research. Teams will also receive a group grade for their wiki postings and oral report.
GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES ADDRESSED:
1.Communication Skills: the ability to read, write, speak and listen effectively.
2, Critical Thinking: the ability to analyze complex issues and to evaluate information.
3. Research and Computer Skills: the ability to acquire, evaluate and synthesize information using appropriate technology in an ethical and legal manner
4. Humanistic and Social Inquiry: an understanding of and respect for cultural diversity, the human experience and the interconnectedness of global and local concerns.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES
1. Will analysis exercise
2. Individual memo – rubric
3. Team wiki posting – rubric
4. Oral presentation – rubric
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE
Working collaboratively, teams of students will investigate various topics and report (in writing and orally) on:
TEAM ONE: AFRICANS IN EARLY NEW YORK
Students will research:
Will laws/Slavery laws under the Dutch in New York (17th century)
Will laws/Slavery laws under the English in New York (18th century)
Real and personal property ownership laws in early New York
TEAM TWO: SACRED GROUND
Students will research:
History of the Burial Ground (to late 18th century)
Laws regarding early burials
Burial rituals
Gravegoods
TEAM THREE: REDISCOVERY/REINTERMENT
Students will research:
Recent history of the Burial Ground – controversy and resolution
Modern New York law regarding cemeteries/burials/desecration of graves
TEAM FOUR: REMEMBRANCE
Students will research:
Howard University findings
Design of the monument – importance of symbols
Contemporary African burial practices – similarities/differences
All students will also be required to analyze the will clauses in two historical wills as part of the Wills of the Rich and Famous assignment as well
