Archaeology
ANT 207
Spring 2010

21 April 2010

Instead of two more of the ‘standard’ Friday presentations we will have a final assignment that is a little different in nature.  As you know, there are two sides to every story.  In each of the two cases below Native American rights (to land and to their ancestors) are being challenged by modern development projects.

There are two parts to this assignment – a written part and a class presentation to a partner.  Read and (if possible) listen to each of these two National Public Radio (NPR) reports and do the following for each of the two reports:

1)      Identify the main issues(s) that are controversial.  Think as broadly as you can and try to identify as many other issues (aside from the main one) that are related to each controversy as you can.

2)      Be prepared to argue on the side of each of the main parties.  Justify your particular position.

3)      Work as hard as you can to convince your partner that your position is more valid than that of the opposing side.  How can you defend your particular beliefs?

4)      Does each side have a valid case to make about their particular position or stance?  Why or why not?

5)      How might the controversy be solved so that both sides are satisfied, getting what they want in the end?  Or can both sides be satisfied?  Why or why not?

On Monday April 26, 2010 you will pick a partner and discuss each of these two reports.  Specifically, you will take the side of either a Native American tribal member (a Cree or Tongva) or a developer (Hydro-Quebec or Playa Vista Development Co.).  You won’t know until class which side you’ll be arguing for, so that’s why you have to be prepared to argue both sides.  Once you know which side of the controversy you’re on you will work to convince your partner why your side has the right to either develop the property or to leave the land as it is and not proceed with development.

At Playa Vista, a Controversy over Indian Remains

by Karen Grigsby Bates

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9940767

Thirst for Energy Fuels Controversial Power Project

by Brian Mann

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16093528

Requirements:

You are to write a three to four page double-spaced paper that is typed, 1” margins all around (so about 1 ½-2 pages should be devoted to writing your thoughts about each controversy.  Make sure you address each of the points above for each of the two NPR reports.  No citations are needed, but do make a separate cover page with your name, the date and the name and number of our class.

In your paper:

• Identify the main issues(s) that are controversial.  Think as broadly as you can and try to identify as many other issues (aside from the main one) that are related to each controversy as you can.
• Outline the positions of each side - the developers as well as the Native Americans and defend the positions, needs and beliefs of each side.  Justify your particular position.
• Does each side have a valid case to make about their particular position or stance?  Why or why not?
• How might the controversy be solved so that both sides are satisfied, getting what they want in the end?  Or can both sides be satisfied?  Why or why not?

This last paper is to be turned in at the end of class on Monday 26 April 2010, our last day of class.  Please bring your paper to class stapled.  It is worth two Friday presentations (outlines, summaries, capture sheets and presentations) or 30 points total.