Learning Module 2 – Activity One

Juniper and Thomas Jefferson
Fall 2009

Introduction:

 

In this class, we will be viewing video excerpts from the documentary “Slavery and the Making of America.” These excerpts are posted in Talon Net.  I decided to use these excerpts for two reasons. First, as noted in the orientation, the central theme for this class is exploring the meaning of American democracy.  The means we will use is to examine the reality that blacks and women initially were not given full equality in politics, economics and society. In response, these two groups demanded their equality and it is through their efforts that they have achieved not only a greater equality for themselves, but also they have changed the meaning of American democracy --- for the better. Given these historical factors, it is important to examine the experiences and actions of free and enslaved blacks from the revolutionary era through the Civil War. 

 

My second reason for incorporating excerpts into this online class is that the historians who wrote and shaped the content of “Slavery and the Making of American” are on the forefront of historical scholarship about African Americans.  The result of their efforts gives us, as students of history, the best and most current interpretation of the connection between slavery and the American history from the Revolutionary Era through the Civil War.

 

Process and Assignments for the Activity/Discussion

 

General Information: You are required to view the video excerpt of “Juniper and Thomas Jefferson,” which is available in TalonNet.  Also included in Talon Net is a copy of the narrative of the various historians and narrator.  Click here for the directions to find the videos in Talon Net.

 

This video offers two important ideas. The first is that it compares the life and circumstances of Thomas Jefferson with Juniper, who was his servant.  The second idea is that it identifies the various ways that slaves created their own culture and social structures.  

 

You are required to consider both of these ideas when viewing the video. The details of Step One provide guidelines to consider the comparison of the life and circumstances of Juniper and Jefferson. The details of Step Two provide guidelines for understanding the lifestyles and culture of enslaved blacks.

 

Timing and Assessment:

 

The discussion will be active from September 14 - October 5

It is worth 20 points; 10 points for each discussion thread.

 

 

 Step One – Compare Jefferson and Juniper:

As you watch the video, imagine that you are Juniper.

1.       What would you think about the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence? 

2.       What would be some of the positive and negative factors of Juniper’s experiences as a slave?

Write down two or three examples that you can post in the online discussion

Step Two: - The Lifestyle and Culture of Slaves:

 

Ira Berlin, a commentator in the video excerpt, states that during this time there was a “new generation of black people -- of slaves is coming of age. These are people who are born on this side of the Atlantic. These are people who know how to operate within the society.”  In the video excerpt of Juniper and Thomas Jefferson, you see several examples that support Berlin’s statement. Watch carefully about the types of actions and activities that slaves engaged in, most especially in the slave quarters. Specifically be prepared to post comments in the discussion on at least two of the following:

 

1. What kinds of actions did they take the preserve their African roots?
2. How did they combine these roots with the reality that they were born in America, not Africa? 
3. What actions did they take to protest or resist slavery?
4. What were the factors of stability and instability in their family life?
   
   

Write your comments/answers on two of the questions. These can be the basis for your comments in the online discussion

 

Step Three: Online Discussion

 

This discussion is located in the Discussion Board.  I (Susan Oliver) will post the general topic and two discussion threads.

 

• Discussion Thread One: Relates to Step One of the activity
• Discussion Thread Two: Relates to Step Three of the Activity

 

Directions for Finding Video Excerpts in Talon Net:

 

• Register in Talon Net.
• Access Talon Net. In the page that appears, you will see three items in the top left-hand corner. Click on My Courses.
• The page that appears will show that you are registered in this history course.
• In the page that appears, you will see a list of navigation bars along the left side of the page.  Click on Lesson Builder. You will see the video excerpts. 

 

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Created: 2006; updated: 7/6/2009