SECOND EXAM

Based on the following study questions:

1. Why is Leland Ferguson's concept of creolization an important modification of our concepts of early American history?

2. What specific aspects of African American life or history is Ferguson trying to highlight when he refers to early African Americans as "pioneers?"

3. Wilkie's account of African American religion relies heavily on documents, ethnography, and oral history. What, if any, contribution does archaeology make to this account That is, what is or could be learned by studying the artifacts from Oakley Plantation and other such sites?

4. Why is it important to acknowledge the presence of African Americans and slavery at Colonial Williamsburg?

5. What criticisms does Blakey make of the way that the culture and history of non-European Americans are displayed in museums in the United States?

6. What criticisms does Handler make of the way that ethnicity is dealt with in museums in the United States?

7. Why were African Americans critical of the excavation of the African Burial Ground by Historic Conservation and Interpretation and the GSA?

8. How did the research goals for study of the African Burial Ground skeletons set by the Metropolitan Forensic Anthropology Team differ from the goals were set by the Howard University team headed by Michael Blakey? Why did most African Americans favor the latter over the former?

9. What three pieces of legislation established the basis for the excavation and study of the skeletons at the African Burial Ground?

10. According to Leone et al., "Can an African-American Historical Archaeology Be an Alternative Voice," what role can the archaeology of ethnicity play in American society besides providing information about the lives of groups that have been ignored in conventional American history? Why do they believe that African American historical archaeology is particularly suited to this task? Did Leone et al. achieve their goal in their presentations of African American archaeology to the public? Is this course (i.e., "The Archaeology of Ethnicity in America") achieving the goal that Leone et al. set? Is this goal realistic? Why or why not?

11. What is the difference between a "both/and" and "either/or" approach to the excavation, analysis, and interpretation of African American historical sites? Which approach do you favor? Why?

12. What are some of the ways that the division between white and black history can be bridged in museum exhibits? Provide specific examples.

13. What are some of the ways that the link can be made between the past and the present? Provide specific examples.

14. What is the most interesting thing you found out about African American history so far in this class?