This week we will be discussing issues of race and ethnicity inthe early modern period. To what extent is the nature of race andidentity created by religion? Or is it created by trade andeconomics? Is it created by a shared language? Is it created byskin color? Is it created by wealth or inequality? Your question isthis: How does a community begin to identify itself, and how doesit see others? Feel free to share your thoughts on current events,personal history, or generalized ideas, as you feel appropriate.This is a graded discussion. You will need to make one originalpost, and make comments on two of your classmates' posts. Yourcomments must be substantive and engage your classmates in furtherdiscussion (not simply, I agree, or great post). Ask deeperquestions of your classmates. Get to know them. Challenge them tothink in different ways. But as always, be respectful, know when toback off, and know when to agree to disagree. You will also need torespond to each of the comments in thoughtful ways. I will removeany postings that are offensive in any way. Â
