Reference no: EM133274794
Assignment - Using the sources provided, write a paper (3.5-4.5 pages) analyzing the Black Athena debate. The questions below are meant to serve as a guideline for what your paper should cover. However, you should respond to the questions in the form of a multi-paragraph essay with an introduction and conclusion, not a numbered response to each individual question.
1. Briefly (in no more than one paragraph) summarize Martin Bernal's thesis about the origins of Greek civilization. Your summary should explain what Bernal means by the "ancient model" and the "Aryan model" and why he believes scholars have neglected the former in favor of the latter. It should also explain how his thesis challenges the dominant understanding of the central influences on Classical Greek civilization.
2. What is the Afrocentric interpretation of Egyptian influence on Classical Greece, and how is it different from (or similar to) a Eurocentric interpretation? What is at stake politically in these interpretations? In other words, why does the Afrocentric interpretation of Classical Greek origins matter to people today? How does Mary R. Lefkowitz criticize the Afrocentric interpretation, and what evidence does she use to support her argument? Based on the selected readings, do you think Bernal's thesis should be classified as an Afrocentric interpretation? (Consider also how the book's provocative title, Black Athena, factors into this debate.)
3. What claims does Bernal make about the role of racism (and antisemitism) in shaping present-day views about the origins of Greek civilization? What points does Frank M. Turner make criticizing Bernal's argument about the motives and influence of 19th century scholars? Do you think Turner's points invalidate this part of Bernal's thesis? Explain.
4. What kinds of historical evidence (linguistic, archaeological, etc.) have specialists in Classical Greek and Egyptian civilizations used to critique Bernal's Black Athena thesis? To what extent do you think they are biased by the status quo in their academic disciplines?
5. Finally, based on the sources you've read, do you feel swayed by one side or another? If you found one perspective more convincing, explain why. What good points, if any, were made by the other side of the debate (the one that you found less convincing)? The main thing that matters here is not which perspective persuaded you but rather why you found it persuasive.