First, answer these questions about the primary document, "Excerpts from the Chronicle of Discovery and Conquest of Guinea."
1. What terms do Azurara and the Portuguese use to refer to the enslaved captives? In what ways did their use of such terms reflect centuries of Islamic influence in Iberia?
2. Why did a crowd gather to witness the separation of the captives? In what ways, according to Azurara, did the crowd react to what they witnessed?
3. What explanation or justification does Azurara provide for the enslavement of the African captives and the sundering of their families?
Now, write for 15 minutes, or approximately 200-250 words, on this prompt:
Imagine you are a Spaniard serving aboard the Santa Maria under the command of Christopher Columbus. The expedition has just made first contact with natives on an island that the native peoples call Guanahani (which today is part of the Bahamas). Now, imagine that Columbus asks for your honest opinion on how to establish relations with the natives. What advice do you give him? How would your advice on how to proceed be connected with the values of social responsibility and personal responsibility? How would you attempt to convince Columbus to take your advice?