Critical Thinking Questions
1.
Topic-Purpose
-
What is the topic/purpose of the video/article?
The Kanawha Valley in West Virginia has a long history dating back to
before the construction of the Walls of Jericho and the Great Pyramid of
Giza, as demonstrated in the film "Secrets of the Valley: Prehistory of the
Kanawha". It shows the layers of history from the valley's earliest
occupants, unearthed by the Cultural Resource Analysts Team during
their excavation at a site close to the Marmet Locks. These include the
Archaic people, the Woodland Mound Builders, the Late Prehistoric
farmers, and the hunting-gathering Paleo-Indians. The purpose of the
video is to inform viewers about the state's distinct past and how it
relates to the larger American tradition.
2.
Assumptions
–
What is an assumption that the video/article makes?
The film seems to assume something regarding the chronological order of
the societies that inhabited the Kanawha Valley, based on the material
that has been supplied about it. It is assumed that the societies evolved
in a specific order, with the Late Prehistoric farmers emerging first, then
the Archaic people, the Woodland Mound Builders, and Paleo-Indians.
This is presuming that societal and cultural evolution follow a straight
path.
3.
Gaps and absences
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Can you think of kinds of evidence, arguments, or
interpretations that seem missing or even avoided?
The video mostly focuses on the various societies that inhabited the
Kanawha Valley. It makes no mention, though, of any debate or
incorporation of evidence about possible conflicts or interactions between
these many communities, which may have had a key role in their history.
Furthermore, it's unclear if the film discusses how these communities
have changed through time or how environmental changes have affected
them. Furthermore, no explanation for the changes or disappearance of
these societies is offered.
4.
Authority
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Do the authors explore alternative po
s
sibilities and
interpretation that stimulate further debate and analysis?
The writers do delve into other avenues of inquiry and analysis. Drawing
analogies with other North American archaic societies, they delve into the
rich archaeological and paleoenvironmental records of artifacts, bones,
and characteristics discovered in the Kanawha Valley region. They
encourage further discussion and analysis among viewers and subject-
matter specialists by going over a variety of theories and historical
