The document discusses the concept of America as a melting pot, introduced by playwright Israel Zangwill in 1908, and contrasts it with the more recent idea of the American mosaic, which emphasizes coexistence among distinct ethnic groups. It outlines an assignment that requires a discussion of how different cultures have shaped American history, focusing on a specific ethnic group's contributions and evaluating the relevance of the melting pot versus mosaic concepts. Additionally, it provides guidance on researching a Native American tribe's pre-Columbian history, beliefs, and significant events post-European contact.