Step 1: Textbook Review and Thinking Map - Tree Map
Review the information in Unit 7. While reviewing, make note of the geographic, economic, religious and cultural traditions of both West and East Africa. You will use these readings to help you fill out the Thinking Map below.
West Africa: (Pages 589-602 or Topic 14 Lesson 1, 2 & 4 of your online textbook).
East Africa: (Pages 603-606 or Topic 14 Lesson 3 of your online.)
You are to only use your textbook, no outside sources.
Click HERE for directions for the online textbook
For the thinking map, you can choose either West Africa or East Africa. Not Both!
You will create a Tree Thinking Map that covers the information for 4 categories for the region you choose. The categories and information that you will need to include are geography, economy, religion and cultural traditions.
This thinking map is part of this assignment and must be turned in with the final project
Click here for Thinking Map Template
Step 2: Picking a Project
Now that you have reviewed the lesson and created the Thinking Map you will have two choices for your final project. You have two choices for your project but YOU ONLY NEED TO DO ONE!
Take a look at the following options…
Option 1 - Griot Narrative
African culture had strong oral traditions and griots were professional storytellers and oral historians who were the keepers of African history. For this option you will create a Narrative Essay from the perspective of a griot and include the requirements and topics below.You are to only use your textbook, no outside sources.
Narrative Requirements:
You will create a one paragraph essay that is 8-10 sentences. You will use the information from your Unit 7 textbook review and your thinking map to write a story about East or West Africa. In your essay you must address the four categories from your Thinking Map (geography, economy, religion and culture). You will use the format below.
1 Catchy Introduction Sentence: a sentence that expresses the main idea of your story.
2 sentences addressing the geography
2 sentences addressing trade
2 sentences addressing religion
2 sentences addressing traditions/culture
1 Concluding Sentence: summarize the main idea of the story
Griot Narrative Example (Example is not from this unit. It’s just to show the correct style and format)
For this assignment you must submit:
Thinking Map
Griot Narrative
These documents will be turned in the dropbox for the Unit 7 project.
Step 1:
West Africa:
Geography: West Africa is located on the westernmost part of the African continent. It is home to a diverse range of geographical features including the Sahara Desert in the north, the Niger River which is the main water source for many West African countries, and lush rainforests in the south.
Economy: The economy of West Africa was mainly based on agriculture. People cultivated crops such as millet, sorghum, and yams. They also engaged in trade, both locally and with other regions, exchanging goods such as gold, salt, and slaves.
Religion: The main religions in West Africa were Islam and indigenous traditional religions. Islam was introduced by Arab traders and scholars, and it spread throughout the region. However, traditional religions still played an important role in the lives of many West Africans.
Cultural Traditions: West Africa has a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its vibrant music and dance, such as the high-energy drumming and dancing of the djembe. West Africans also have a strong oral tradition, passing down stories and histories through storytelling and griots, who are professional storytellers and historians.
Step 2:
Option 1 - Griot Narrative
Once upon a time in West Africa, a young griot named Keita embarked on a journey to share the rich history and traditions of his people. With his heart filled with passion and his voice resonating with the rhythmic beats of the djembe, Keita started his narrative.
"Listen closely, for I shall take you on a journey through the diverse lands of West Africa. Imagine vast deserts stretching as far as the eye can see, where the scorching sun shapes the lives of nomadic tribes. Picture the mighty Niger River, flowing through fertile lands, where villagers grow crops like millet and yams.
As my ancestors once did, I share stories of the bustling trade routes that crisscrossed our lands. Traders traveled far and wide, exchanging valuable goods such as gold and salt. These precious commodities connected West Africa with other regions and brought wealth and prosperity to our people.
Religion played an important role in shaping our culture. Islam, brought by Arab traders and scholars, found a place in the hearts of many West Africans. Prayer could be heard from the mosques that dotted our villages, along with the melodies of traditional songs and chants, honoring our ancestors and connecting us to the spiritual realm.
But alongside Islam, the ancient traditions of our people thrived. Our festivals were a grand celebration of music, dance, and vibrant colors. The beats of the djembe echoed through the air, and the sound of laughter filled the streets. Griots like myself kept the stories of our ancestors alive, passing down their triumphs and struggles from generation to generation.
And so, dear listeners, my narrative comes to an end. I hope you have learned of the diverse geography, thriving economy, rich religious practices, and vibrant cultural traditions that have shaped the lives of West Africans. Let us carry forward the legacy of our ancestors, cherishing and preserving our heritage for generations to come."
(Note: This narrative example is not from Unit 7. It is merely an illustration of the style and format required for the Griot Narrative.)
the thinking map info: The Rise of Ghana in West Africa
Africa’s unique geography shaped the growth of African civilizations. Early kingdoms earned great wealth and power by adapting to a rich but challenging environment.
Watch the video, How Ghana Became a Wealthy Empire
GET READY TO READ
Start up
Study the photograph of the people riding camels, and list several ways modern traders can cross the Sahara today.
Notebook
A photo shows a desert landscape where people are riding camels.
Guiding Questions
What are Africa’s chief geographical regions and natural resources?
What impact did ironworking and the gold-salt trade have on West Africa?
How did the environment affect the development and expansion of Ghana?
How did Ghana create a powerful empire?
Vocabulary
plateau
savanna
natural resource
labor specialization
caravan
trans-Saharan
trade
geographical regions
ironworking
gold-salt trade
environment
development and expansion of Ghana
powerful empire
is the west Africa or east?
The information provided is related to West Africa.
Also on the thinking map there needs to be 4 things each for: trade, geography, religion, and traditions/culture
Apologies for the oversight. Here is an updated version of the thinking map for West Africa, including four aspects for trade, geography, religion, and traditions/culture:
West Africa
Trade:
1. Gold-salt trade: West Africa was rich in gold, and salt was a valuable commodity. The trade of these resources allowed for economic prosperity and the exchange of goods within and beyond the region.
2. Trans-Saharan trade: West Africa served as a vital hub for trade between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, facilitating the exchange of goods such as textiles, spices, and luxury items.
3. Caravans: Trans-Saharan trade relied on large caravans of merchants and camels who traveled across the vast Sahara Desert to transport goods across the region.
4. Market towns: The growth of trade led to the establishment of bustling market towns, where merchants and traders from various regions converged to buy and sell goods.
Geography:
1. Sahara Desert: The vast Sahara Desert dominates the northern part of West Africa, presenting challenges and opportunities for trade and migration.
2. Niger River: The Niger River, one of the main waterways in West Africa, provided a source of water for agriculture and served as a transportation route.
3. Forests and savannas: West Africa is characterized by a diverse landscape, including dense forests and expansive grassy savannas, which supported different types of ecosystems and economic activities.
4. Plateau regions: The presence of plateaus in West Africa contributed to the region's agricultural productivity and served as strategic locations for settlements and trade routes.
Religion:
1. Islam: Islam spread to West Africa through trade and interaction with Arab traders, influencing religious beliefs and practices in the region.
2. Indigenous tribal religions: Despite the influence of Islam, traditional indigenous tribal religions continued to be practiced, with rituals, worship of ancestors, and belief in spirits playing a significant role in daily life.
3. Syncretism: The blending of Islamic and indigenous religious beliefs and practices resulted in syncretic forms of worship and spiritual belief systems.
4. Religious leaders and scholars: West Africa was home to respected religious leaders and scholars who played a crucial role in disseminating Islamic teachings and preserving traditional religious knowledge.
Traditions/Culture:
1. Oral traditions: West Africa has a rich oral tradition, with griots serving as storytellers and historians who passed down history, legends, and cultural values through oral narratives and music.
2. Art and craftsmanship: West African societies were known for their skill in various art forms such as sculpture, pottery, weaving, and metalwork.
3. Music and dance: Music and dance were integral aspects of West African culture, with different ethnic groups having their distinct musical traditions and dance forms.
4. Social organization: West African societies were often organized into kinship-based and hierarchical structures, with chiefs and elders having prominent roles in governance and decision-making processes.
Please note that the information provided is based on the given prompt and may not include all possible aspects or details.
One worded things please
Trade: Gold-salt trade, Trans-Saharan trade, Caravans, Market towns
Geography: Sahara Desert, Niger River, Forests, Plateaus
Religion: Islam, Indigenous religions, Syncretism, Religious leaders
Traditions/Culture: Oral traditions, Art, Music, Social organization