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: Textbook Review and Thinking 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. Use the readings from the online textbook to help fill out the Thinking Map below.
Thinking Map Template:
Category - West Africa
Geography:
- Sahel region
- Niger River
- Desert regions (Sahara, Kalahari)
- Tropical rainforests
Economy:
- Agriculture (crops such as yams and millet)
- Trade (gold, salt, ivory)
Religion:
- Islam (spread through trade)
- Indigenous beliefs
- Animism
Cultural Traditions:
- Griots as storytellers
- Oral traditions
- Music and dance (such as drumming and kora)
- Art and architecture (such as the Great Mosque of Djenne)
Step 2: Picking a Project
Now that you have reviewed the lesson and created the Thinking Map, you have two choices for your final project. Choose one option below:
Option 1 - Griot Narrative
For this option, you will create a Narrative Essay from the perspective of a griot, incorporating the information from your Unit 7 textbook review and Thinking Map.
Narrative Requirements:
Your narrative should be one paragraph, consisting of 8-10 sentences. Address the four categories from your Thinking Map (geography, economy, religion, and cultural traditions) in the following format:
1. Catchy Introduction Sentence: Introduce the main idea of your story.
2. Sentences addressing the geography: Incorporate geographical features of West Africa into your narrative.
3. Sentences addressing trade: Include information about West Africa's agricultural and trade practices.
4. Sentences addressing religion: Discuss the presence of Islam and indigenous beliefs in your narrative.
5. Sentences addressing traditions/culture: Highlight the cultural traditions of West Africa, such as griots, music, and art.
6. Concluding Sentence: Summarize the main idea of your story.
Example (Example is not from this unit. It’s just to show the correct style and format):
Once upon a time in a small village in West Africa, the rhythmic beats of the kora reverberated through the lush tropical rainforest. This region was known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Sahel region to the Niger River and the vast Sahara and Kalahari deserts. The villagers relied on agriculture, cultivating crops such as yams and millet, as well as engaging in trade of gold, salt, and ivory with neighboring communities. In this village, Islam had made its presence felt through trade, while ancestral beliefs and animism still played a significant role in daily life. The griots, the storytellers and keepers of history, recounted the tales of heroes and legends, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the community. The art and architecture of the Great Mosque of Djenne stood as a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of the people. As the sun set over the vibrant landscape, the villagers gathered to celebrate their traditions, dancing to the intoxicating rhythm of the drums. In this village, the history of West Africa came alive through its geography, economy, religion, and cultural traditions.
For this assignment, you must submit:
- Thinking Map
- Griot Narrative
These documents will be turned in the dropbox for the Unit 7 project.