AP World History 2013 – 2014/ Higginbotham/ SummerAssignments

The AP World History summerassignments will expose you to important themes in World History,and the diverse content that is essential to the class. You are required to read 3 books for this class, one of them you will read for Honors English (A Little History of the World byGombrich), and the other two arefor this class. Things Fall Apart(Achebe) is a classic of modern African literature. The other is An Edible History of Humanity (Standage), which uses food as a way to analyze human history.

Read (and enjoy!) the books then, follow the directions on this paper to complete the rest of the summerassignments. The books can be found in either the school library, the public library, or at a local bookstore. Inexpensive used copies can be found online. Do not hesitate to use a dictionary to better understand confusing words, or the internet to better understand the historical settings for these novels. Depending on the edition of the novels there may be important information as part of an introduction or epilogue – don’t forget to read that too!

Summer assignments #1 and #2 must be turned in by July 12, 2013. You may submit your Summer Assignments in one of the following ways: deliver it to the school, or mail it to the school. If your work has not been received by July 12, youwill be dropped from the course. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Assignments #3, and #4,are minimal work and reading, but will get you prepared for the 1st week of school. Assignments #3, and #4 will be turned in the first day of school, August 15th.

If you have any questions over the summer, I would prefer you email me first at , or as a last resort - you can call me at 623-4575. I look forward to having you in class this fall. Good luck with the summer work.

Part 1 – Due July 12

1. Read the book, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, then complete the book review and analysisusing theguides below. – 100 points (Due July 12)

Include a title pagewith your name and the book’s title. The answers to the book review prompts should be typed in 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced. Completed review, historical background, and analysis prompts should be about 4-5pages.

Respond to the following prompts.

Book Review

  • Describe the setting for the book
  • Briefly describe the main characters and their relevance to the story
  • Summarize the plot

Historical Background

  • Explain this work of fiction’s connection to history (You are encouraged to research this part – Present Day Nigeria / European colonization in Nigeria/ Culture and Ethnicity in Nigeria

Analysis

  • Explain the themes that are used in the book
  • Explain what you believe is the author’s perspective and reason for writing this story
  • What are the elements of traditional African culture that are being challenged by European influences?
  • What is the effect of Christianity on the lives of the main characters of the novel?
  • Explain how Okonkwo’s choices are being shaped by the changes that are happening within his culture.
  • Assess blame for the tragedies that occur in this story.
  • Explain what the authorwantsthe reader to understand about the colonial history of Africa.
  • Evaluate the author’s opinions about European involvement in Africa

2.Read the book, An Edible History of Humanity by Tom Standage, then complete the book review using

the guide below. – 100 points (Due July 12)

Use the following guide to write your book review. Your review should be typed in 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 3 to 4 pages in length, and include a title page (not included in the pg. count) with your name and book title.

  • What is the author’s main argument or thesis about their topic
  • Describe how the author organizes and presents the information in their work
  • Summarize the information that is essential to understanding the topic and the author’s perspective
  • Explain the relevance of the book’s topic to World History
  • Evaluate the book by explaining how well the author conveyed information in the text (What was done well? / What could have been done better?)

Part II – Due August 15th and 16th

3. Respond to the following prompts about the Gombrich book, “A Little History of the World.”

Please type your responses. Answers to these prompts are due on the first day of school. (Aug.15)

  • How does he organize World History?
  • What is his perspective on World History?
  • Does he give the reader a broad view of global cultures, and their significance?
  • What does he leave out about World History?
  • What does the title imply about the book?
  • Does he have a positive or negative view of World History?
  • How does Gombrich represent the history of Africa?

4. Read the following articles online at the National Geographic website, and view additional

photographic and video elements that accompany them. Answer the questions that go with each

article. Please type your responses. (Aug.15)

  • “The Greatest Journey,”
  • How can archaeologists/historians use biologists’ work with genetics to help them better understand Mankind’s distant pre-historical past?
  • Explain the paths of human migration throughout the world that archaeologists and biologists have identified.
  • Explain the traditional view of migration into the Americas, and how it is now being challenged.
  • “The Birth of Religion,”
  • Explain the thoughts on the origins of Gobekli Tepe?
  • What is the traditional view of prehistory as defined by the idea of the Neolithic Revolution?
  • How does Gobekli Tepe’s existence, and the time of its creation challenge the traditional view of the Neolithic Revolution?
  • What does the Gobekli Tepe site tell us about prehistoric religious beliefs?