EARLY AFRICAN KINGDOMS PROJECT

You are a member of the charismatic griots who are responsible for sharing their society’s history with present and future generations! You and two fellow storytellers must share your society’s story before it gets lost in the sands of time. Below is the information you must convey so that your culture remains alive for generations to come!

OBJECTIVES(in no particular order)

  1. Climate: describewhich of the four climate zones of Africa your culture existed in and address how this climate zone(s) affected your assignedregion
  1. Geography: why/howdid cultures develop in specific locations of Africa (provide map)
  1. Climate/Geography vs. Culture: what factors dictated migration (if any)
  1. Cultural Evolution: howdid migrations or trade spread ideas, skills, languages, etc.
  1. Technology/Innovation: what innovations did your culture utilize
  1. Trade: what natural resources or developed goods/services came from your culture
  1. Governance: what was the political and/or social structure (Clans? Tribes? Stable governance? Kingdom/empire? Impact on human rights?)
  1. Time, Continuity and Change: did your culture change their way of living, or did they remain stagnant? Why?
  1. Anthropology/Archeology: how do we know what we know about your culture
  1. Visuals: integrate visuals to support your presentation (see below)

EXPECTATIONS

Each group is required to:

1)Present the objectives utilizing PowerPoint

2)Create a “References Used” page using Word with at least two sources:

  1. one APPROVEDInternet source
  2. one library book or textbook source

WHAT NEEDS TO BE HANDED IN

  • PowerPoint on a flashdrive
  • References page

Oral Report: Five Minutes

You are to present this information in a historical narrative. This means it is a personal perspective on your culture, and expect that the “storytelling” is sincere. In other words, don’t report – share your story with us.

  • Students should script out their parts, perhaps have note cards or papers in hand.
  • PowerPoint slides should only enhancethe story, not tell it
  • PowerPoint slides or visualsare not to be the entire presentation
  • We advise the use of artifacts to augment the experience
  • Show some style, some personality, some charisma and charm
  • Each group member is required to be an active participant during the presentation
  • Points can be awarded or deduced on an individual basis
  • This can occur during the research period or the presentation

Cohen/McCort SOMS 2010