UNit 2 - Medieval Africa
In this unit, 7th graders dive into the more obscure empires of West Africa and East Africa. Western history has largely ignored the massive influence and impressive accomplishments of these medieval empires, mainly because Western historians rely too much on the written record, something lacking for much of African history. So instead, 7th graders will examine African oral histories to help them visualize an accurate picture of medieval African life. The 7th graders will first get to know the continent and geography of Africa, then move on to the empires of Africa, their complex trade systems, the influence of Islam, and the importance of griots (African storytellers) and oral history and music in African culture. 7th graders also study the rise of slavery in West Africa and its pernicious effects. Last, 7th graders will try to define the markers of a sustainable empire and the qualities of a temporary one, using African empires (and last year's civilizations from 6th grade) as case studies.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
How does the diverse geography of Africa affect the histories and cultures of Africa?
What is an ethnic group and how are they similar and different in West Africa?
Who are griots and how do they play an important role in West Africa's culture and history?
Does history repeat itself? Or does it rhyme?
How does bias toward the written record prevent people from truly studying African history?
What is an ethnic group and how are they similar and different in West Africa?
Who are griots and how do they play an important role in West Africa's culture and history?
Does history repeat itself? Or does it rhyme?
How does bias toward the written record prevent people from truly studying African history?