THEME OR ESSENTIAL QUESTION:

• What are the effects of colonization?
• What is the role of nationalism as a force opposed to colonization?
• Is globalization a neo-colonial ideal?

TIME REQUIRED: Outside research assignment. (Allow 2 weeks with 45-60 minutes of group work in class).

SUGGESTED GRADE LEVELS: 11/12 Honors

NJ CORE CONTENT STANDARDS: 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, and 6.9

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:

1. Students will examine Africa from a regional perspective.
2. Students will appreciate the historic and geographic relationships that unite and divide the regions of Africa.
3. Students will create a comprehensive document outlining problems in the assigned region.
4. Students will employ critical thinking skills to suggest solutions for regional concerns.

STRATEGIES:

• Students brainstorm potential regions consisting of three or more countries.  (Factors considered should include geography, access to resources, common interests and ethnicity).  Divide modern map of Africa into six to eight regions.
• Divide class into the number of groups needed to cover each of the regions identified.
• Each group will prepare a comprehensive study of a region in Africa.  Each report must include the following:
  1. Map and outline of important geographic features.
  2. Spreadsheet listing demographic, political and economic data on all countries in region. (The same data must be shown for South Africa and USA, for purposes of comparison.)
  3. Historical narrative of region:
     • Tribal patterns.
     • Ancient trade routes.
     • Impact of slave trade.
     • Colonial rule.
     • Post colonial events.
     • Other unique events.
  4. Current status:
     • Type of government.
     • Military strength.
     • Economy and trade.
     • Environmental issues.
     • Public health concerns.
     • Educational status.
     • Present allies, conflicts.
  5. Future prospects: Your group must write a well thought out plan for the political economic and social development for this region.  Think about possible alliances or coalitions within Africa.  Also consider foreign aid and foreign investment as a possible resource.  You may consider the validity of political boundaries. Would your region be more peaceful if new borders were drawn?  Address all concerns raised in No. 4 above.

MATERIALS: Access to encyclopedia, atlas, historical and tribal maps, and general research materials.

ASSESSMENT:

• 40 Points will be given for completion of all elements 1 – 4.
• 40 The Regional Plan (Element 5)
• 20 Quality Points will be rewarded equally for:
  • Form - sources, spelling, grammar, structure
  • Content - accuracy, depth
  • Creativity - photos, graphs, charts, art
  • Extrapolation - thinking beyond the classroom