| UNIT OVERVIEW: AFRICA REGIONAL STUDY |
OVERARCHING QUESTIONS: How have geography and history influenced the development of a diverse Africa?
What is the relationship between tradition and change in contemporary Africa?
Indicators and Content Objectives
Suggested Time: 8 weeks
A. Identify and describe the diverse geographic regions of Africa in order to compare the different ways in which people modify and adapt to their environment to meet their wants and needs.
identify the different geographic regions of Africa
describe the diverse environmental conditions found within the six geographical regions of Africa
identify ways that people modify and adapt to their environment in both rural and urban settings
determine ways Africans have adapted to and/or modified their environment to meet their wants and needs
examine an endangered culture, the Bushmen of the Kalahari, in order to determine if this culture can adapt and modify enough to survive in a modern world
B. Examine the common cultural and physical characteristics of ancient Africa, such as Egypt, Ghana, Kush and Mali in order to draw conclusions about the characteristics that have enabled their cultural development.
compare the time periods of different African civilizations
analyze the effects of physical location on the growth of the ancient African civilizations of Egypt, Ghana, Kush, and Mali
identify common cultural characteristics by gathering information on the four ancient African civilizations
C. Analyze the historical interaction between African, Middle Eastern, and European groups in order to evaluate consequences of group decisions in promoting peace or precipitating conflict.
describe the exchange of goods between the Arab traders and various African ethnic groups along the Trans-Saharan trade routes
evaluate the impact of the Arab influence on African cultures
examine economic reasons for and the methods of European colonization in Africa
assess the religious motives of the European missionaries and their impact on Africans
examine the origins of the slave trade and describe its effects on Africa
analyze the political motives behind European imperialism in Africa
D. Examine selected African independence movements in order to compare different ways in which individuals or groups advance or impede political change
identify reasons for nationalistic feelings in Africa
identify and classify methods used to achieve independence in selected African nations
draw conclusions about the political change that occurred as a result of African independence movements.
E. examine the history of apartheid in South Africa in order to analyze how individuals can bring about positive social change.
identify historical events that led to the creation of South Africa by placing events in chronological order
make generalizations about the effects of apartheid on the lives of South Africans by identifying cause and effect relationships
describe how differing opinions on an issue can affect the achievement of positive social change
evaluate the effectiveness of different methods used to bring about positive social change in South Africa
identify political, social and economic changes that have occurred in South Africa
F. analyze components of traditional African cultures such as oral literature, traditional religions, and art in order to draw conclusions about the role of tradition in modern Africa.
identify characteristics of traditional African literature
analyze the role of traditional African religions
determine how art is reflective of African cultures
G. Examine the economic development of selected African nations in order to analyze impacts of technology, resource use, opportunity cost and interrelationships on economic growth
determine the impact of technology on African agriculture
analyze how Zimbabwe uses its natural resources to promote economic development
compare and evaluate the economic development of selected African nations
About This Unit
The geography and the history of Africa have greatly influenced the diverse continent that it is today. This theme of diversity will be examined as it exists in the geographic regions, ancient civilizations, and historical interactions that have led to political change. Students will identify and describe examples of geographic diversity in order to assess its impact upon culture and how people throughout the continent meet their basic needs. The theme of diversity will also be illustrated through an examination of early civilizations and their impact upon the development of the region and their effects upon present day Africa and other parts of the world. Issues that promote peace or precipitate conflict will be studied as students analyze historical interactions with European and Middle Eastern cultures.
The forces of tradition and change have a tremendous impact upon social, economic, and political structure in contemporary Africa. An examination of traditional African cultures, the history of South African apartheid, economic growth and development, and ethnic interactions will illustrate the relationship between these forces. Examining traditional African cultures and the policy of apartheid enables students to draw conclusions about the role of tradition in contemporary Africa. Students will evaluate the impact of modern technology upon the economic development of selected African nations.
At the conclusion of this unit, students should recognize the significance of the following statements of enduring knowledge.
People are required to adapt to or modify their environment to meet their wants and needs
Adaptations and modifications vary according to the geographic characteristics of a region
Civilizations are composed of many common characteristics, regardless of the era in which they exist
Interactions between culturally diverse groups may promote peace or precipitate conflict
Africa is a diverse continent with many cultures, traditions, economics and political structures.
|
