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| 1. Erbstorf Mappamundi, 12th Century |
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| 2. Germany, 1544 |
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| 3. Netherlands, 1644 |
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| Britain, 1910 |
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| 4. Mercator Projection Map |
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| 5. Gall-Peters Projection (correcting for earth's curvature) |
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| 6. McArthur's Corrective Map |
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| 7. Ethnic Diversity of Africa |
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Maps
Here are a few of the maps we looked at in class. What do you find interesting here? Looking at them now, and reflecting on our discussion, how do maps shape or reflect our understanding of the world? Of Africa? How can they create or reinforce "the single story"? Please comment below on at least two maps.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Chimamanda Adichie: The danger of the single story | Video on TED.com
Watch this talk by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (about 18 minutes long) and comment on the following question:
If you were going to write the single story of Brooklyn, what might it include? What might it exclude?
If you were going to write the single story of Brooklyn, what might it include? What might it exclude?
Monday, January 7, 2013
About This Blog
This blog is part of a semester-long 10th grade history course at Berkeley Carroll. Time constraints make a thorough study of Africa's long and rich history impossible, so ours is a selective journey, focusing mostly on historical issues in Congo, South Africa and Rwanda, with some attention to contemporary issues like HIV/AIDS and the debate over international aid vs. local solutions to problems. By the end of the course, we hope to be able to answer questions like:
1. How can geography affect the course of history?
2. What is the legacy of 19th and 20th century imperialism in 21st century Africa?
3. Why have efforts to establish democratic government succeeded in some parts of Africa but failed in others?
4. How and why has violence been used as a tool to effect change in Africa?
5. How is identity constructed in Africa? Is there such a thing as an African? Is identity based on one’s country? One’s ethnic group? Is it imposed from outside? Does it depend on the circumstances?
Students will use this blog to reflect, challenge and pose questions in response to readings, films, museum exhibits, and items they come across in the newspaper or on television. We invite you to participate in these discussions as well; all we ask is that you be respectful of of the fact that this is a new topic for most of us, and we're using this space to share and test ideas rather than offer expert opinions. Thank you!
1. How can geography affect the course of history?
2. What is the legacy of 19th and 20th century imperialism in 21st century Africa?
3. Why have efforts to establish democratic government succeeded in some parts of Africa but failed in others?
4. How and why has violence been used as a tool to effect change in Africa?
5. How is identity constructed in Africa? Is there such a thing as an African? Is identity based on one’s country? One’s ethnic group? Is it imposed from outside? Does it depend on the circumstances?
Students will use this blog to reflect, challenge and pose questions in response to readings, films, museum exhibits, and items they come across in the newspaper or on television. We invite you to participate in these discussions as well; all we ask is that you be respectful of of the fact that this is a new topic for most of us, and we're using this space to share and test ideas rather than offer expert opinions. Thank you!
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