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Essay #3
Due Monday, March 20th, 2023
Details:
• The essay should be 1200-1500 words. Although some of you may want to write far more than this, presenting a clear and concise argument is a skill. Please do not exceed 1500 words.
• Citations – you do not need to cite general knowledge and lecture material, but you should provide citations for direct quotes and uncommon facts. I would advise you to avoid using any long quotes because they will diminish the space for your own thoughts.
• Don’t forget a TITLE and page numbers.
• Pay attention to the question.
• There is no need to repeat the question. This only takes away from your own writing space.
• It should be double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 1.25” margins
Question:
The authors of your textbook state that “…the politics of race and identity have long clouded our interpretation” of African history. (67) Utilizing primary and secondary materials from Modules 3 and 4, identify the overriding historical trends and themes of African history from 1000-1800 CE. Analyzing evidence that shows how the politics of race and identity have changed views of Africans and African history over time, how does the actual history of Africa refute or support interpretations by outsiders? In general, it might help to think about the prominent themes in economic, political, and socio-cultural contexts. Think about perspectives of and about Africans both in and out of Africa. Be sure to utilize relevant primary and secondary readings. Be sure, also, to address different geographical regions, historical periods, and topics by providing specific evidence and examples. Remember, Africa is NOT a country!
This essay will cover material in Modules 3 and 4. That said, some of the foundations from earlier modules (African agency, African perspectives, cultural differences, racism, etc.) come into play here but don’t devote any significant parts of your essay to discussing items from Modules 1 and 2 (i.e., Black Athena); you already wrote a paper about those issues.
These are the primary and secondary sources that are relevant to the essay. You are NOT expected to bring in all of them. Look through the list, identify which ones fit best with your arguments (think TOPIC SENTENCES), and then find a way to bring those African voices into your essay to bring them to life. History is about human beings who have human voices and who say and do things that strengthen your arguments. You are not expected (nor encouraged) to seek external sources – the sources used in this course are sufficient.
PRIMARY DOCUMENTS
• Ezana, King of Aksum, Stele of Ezana (205-208) and Ethinopian Royal Chronicle (4-Ethiopia_Primary Documents)
• Abu al-Bakri, Al-Umari, Ibn Battuta, Leo Africanus, Description of Timbuktu (6-al-Bakri_al-Umari_Battuta_Africanus)
• Letters to the King of Portugal (7-Mbemba_dosSantos, ONLY THE LETTER TO THE KING)
• Bening Images (Benin_Images_Info)
• Olaudah Equiano and Thomas Phillips (8-Equiano_Phillips__xid-1228872_1)
BOOKS (both books contain significant accounts of primary sources/voices as well. Use them)
• Gilbert & Reynolds, Africa in World History (Chapters 6, 7)
• Northrup, Africa’s Discovery of Europe – This is CENTRAL to the discussion (just chapter 4)
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