African Society and Culture

African Culture and Society

On Friday 21st, Dec. we discussed African culture and society. We took notes on these elements and then we listened to American music that has been influenced by African themes and rhythms. The purpose of today was to gain a greater understanding of Africa's culture and to show that we as modern Americans are in fact connected to this great continent.

If you were absent you will need to complete the following in order to make up what you missed:

#1) Read Chapter 7 Section of your textbook. As you read fill in the notes sheet as much as possible. You may copy any missing notes from a friend.

Notes: African Society and Culture

#2) You will need to write a 1-2 page typed paper on African Influences on American music. In your paper you should address the following:

- What is syncopation and how does it relate to African music?
- What is call and response and how does it relate to African music?
- What is timbre and how does it relate to African music?
- What are some genres of music that have been heavily influenced by traditional African music themes: ragtime, blues, jazz, gospel, Motown, etc.?
- How are these genres and musical elements evident in today's American popular music styles?


Thanks.

Kingdoms of Africa

On Wednesday 19th, Dec. we looked at the kingdoms of Africa from about 1000 AD to 1600 AD. We covered in particular the kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and the Swahili Coast. If you were absent, you will need to do the following to make up what you missed:

1) The previous sub assignment was not completed to expectations and everyone was given another chance to make sure it was complete. If you have not already done it make sure you read Chap 7 Section 1 and complete the entire assessment at the end of the section!

2) Please read Chapter 7 Section 2 of your text and complete the packet. Unfortunately you will need to complete the entire packet on your own. Although this was a group assignment, you will not have a chance to work in a group. I apologize.

Assignment: African Kingdoms Jigsaw Packet

Thanks.

Development of African Civilizations

On Monday 17th, Dec. there was a substitute as I was absent. We began looking at the development of African civilizations by focusing on physical geography and the early civilizations in Africa. If you were absent, you will need to do the following in order to make up what you missed:

1) Read Chapter 7 Section 1 of your text (pages 236-239) and complete the entire assessment at the end of the section on page 239.

2) Also read pages 240-241 and answer the two questions on 241 on the same paper as your other ones.

3) Research the kingdom of Zimbabwe, capital is the Great Zimbabwe, from 1300 to 1450 AD.
Write a 1 1/2 to 2 page report on what you learned about this African kingdom and its people.

Thanks.

Islamic Culture

On Thursday 13th, Dec. we discussed the culture and achievements of Islamic civilization. If you were absent, you will need to do the following to make up what you missed:

1) Read Chapter 6 Section 4 of your text about the Culture of Islam and fill in the note sheet as you read.

Notes: Culture of Islam

2) Read the story of Ali Cogia and then complete the worksheet questions when you are finished.

Story of Ali Cogia, Merchant of Baghdad

Worksheet: Story of Ali Cogia

Thanks.

The Awakening of Islamic Civilization

On Tuesday 11th, Dec. we watched a video about the Awakening and flourishing of Islamic civilization. In order to make this video up, you will need ts write a 1-2 page report on the Islamic cities of Baghdad and Cordoba. IMPORTANT: You will need to write about Baghdad during the Abbasid dynasty and its contributions to the development of Islamic civilization. Also for Cordoba, you will need to write about it during the period when Muslims ruled Spain.

We also did a small book assignment about Islamic Civilization (pages 200-203 of your text).

Assignment: Islamic Civilization

Thanks.

The Creation of an Arab Empire

On Friday 7th, Dec. we discussed the spread of Islam and the creation of a political empire based on Islam and Arab rule. If you were absent, you will need to do the following to make up what you missed:


1) Turn in your 1 page paper from last time about Muhammad.

2) Read the first part of Chap 6 Section 2 - pages 192-194 and complete the assignment.

Assignment: The Creation of an Arab Empire

3) read the remainder of Chap 6 Sec 2 and fill in the notes sheet. It is important for you to read the section so you understand the main ideas; however, you may copy notes from a friend, for any notes you can not find.

Notes: The Abbasids and Seljuk Turks

Thanks.

Muhammad and Intro to Islam

On Wednesday 5th, Dec. we began our exploration of Islamic Culture and Civilization. If you were absent you will need to do the following:

1) Please Read Chap 6 Sec 1 of your text and complete the notes sheet to the best of your ability. You may copy notes from a friend for any you might have been unable to find.

Notes: Rise of Islam

2) We saw a video on the Beginnings of Islam and the role of the Prophet Muhammad. In order to make this up you will need to write a 1 page report typed, double spaced on Muhammad and his role in the beginning of Islam.

Thanks.

Current Event November

On Monday 3rd, Dec. we held our current event discussion for November. If you were absent, you will need to do the following to make up what you missed:

1) Turn in your yellow current event packet in for November.

2) Pick up a current event article packet from me in class. You will read it and respond to it. This will make up for the discussion you missed.

Thanks.