African+Country+Research+Projects

"I dream of realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses." Nelson Mandela



Introduction Things Fall Apart is a microcosm of what occurred in nearly every African community during colonization. You and your team will research the history of an African country dating back before the European colonization of the country until today. Ultimately, your group will present a group lesson to the class discussing the historical factors that contributed to the current state of the country. While the continent of Africa is a diverse collection of cultures and traditions, each country that suffered through colonization shares in the common theme that once the center is torn from a people, things fall apart and rebuilding that center is terribly difficult.

Your group will delegate who is going to take on the responsibility of each category. Since there are varying numbers for group sizes, not all of the categories will be fulfilled. However, pay attention to the mandatory categories because they must be fulfilled.

Categories

History: One of the trickier areas to research because, as we have studied, the stories of kingdoms and culture never amounted to more than //“a chapter…well maybe not a chapter, but a reasonable paragraph” (Achebe)// in history books today. This category will describe the cultural and traditional makeup of the region (remember there were no country lines). Make sure to identify any opposing groups that co-existed in the same area since this may be interesting in the next section when colonizers come along and force these groups to live together.

Colonization: Was the country colonized peacefully? How did colonization change the country? (Consider looking at this question from a variety of different perspectives: peace, economics, government, education, culture.)

Independence: How did independence from the colonizing country’s grasps change the country? (Consider looking at the benefits that were gained by the controlling country and how those benefits changed once the country was free. Was the country successful in transitioning into an independent government?) Make sure to include specific people who led the way for independence and what happened to them during and after their struggle.

Post Independence Conflict: What internal conflicts did this country suffer shortly after independence and what were the causes to these conflicts? Identify major players (good guys/ bad guys) and what types of ‘new’ problems began to brew. What type of 'conflict' erupted and was control restored within or did the international community have to help?

Major Recent Issues: Include the last twenty years into this section and research any violence, civil wars, genocide, or government corruption scandal that has drawn international attention. What specifically fueled these conflicts? At this point, you should be able to directly trace back these major flare ups to previous categories.

Current Instability: This category is going to look at the current status (government, peace, education, economics, disease) of this country and draw a conclusion regarding what this country needs to maintain stability and improve their likelihood of permanent stability.

*For smaller groups, I can help you chunk these categories to 4 or 5 categories.

!!!Required!!! 1. Each group will create their own wikipage for their country. Wikispace names must be named as followed: (period)2011(country name).wikispaces.com For example: bperiod2011southafrica.wikispaces.com

2. Because plagiarism and summary are pretty serious problems with me, the pages that each group member designs must avoid both. Also, each group member’s page must be designed exactly the same as the other group members so there is a sense of consistency for the wikispace site. a. A self-created thesis statements must begin each page. This thesis statement cannot be designed until the group member has thoroughly researched the topic so that he/she can formulate a theory that can be supported with research. b. While it may seem easy to copy and paste a timeline or a summary from a website, don’t. Instead, take notes on the most important information that proves your thesis and write bullet points in your own words. *Be sure to either hyperlink the source or cite in APA format below each appropriate bullet. Anything not cited will not be counted against you. c. Of course, add appropriate pictures, graphs, and any other visual supplements that you believe have a direct impact to your thesis and make your presentation a more interesting lesson.

*Consider the benefits of creating a cause and effect pattern. *Consider the benefits of creating a visual graph that helps organize information on your page. *Consider the benefits of outlining. // Remember to check any pictures or videos to see if they will play in school BEFORE your presentation. //

Research Project Link to Midterm *Remember, your 2 page min/max midterm essay asks you to use the information you learned from your group, but specifically your own research in order this question: Explain how the occupation of a European nation hundreds of years ago has contributed to the country’s current instability.