Short Answer & Long Questions
(class 1, homework 1)

Note:

(1) assignments appear in the syllabus on the day assigned and are due the next class, unless noted otherwise -- so this homework (assigned Thurs., 1/26) is due NEXT class, Thur., 1/31.

(2) This assignment, like ALL assignments in this class, must be typed. Handwritten work will NOT be accepted. See handout on class expectations.

(3) Be sure to read over these questions BEFORE starting on the reading itself; doing so will help you know what to look for in the reading and, accordingly, save you time.

This homework is due at the start of class and can NOT be turned in late
This homework can NOT be revised
This homework is worth 2% of you final semester grade

This homework consists of Short Answer Questions [labeled (SA)] which should be answered with a short sentence and Long Answer Questions [labeled (LA)] which should be answered with a paragraph of carefully written prose entirely in your own language. Answers that repeat the language of the textbook will receive no credit

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Be sure to read over the questions from the assigned writing and quiz BEFORE starting on the reading itself, then as you read take notes on; doing so will help you know what to look for in the reading and, accordingly, save you time.

1) (SA) How meaningful was the unifying concept of "Africa" to the inhabitants of the continent at this time? USE YOUR OWN WORDS
(worth 10 points)

2) (SA) Around 1300 -- a century and half before extensive European contact with Africa -- with whom and what did West African Kingdoms trade? USE YOUR OWN WORDS
(worth 10 points)

HINT: the map on page 11 of the textbook will also be useful in answering question 3

3) (LA) As the textbook notes on pp 9 - 13, Africa had at this time regions that were marked by many, small, decentralized polities as well as other regions -- such as the savannah lands of the west or the coastal regions of the east -- that witnessed the rise (and fall) of larger, complex empires.

QUESTION: How and why did African empires emerge where they did? How and why were decentralized social groupings more common in other areas?

HINTS: Think about what the African Empires had in common regarding: (A) geography (B) the relationship between religion and society (C) trade. Think about what the regions with smaller political groups had in common regarding these same three items.

No one section of the reading will answer this question -- you will have to synthesize material from multiple parts of the reading as well as analyze what you have read. In short, this is not the sort of question that can be answered by “looking it up” in the textbook. You will have to think about what you’ve read. If you are having trouble with this question, see here (very useful)

USE YOUR OWN WORDS AND ONLY YOUR OWN WORDS
(worth 40 points)

HINT: Do not simply repeat the textbook's descriptions of each society -- explain why the political structure of European and Sub-Saharan African societies resembled each other but did not resemble Chinese society. Address only these societies' political structure.

4) (LA) Many historians argue that there were remarkable similarities in the political structures of feudal Europe and "forest dwelling" sub-Saharan Africa. In contrast, the political structure of Chinese society was different from those found in either European or sub-Saharan African societies. Using the evidence from the textbook, explain in a paragraph why this argument might make sense.

Be sure to be specific and provide examples. Vague answers will receive reduced credit. Be sure to use your own words.
(worth 40 points)

EXTRA-CREDIT

(A) (potentially worth 5 points): In a brief paragraph, describe the impact of the environment on the settlement patterns in the rain forest of West and Central Africa as well as the environment's role in shaping BOTH the opportunities and limitations on the region's inhabitants. USE YOUR OWN WORDS. No partial credit for incomplete answers on extra-credit questions

DON'T FORGET TO STUDY FOR THE QUIZ!