HIS 4324 Sub-Saharan Africa

Midterm Essay Exam:

You will write an essay of approximately 6-8 pages in length (double spaced, 1 inch margins all-around, no extra spacing between paragraphs, 12-point Times New Roman font). No paper should be longer than 8 pages.

You will use information which was used for the class (anything distributed/used in class, the Sparks and/or Hochschild texts). When you use any of these sources, you should cite correctly using either a parenthetical reference (MLA) or Chicago (Turabian) style. I will also place a textbook, Gilbert et al eds., Africa in World History, on reserve in the library, which you can use. (Please note that I will deduct points if you use information other than what’s indicated above.)

Your essays will be marked based on argument/logic, evidence used, and grammar/syntax. As this is a senior-level course, I assume your knowledge of the critical essay form as well as your ability to cite correctly.

You’ll find the PowerPoint presentations used in class (containing some of the sources cited in class) here.

The essay is to be turned in via Blackboard not later than 1:30pm on Thursday, 9 March.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Arguments differ from opinion in that you must provide specific pieces of evidence to support what you’re writing.

2. For this assignment, your opinion is not important; I am not asking for it and I don’t want it.

3. Whatever your own personal convictions or values, you must assess the material critically and objectively. Do not use first person in your essay.

Essay Question: So far this term we have looked at the contact Africa had with various groups, including Arabs, but most importantly Europeans (exploration, slavery, colonization), and to some extent Americans.

Write an essay providing, first, an overview and, second, an assessment of the effects of this contact both on Africans and the other (or outsiders).