January 6 and 7

Thursday: Students continued to work on the GDP per capita map of Africa and the corresponding questions.

Friday: We discussed the impact of the slave trade on Africa and students analyzed statistical information from the slave trade. I also passed out a study guide for the unit test, which is scheduled for next Friday (see study guide below):

Africa: Unit Test Study Guide

Before next Friday’s test, be sure to study the terms and short answer questions below. Look through the packets of in-class work, and your text to help you study. You may create note cards to help you prepare for the test, and I will give you extra credit for making them.

Terms to know:

Savannah, Sahel, Culture
Berbers , Islam/Muslim , Traders
Mansu Musa, Timbuktu, Askia Muhammad
Ghana (Empire of), Mali (Empire of), Songhai (empire of)
Sahara Desert, Griots , Salt/Gold Trade
Kinship Group, Clans, Goods and Services
GDP Per Capita , Arabic Language
Imperialism, Sundiata, Sunni Ali

Short answer questions to prepare for:

1. In what specific ways did Islam influence and change West African Culture?

2. Be able to explain the trade relationship between Muslims and West Africans. How did the trade influence and change West African culture?


3. There was a myth that Africa had no history of great empires, kings, knowledge etc. Why was that myth wrong? Provide specific examples.

4. Be able to explain why Africa is so poor today. (based on the reasons we discussed in class)



Nations to know on the map: Egypt, Mali, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Niger

Geographic features/Regions to know: Sahara Desert, Sahel, the Niger River, the Red Sea. Also know the borders of the ancient empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhai.