Africa+Day+Four


 * Africa Day Four Period Seven **


 * Due: Wanted Poster, ****Top Ten Components Handout, Repaired Compare/Contrast Essay **

**[|Watch Preview Video about Leopold II] **

**In Class ** //King Leopold’s Ghost// written by Adam Hochschild tells the story of European’s first exploration of Africa and explains the very first exchanges between European explorers and Africans specifically on the west coast. The chapter you are going to read details one of the very first interactions between European travelers and native Africans. One of the disadvantages that made African especially vulnerable to European domination was their inability to read and write. However, there were a few tribal leaders who, through various means, were able to communicate through written language. Unfortunately, their voice was fruitless against the insatiable appetites of European traders looking for free resources.

Directions: [|__Read the prologue__] to this famous historical text titled "The Traders are Kidnapping our People" paying close attention to the authentic voices from King Alfonso. How does this chapter add to or disprove a belief you held about early colonization?
 * Homework **

**Activity:** In order to practice extended thinking, you will need to create questions that will practice the difference between basic recall and analysis questions. Fill out this handout and show off your ability to take a pretty basic recall question and turn it into something much deeper.  

//The Heart of Darkness// was considered one of the greatest works of literature in the early part of the 1900's. Never before had European audiences read about the mysterious nature of the 'Dark Continent'. It is believed that Conrad used the life of Henry Morton Stanley who was an explorer funded by King Leopold II of Belgium to shape his own main character. Stanley took his crew into the deepest parts of the area known today as the Congo. Initially, Stanley was a celebrated explorer. However, as reports surfaced of Stanley's treatment of African natives and his own men, his knighthood was tainted. Stanley is now remembered infamously for the horrific treatment of African natives and for fostering racism.
 * In Class:[[image:heart-of-darkness-attack.jpg width="344" height="410" align="right"]] **

Today, the short novella remains one of the most controversial discussed works and still today exists as required reading in many high schools colleges. Many accuse Conrad of shaping European's racism towards Africa and others believe that the characters were merely just that: characters. While we won't have time to read the entire novel, my hope is that this review of the basic principles combined with a close analysis of one chapter will help you appreciate the tone and descriptive power of Conrad's writing.

**In Class Assignment:** First, read a summary about the book. [|__Click here for summary.__]Then, read this specific selection in [|__Heart of Darkness__]. Go to mrsoverly.wikispace under Heart of Darkness Period 7. See directions on our wikispace site. You will need to reply to at least three different posts.

Discuss Wikispace Posts about //Heart of Darkness//