Summary:
By weaving together unique threads and incorporating insights from lecture materials and assigned readings, you will create a rich and nuanced tapestry that illuminates the Malian Empire’s central role in the interconnected world of 1200-1450 CE. This collaborative and interdisciplinary approach will deepen your understanding of global history, challenge Eurocentric narratives, and showcase the vibrant contributions of African civilizations to the world stage.
Objective:
- Collaboratively explore the Malian Empire’s pivotal role in the interconnected world of 1200-1450 CE.
- Highlight Mali’s economic, cultural, religious, and technological contributions within a broader global context.
- Understand the complex interactions and influences that shaped the medieval world.
Goals:
- Collaboration and Interaction
- Cross-Disciplinary Thinking
- Visual and Analytical Skills
- Understanding Relevance
- Importance of Reflection
Group Formation:
- Form groups of 3-4 students.
- Each group will be assigned one of the following thematic “threads” and its corresponding color:
- The Golden Thread: Mali’s Economic Influence on Global Trade (Gold)
- The Silk Road Connection: Mali’s Place in Intercontinental Networks (Crimson/Deep Red)
- The Faith Connection: Islam’s Unifying Force Across Continents (Green)
- The Cultural Exchange: Timbuktu’s Global Intellectual Legacy (Sapphire Blue/Indigo)
- The Comparative Lens: Mali in the Context of Other World Empires (Purple)
- The Ripple Effect: The Black Death and its Impact on Global Networks (Gray/Charcoal)
Part 1: Unveiling the Threads (35 minutes)
Step 1: Gather Your Resources
- Review the provided lecture materials and assigned readings.
- Utilize the additional resources listed attached.
- Make sure to cite your sources used.
Step 2: Delve into Your Thread
- Divide tasks based on group members’ skills and interests.
- Engage in focused group discussions about your assigned thread.
- Identify significant connections, events, and figures that highlight Mali’s global interactions and contributions.
- Analyze the impact of these connections on both Mali and the wider world.
- Use the guiding questions provided for your thread to focus your research and discussion.
Part 2: Weaving the Tapestry (35 minutes)
Step 1: Brainstorm and Plan
- Discuss how your group will visually represent your research and analysis.
- Consider different formats, such as:
- A tapestry section with symbols, colors, and textures.
- A map with interconnected points.
- A timeline of key events and figures.
- A collage combining images, text, and other visual elements.
Step 2: Create Your Visual Representation
- Divide tasks based on group members’ skills and interests.
- Gather images, create illustrations, and organize your information visually.
- Incorporate your assigned color prominently into your visual representation.
- Ensure your visual representation clearly conveys key findings and connections related to your thread.
- Prepare to answer the guiding questions during your presentation.
- Submission: Post your visual representation and answers to the guiding questions on Slack under #tapestry.
- Include all group members’ names.
Part 3: The Grand Tapestry Unveiling (20 minutes)
Step 1: Present Your Thread
- We will review each group’s visual representation to the class (likely next week).
- Be prepared to explain how your thread intertwines with the larger global tapestry of 1200-1450 CE.
- Highlight the significance of your findings and their impact on Mali and the world.
- Make sure that you answer the guiding questions specific to your thread and engage in further discussion.
Step 2: Connect the Threads | (PDF)
- Participate in a class discussion to connect the different threads presented.
- Analyze the patterns that emerge, revealing the interconnectedness of the world during this period.
- Reflect on the Malian Empire’s significance and its lasting legacies.
- Consider the relevance of these global interactions in the modern world.
Remember:
- Collaboration is key! Share ideas and contribute your unique skills and perspectives.
- Be creative and resourceful! Use various sources and tools to create a compelling and informative visual representation.
- Engage in thoughtful discussion! Share insights, ask questions, and be open to learning from your classmates.
Submission:
- Post your visual representation and answers to the guiding questions on Slack under #tapestry.
- Include all group members’ names.
