Guiding Questions:
- Compare Mali with one or two of the societies we referenced in class – Song, Mongol, Aztec, and Inca, Polynesian societies (or others we touched upon) in terms of:
- Political structures and governance
- Economic systems and trade networks
- Cultural achievements and artistic expressions
- Religious beliefs and practices
- Technological innovations
- Interactions with other empires and civilizations
- What factors contributed to the rise and fall of these empires?
- How did each empire’s geography influence its development and interactions with others?
Visual Representation Prompts:
- Create a comparative chart or Venn diagram highlighting similarities and differences between Mali and the chosen empires across various aspects.
- Design a visual timeline comparing major events and developments in each empire during this period, highlighting any points of intersection or influence.
- Develop a map showcasing the geographical extent and influence of each empire, highlighting overlaps or interactions.
- Create a visual metaphor or analogy that captures the essence of each empire and its relationship to the global tapestry.
- Illustrate how geographic factors shaped the economic and political structures of each empire.
Engagement Tips:
- Use color-coded icons or shapes to compare Mali and 2 other empires (Song, Mongol) in one slide.
- Create a quick matching game where classmates match empires with their key contributions.
- Include a Venn diagram comparing 2 aspects (e.g., governance, trade) between Mali and another empire.
- Lead a short 3-minute discussion asking classmates which empire had the greatest influence and why.
- Show one modern parallel to trade or governance from one of the empires discussed.