General Instructions

This Midterm Exam is based on chapters 1-4 in the course textbook, and the Zoom class lectures. It is what is called an open-notes, open-book, take-home exam. That means you can consult your notes (from the Zoom lectures), and the textbook chapters, and you may spend as much time as you need to complete the exam, so long as it is turned in (as a single Word doc) to the Canvas assignment portal by the deadline [Sunday, 7 March, 11:59 PM]. There will be no re-dos and we cannot accept late submissions, so do not wait until the last moment to turn it in. You cannot use direct quotations, and all answers must be in your own words. Do not commit Plagiarism.

Organize your answers as a single paper, with 3 sections or parts, just like the Midterm Exam itself. Properly format your Word doc (which does not need an interpretive title, except for Part III, which does). Your header info should be single-spaced, but your answers (text) should be double-spaced, and pages numbered, just like these General Instructions. Part I should be based on the Zoom lectures. Part II should be based on the book chapters. And Part III should be your own original thinking.

For Part I, number your answers, and clearly state each ID. Each answer should be a couple of sentences.

Part I:

1.

2. etc

For Part II [short essays], you will choose 3 of the 6 to write on, which will be based on the chapter Study Questions. Each answer should be 2 or 3 (max) paragraphs, should clearly state which Question (but do not write out the entire Prompt, which is a waste of space and time and will count against you if you do), and should be a short essay with a clear beginning, middle and end (well-organized). On your own you should do an outline, to organize your thoughts, but do not include that in your actual answer.

Part II:

1.

2. etc.

For Part III, the Major Essay, you will choose 1 to answer, and write a well-organized essay of a couple of pages, and with an interpretive title. Excellent answers will include well-chosen historical examples, and will be well-written (no typos).

Part III:

You can do it!

The Extra Credit (up to 3 points) will reward you for effort in organzing your exam well, proper formatting, and in following directions.

OK, very good!

Midterm Exam

Part I: IDs

Choose (10) of the following, and write a complete answer for each including who/what, where, when, and why or how it is important (its significance). 4 points each; 40 points

Paleolithic “genetic Adam & Eve” Great Migration 2950 BCE

1st cataract 25th Dynasty Meröe Aksum

“Bantu” migration Carthage “Africa” Bilal of Ethiopia

Lalibela Kilwa dinar Maninka

Mansa Musa Timbuktu Bambuk Kumbi Saleh

Muhammad Allah Qur’an Five Pillars

Part II: Short Essays

Choose (3) of the following, and write a brief but well-organized essay for each that answers the prompt, using the textbook and your lecture notes, and with well-chosen historical examples, and of course in your own words. 10 points each; total of 30 points

1. There is a growing consensus among scientists that all humans are descended from ancestors who lived in Africa. Explain.

2. Explain how the speakers of Bantu languages became the dominant population in the southern half of Africa.

3. Explain the ways that Ancient Egypt succeeded in maintaining its culture for some 3,000 years.

4. How do oral traditions enrich our understanding of West African history?

5. How (and when and why) did Ghana, Mali and Songhai become wealthy and powerful empires in West Africa?

6. Briefly explain how the Swahili Coast gold trade encouraged independent trade-towns rather than regional empires.

Part III: Major Essay

Choose (1) of the following, and write a well-organized essay with well-chosen historical examples, and of course, in your own words. 30 points

A. Discuss the importance of geography and the environment in early African history. Your discussion should include two regions in Africa.

B. Discuss the importance of Islam in early African history, and, the importance of Africa in early Islamic history. Your discussion should address both parts of the prompt.

C. Discuss several ways that early African history demonstrates historical connections of Africa with other parts of the so-called Old World. Your discussion should include 3 ways.