Paper instructions:
PART I: THE WRITING ASSIGNMENT–AFRICAN LITERATURE
Chinua Achebe did not live during the period of time on which he writes. Since he writes from within the culture, however, we credit him with being able to describe the historical context in which changes occur within Igbo society. From his insider perspective evaluate the novel’s potential to provide the reader with an ACCURATE HISTORICAL CONTEXT as well as contribute cultural knowledge that would otherwise be overlooked by the general historical reader.
Provided herein are questions to help you to focus your paper when considering your response to the issues of historical accuracy and your ideas about cultural knowledge imparted by the novel.
Things Fall Apart:
FOCUS POINTS:
INTRODUCTION: What is the historical context—for example: European exploration, trade, and subsequent imperialism in Africa
Point I: Analyze the erosion of the indigenous Igbo culture by the introduction of European culture. Explain how this occurs through missionary and colonial government actions and educational systems
A. What indigenous institutions are affected by the imposition of European culture?
B. What Europeans institutions cause the erosion of indigenous culture?
C. Analyze these changes—does it damage or enhance African Society?
Point II: In the disruption of African society, who benefits from overturning of the indigenous order? How do they overturn the order? How do they benefit?
Part III: What elements of indigenous culture did you learn from the novel that you might not learn in a history text book?
EACH ASSIGNMENT:
a. Minimum of five pages
b. Typewritten with one inch margins
c. A BIBLIOGRAPHY is MUST—no bibliography lose 10 points
d. Footnote only direct quotations or ideas that are newly introduced to you apart from the classroom setting
e. Edit your paper; Read your paper aloud to yourself have you clearly stated your idea
RUBRIC:
BOOK REVIEW: Things Fall Apart
NO INTRODUCTION:
Attempts Introduction:
Introduction:
MUST have an introduction that introduces the topic and presents the Historical Context
NO BIBLIOGRAPHY OR REFERENCE PAGE
Missing elements of bibliography or reference page
Incomplete bibliography or reference page
MUST have a Bibliography or Reference Page
NO ANSWER TO INDIGENOUS INSTITUTIONS AFFECTED BY EUROPEAN INTRUSION
Description: ttempts to but is incomplete.
MUST Describe the Indigenous Institutions affected by the European intrusion
NO ANSWER TO WHAT EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS CAUSE THE EROSION OF INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Vague Description: Description of MUST identify the European Institutions that cause erosion of indigenous culture
WHAT Indigenous Group benefited?
NO ANALYSIS:
Vague Attempt:
Must analyze the effect of the intrusion of European cultural institutions
NO CITATIONS LISTED: Incomplete listing of citations
Majority of citations listed
MUST HAVE CITATIONS in the document from the outside sources.
NO PARAPHRASING OR QUOTATION MARKS AROUND DIRECT QUOTES
Missing either paraphrasing or quotation marks around direct quotes. Has paraphrasing and quotation marks around direct quotes but is incomplete
MUST HAVE PROPER PARAPHRASING (10) AND QUOTATION MARKS AROUND DIRECT QUOTES