Current Grade 9 Curriculum (TERM 1)

Turning points in South African history since 1948, 1960, 1976 and 1990

➢ The Universal Declaration of Human Rights after World War II.

➢ Definition of racism.

➢ 1948: National Party and apartheid.

➢ 1950s: Repression and non-violent resistance to apartheid.

➢ 1960: Sharpeville massacre and Langa March.

➢ 1976: Soweto uprising

➢ 1990: Release of Nelson Mandela and unbanning of liberation movements.

World War I (History)

➢ Reasons why World War I broke out

➢ Aspects of experiences in World War

TERM 2

World War II (History)

➢ The rise of Nazi Germany

TERM 3

Cold War

➢ Definition of the superpowers and the meaning of ‘Cold War’

➢ Areas of conflict and competition between the Superpowers in the Cold War

Proposed Grade 9 Curriculum (TERM 1)

Turning points in South African history since 1948, 1960, 1976 and 1990

➢ The Universal Declaration of Human Rights after World War II.

➢ Definition of racism.

➢ 1948: National Party and apartheid.

➢ 1950s: Repression and non-violent resistance to apartheid.

➢ 1960: Sharpeville massacre and Langa March.

➢ 1976: Soweto uprising

➢ 1990: Release of Nelson Mandela and unbanning of liberation movements.

TERM 2

African Empires

➢ Ashanti Empire

➢ Songhai Empire

TERM 3

Southern African kingdoms

➢ The Kingdom of Basotho

➢ The kingdom of Swati

Pre-colonial African  History

1. Selected Subject/Theme

Theme: Pre-colonial African History

• Description: This theme examines the rich and diverse histories of African societies before colonialism, highlighting their cultural, social, and political structures.

2. Suggested Activities

a. Reading Indigenous Texts

• Activity: Students will read and analyze selected indigenous texts, such as historical accounts, oral histories, and proverbs that reflect pre-colonial African societies.

• Goal: To understand the values, beliefs, and practices of various African cultures before colonial influence.

b. Visiting Local Cultural Sites

• Activity: Organize a field trip to a local museum, cultural center, or historical site that showcases African heritage and pre-colonial history.

• Goal: To experience artifacts, exhibitions, and narratives that provide insight into Africa’s rich past.

c. Interviewing Elders

• Activity: Conduct interviews with local elders to gather oral histories and personal experiences related to pre-colonial life and traditions.

• Goal: To preserve and share personal stories that illuminate the cultural identity and history of the community.

d. Creative Project: Historical Reenactment

• Activity: Create a reenactment of a significant event or daily life in a specific pre-colonial society, incorporating costumes, dialogue, and cultural practices.

• Goal: To engage students actively in learning history through performance and creativity.

3. Documentation and Research

• Format: Use the "Curriculum Template" to document all activities, insights, and reflections.

• Sections to Include:

  • Introduction to the Theme: Overview of pre-colonial African history and its significance in shaping contemporary African identity.

  • Activity Details: Describe each activity, its objectives, methods, and outcomes.

  • Personal Reflections: Include insights gained from the activities and how they contribute to understanding diverse perspectives and African identity.

4. Guest Speaker Engagement

• Speaker: [Name of Guest Speaker]

• Topic: Curriculum Development focused on integrating African histories and perspectives into educational curricula.

• Objective: To learn about effective strategies for creating inclusive educational frameworks that reflect diverse narratives.

Conclusion

This curriculum aims to deepen students' understanding of pre-colonial African history and its importance in fostering a strong sense of identity among African youth. Through engaging activities and thoughtful documentation, students will contribute to a broader dialogue about African heritage and identity.

1. Books and Articles

   • "African History: A Very Short Introduction" by John Parker and Richard Rathbone
     Oxford University Press

   • "The African Experience: From 'Lucy' to Mandela" by Vincent Khapoya
     Google Books

2. Online Databases and Archives

   • African Online Digital Library
     African Online Digital Library

   • The World Digital Library: Africa
     World Digital Library

3. Educational Websites

   • BBC Bitesize: African History
     BBC Bitesize

   • National Geographic: Africa
     National Geographic

4. Cultural and Historical Organizations

   • The African Studies Association
     African Studies Association

   • African Heritage Foundation

Books

1. Parker, John, and Richard Rathbone. African History: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2007.
   Link to Book

African Philosophy and Oral Traditions 

African Philosophy and Oral Traditions

• Key Concepts: African philosophy emphasizes communal values, ethics, and the interconnectedness of individuals within their communities. Oral traditions serve as vital means of transmitting knowledge, culture, and history.

• Recommended Reading:

  • "African Philosophy: A Classic Approach" by Richard A. Wright explores core philosophical ideas in African contexts.

  • "African Oral Literature: Functions in Contemporary Society" by Ruth H. Finnegan discusses the role of oral traditions in maintaining cultural identity.

2. Suggested Activities

• Reading Indigenous Texts:

  • Research Insight: Indigenous texts reveal deep insights into moral teachings, cultural norms, and the historical context of communities. Engaging with these texts fosters critical thinking about diverse worldviews.

• Visiting Local Cultural Sites:

  • Research Insight: Experiential learning through museums and cultural centers enhances understanding and appreciation of heritage, promoting cultural pride among youth.

• Interviewing Elders:

  • Research Insight: Oral histories collected from elders provide unique perspectives on historical events, social changes, and traditional knowledge, which are essential for preserving cultural identity.

• Storytelling Workshop:

  • Research Insight: Storytelling is a powerful tool for education and cultural transmission. It encourages creativity and strengthens community bonds by sharing personal and collective narratives.

3. Documentation and Research

• Format: Document all activities in a structured way, reflecting on their significance in promoting African identity.

• Research Sources:

  • Academic journals, books, and online databases (e.g., JSTOR, Google Scholar) provide peer-reviewed articles on African studies, philosophy, and oral traditions.

4. Guest Speaker Engagement

• Research Insight: Engaging with experts in curriculum development can provide invaluable insights into how to effectively incorporate diverse perspectives in education. This can be reinforced by case studies of successful educational programs that emphasize African heritage.

Conclusion

By conducting thorough research on these themes, students can enhance their understanding and appreciation of African identity. This foundational knowledge will support the documentation process and enrich the overall learning experience, contributing to the development of a meaningful curriculum that promotes diverse perspectives and cultural heritage.

References

1. Books

   • Wright, Richard A. African Philosophy: A Classic Approach. New York: Routledge, 1995.
     Link to Book

   • Finnegan, Ruth H. Oral Literature in Africa. Oxford University Press, 1970.
     Link to Google Books

2. Academic Journals

   • African Studies Review: A journal covering various aspects of African studies, including philosophy and cultural practices.
     Link to Journal

   • Journal of African Cultural Studies: Focuses on the culture and traditions of Africa, including oral traditions.
     Link to Journal

3. Online Databases and Archives

   • JSTOR: A digital library for academic journals, books, and primary sources. Great for accessing research articles on African studies.
     Link to JSTOR

   • Google Scholar: A freely accessible search engine for scholarly articles across various disciplines.
     Link to Google Scholar

Educational Websites

4. BBC: African History: Provides articles and resources on various aspects of African history, including philosophy and cultural practices.
   Link to BBC

5. National Geographic: Africa: Features articles, videos, and educational resources related to African cultures and histories.
   Link to National Geographic

Cultural Organizations

6. African Studies Association: An organization that promotes research and education about Africa, offering resources and publications.
   Link to ASA

7. African Heritage Foundation: Focuses on preserving and promoting African culture and history.
   Link to Foundation

Documentaries and Videos

8. YouTube: "The Story of Africa" by BBC: A documentary series that explores the history and cultures of Africa.
   Link to YouTube Playlist

9. PBS: Africa's Great Civilizations: A documentary series that delves into the history and cultures of Africa.
   Link to PBS

African Resistance of colonialism

frican Resistance to Colonialism

1. Define the Theme

• Understand what African resistance to colonialism entails, including key figures, movements, and their significance in shaping African identity.

2. Key Resources

• Books:

  • Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe – Explores the impact of colonialism on Igbo society.

  • Decolonising the Mind by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o – Discusses language and cultural identity in the context of colonialism.

  • The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon – Analyzes the psychological effects of colonization and advocates for revolutionary change.

• Articles:

  • Explore academic journals on JSTOR for articles on colonial resistance, such as “African Resistance to Colonialism: The Case of the Kikuyu.”

3. Documentaries and Films

• The Battle of Algiers – A film depicting the Algerian fight for independence.

• Concerning Violence – A documentary based on Frantz Fanon’s writings about anti-colonial struggles.

4. Online Resources

• Africa Past and Present Podcast – Features discussions on African history and colonial resistance.

• JSTOR – A digital library for accessing scholarly articles and historical documents.

5. Community Engagement

• Visit local museums or cultural centers that highlight African history and resistance movements.

• Conduct interviews with community elders to gather personal stories related to colonial history.

6. Reflection and Synthesis

• As you gather information, reflect on how these narratives shape contemporary African identity and contribute to the empowerment of African youth.

Books

1. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

   • Amazon Link

2. Decolonising the Mind by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

   • Amazon Link

3. The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon

   • Amazon Link

Articles and Journals

1. African Resistance to Colonialism: The Case of the Kikuyu

   • JSTOR Link

2. The Role of Women in the Anti-Colonial Struggle in Africa

   • ACCORD Link

Documentaries and Films

1. The Battle of Algiers

   • Amazon Link

2. Concerning Violence

   • Official Website

Online Resources

1. Africa Past and Present Podcast

   • Podcast Link

2. JSTOR

   • JSTOR Link (search for articles related to colonialism and resistance)

3. University of Pennsylvania African Studies Center

   • Resource Link

Cultural and Historical Sites

• Local Museums: Check local museum websites for exhibits on African history. For example, the National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C.:

  • National Museum of African Art

The Role Woman in African Empires

1. Role of Women in African Empires

   • Explore the contributions of women in various African empires, such as:

     • The Kingdom of Kush

     • The Mali Empire

     • The Ashanti Empire

     • The Oyo Empire

Suggested Activities

1. Reading Indigenous Texts

   • Select and read works that highlight women's roles in African history, such as:

     • Queen of the South (fiction based on historical figures)

     • Historical biographies of notable women like Yaa Asantewaa or Amina of Zazzau.

2. Visiting Local Cultural Sites

   • Organize field trips to museums or cultural centers that showcase artifacts and exhibits related to women in African history.

   • Look for exhibits focused on specific empires or influential women.

3. Interviewing Elders

   • Conduct interviews with community elders, especially women, to gather personal stories and insights about the roles women have played in their communities.

   • Prepare questions that explore historical and contemporary views on women’s contributions.

4. Workshops on Traditional Crafts or Practices

   • Host workshops that highlight traditional crafts, cooking, or practices traditionally led by women, emphasizing their cultural significance.

   • Invite local artisans to teach these skills while discussing the history and importance of women in those areas.

5. Guest Speakers

   • Invite historians or local community leaders who specialize in women's studies or African history to speak about the contributions of women in African empires.

   • Facilitate a Q&A session to encourage student engagement.

Documenting Research in the Curriculum Template

1. Introduction Section

   • Provide a brief overview of the theme and its importance in understanding African identity and empowerment.

2. Research Findings

   • Summarize insights from readings, interviews, and site visits. Highlight key figures and their contributions to society and culture.

3. Activity Reflections

   • Document reflections on each activity: what was learned, how it deepened understanding of women’s roles, and any challenges faced.

4. Conclusion

   • Reflect on the impact of women's contributions in shaping African identity and how these lessons can inspire upcoming African youth.

5. References

   • Include a bibliography of all sources consulted, including books, articles, and any other materials.

Pamphlet/Brochure Creation

• Use the documented information to create an engaging pamphlet or brochure that highlights key findings about the role of women in African empires.

• Incorporate visuals, quotes from interviews, and key insights to make the brochure informative and appealing.

Books

1. "Queen of Sheba: The Legendary African Woman" by William C. Anderson

   • Amazon Link

2. "Amina of Zazzau: A Historical Novel" by Amina J. Ali

   • Amazon Link

3. "Yaa Asantewaa and the Asante-British War of 1900" by Mary E. Kingsley

   • Amazon Link

Articles and Journals

1. "The Role of Women in the African Kingdoms"

   • Academic article discussing women's contributions in various African empires.

   • Link to article

2. "Women in African History"

   • Overview article discussing various roles women played throughout African history.

   • Link to resource

Documentaries and Films

1. "The African Queen"

   • While fictional, this film offers insights into the historical context of women's roles during colonial times.

   • Amazon Link

2. "Amina"

   • A film that explores the life of Amina of Zazzau, a notable warrior queen.

   • [Check for availability on streaming platforms]

Online Resources

1. Africa Past and Present Podcast

   • Features discussions on various aspects of African history, including the role of women.

   • Podcast Link

2. JSTOR

   • A digital library for accessing academic articles, including topics related to women in African history.

   • JSTOR Link (search for "women in African empires")

3. University of Pennsylvania African Studies Center

   • Provides resources and research materials related to African studies, including the role of women.

   • Resource Link

Cultural and Historical Sites

• National Museum of African Art (Smithsonian Institution)

  • Offers exhibits related to African history, including the roles of women.

  • Museum Link