Objectives:
- Analyze the on-going political and economic effects of colonization.
Scene 1 — Engage
Student Activity
Students are introduced to the idea that most Asian and African colonies gained independence by the late 1960s but still experience long-term effects of colonization. They view an example of a lasting impact (English as the dominant language in the United States), then upload an image that shows one lasting impact of colonization anywhere in the world and write a caption explaining the connection.
Teacher Moves
Present the lesson overview and objective, clarifying that students will explore ongoing political and economic effects of colonization. Guide students as they select and caption images, helping them distinguish, when possible, between impacts of colonization and broader cultural diffusion. When all students have submitted their work, unlock the next scene.
Scene 2 — Explore
Student Activity
Students learn about the concept of divide-and-rule and how the British used this strategy to maintain control in Africa. They watch Colonialism in Africa and read selected sections of How Did Decolonization Reshape the World? and Politics and Government in Post-Colonial Africa to investigate how former colonies built their nations and the political, economic, and Cold War challenges they faced. As they read, students complete two graphic organizers: one charting post-independence political, economic, and Cold War challenges, and another summarizing three broad categories of political challenges (sovereignty and security, national unity, and basic human services).
Teacher Moves
Preview the video to determine whether to show it with or without images, and consider displaying the accompanying map as an alternative visual. Clarify the historical examples of divide-and-rule and connect them to British colonial practices in Africa. Support students as they read and complete the organizers, prompting them to use evidence from the texts. Allow time for students to share and discuss their charts, highlighting common themes and key challenges. Then form small groups and assign each group one of the listed countries for the next scene before unlocking it.
Scene 3 — Explain
Student Activity
In small groups, students research the assigned country’s post-colonial history, government, economics, and demographics. Using their findings, they collaboratively write a brief analysis explaining the lasting effects of colonization on that country, citing evidence to support their claims. A designated note taker posts the group’s analysis to a shared wall.
Teacher Moves
Remind groups to connect their research directly to long-term political and economic effects of colonization and to include specific evidence. Circulate to support research, clarify questions, and push students to consider issues such as ethnic conflict and government stability. Highlight one or more exemplary or especially interesting analyses for whole-class discussion, drawing out patterns across different countries. Then explain that remaining scenes will be completed individually and that the next scene is optional before unlocking it.
Scene 4 — Elaborate
Student Activity
Students are introduced to Jared Diamond’s theory that geographic luck—such as domesticable plants and animals, favorable climate, and the east–west orientation of Eurasia—helped some regions develop advanced civilizations and the capacity to colonize others. They read an excerpt from Guns, Germs and Steel and an excerpt from Things Fall Apart, then write their own two-part narrative scene in which a colonizer and an indigenous person describe a first encounter from their respective points of view. After posting their scenes, students review classmates’ work and respond to at least two posts with a question or positive comment.
Teacher Moves
Frame the readings by emphasizing that Diamond attributes European global dominance to geographic factors rather than inherent superiority, and connect this idea to students’ prior learning about colonization. Encourage students to use details and perspectives inspired by the excerpts as they craft their dual narratives, prompting them to consider power, misunderstanding, and cultural assumptions on both sides. After students post, guide them in offering thoughtful, respectful feedback to peers and, when ready, unlock the next scene.
Scene 5 — Evaluate
Student Activity
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher Moves
Facilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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