Africa

African History

__**Videos**__

This is a PBS production that covers a range of political, scientific, literary, and cultural achievements of Africa while Europe was still struggling through the Medieval period. What makes this series really great is that it is hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. who actually travels to the areas being discussed. The PBS website includes Gates’ journal and additional materials, making the film especially useful for educators and students.
 * __The Road to Timbuktu: Wonders of the African World__** **on YouTube**[| http://tinyurl.com/5sdt4jz]

This five part documentary by the BBC tells the story of Timbuktu’s manuscripts and university. The film makes the case that the libraries of Timbuktu are proof that books and literature, not just oral tradition, have long been as important to Africans as to Europeans. Useful as an overview and interest motivator for students.
 * __Lost Libraries of Timbuktu__** **on YouTube** []

This film is part of Time Life’s “Lost Civilizations” series and consists of a combination of interviews, dramatizations, and footage narrated by Sam Waterston. The film covers a range of topics related to African history. Students will learn that much of African history is “lost” because it is from the perspective of Europeans in Africa.
 * __Lost Civilizations: Africa-A History Denied__** **on YouTube** []

This is an hour long BBC documentary that attempts to uncover information about African history that has been lost. British art historian Dr. Gus Casely-Hayford narrates and leads the viewer on a process of investigation and discovery into Africa’s past. Artistic, social, and intellectual achievements of African civilization are discussed, giving students an appreciation of Africa’s “lost kingdoms.”
 * __Lost Kingdoms of Africa__** **on YouTube** []

Journeyman Pictures produced this and other videos, interviewing African historians and explaining the importance of historical manuscripts in Timbuktu and the Songhai Empire. There are additional films available on the Journeyman Pictures site for an affordable subscription. Students will learn more specific information focused on Mali’s civilization and culture.
 * __Treasures of Timbuktu-Mali__** **on YouTube** []

[] (log in needed) This video traces the history of the rise of Timbuktu as a place of scholarly learning. One of Mali's most powerful leaders, Mansa Musa, is also introduced. His role in spreading Muslim culture and Islamic religion is explained, giving students an understanding of this important historical figure.
 * __Empires of Early Africa: Islam Comes to Timbuktu__** **on Discovery Education**

This amateur video was made by teacher Michael Keeney and his class. It has some description of the salt trade and images of his class playing a game in which students portray salt and gold traders as part of a historical simulation. I think this video would be useful if you were preparing to do the activity with your own class.
 * __West African Trade Game__** **on Vimeo** []


 * __Podcasts__**

This series of video podcasts by The Virginia Department of Education covers main ideas about the empire of Mali. Five episodes are available for free through iTunes U: //Introduction for Teachers, Where People Lived, The Griot, Trades and Traditions,// and //What People Wore.// The episodes draw connections between modern life and life in historical Mali to engage the viewer and deepen understanding.
 * __The Empire of Mali Series__** **on iTunes U**

This is one individual audio podcast from the //Stuff You Missed in History Class// series. The speakers give an interesting and easy to understand account of Mansa Musa and his pilgrimage from Mali to Mecca. Students will enjoy listening to this podcast’s description of Mansa Musa’s impact on the region’s economy as he gave gold away to those he encountered on this important historical journey.
 * __Stuff You Missed in History Class: Mansa Musa and the City of Gold__** **on iTunes**

A series of video podcasts produced by the Choices Program at Brown University, the Forgotten History series is organized by guiding questions such as “Why was slavery accepted for so long?” and “Why did Africans choose to participate in the slave trade?” These podcasts are in a lecture format but would be useful for addressing difficult questions around slavery as well as connecting directly to the New England region. Related curriculum materials are also available.
 * __A Forgotten History: The Slave Trade and Slavery in New England__** **on iTunes U**

This podcast provides pictures and explanations of artifacts from the Brooklyn Museum, which has over five thousand pieces of art from sub-Saharan Africa. This is the largest collection of African art in America, and includes ceremonial and commonplace items. The podcasts also include transcripts which I thought would be helpful in the classroom as students can read along with the audio as they view the artifacts.
 * __African Art from the Brooklyn Museum__** **on iTunes U**