Sub-Saharan Africa Map

Viewpoint on Griots of Africa

In my opinion I believe history would be more memorable if it were to be passed down the way the African Griots had done. Though this may be, there are issues with this method of preserving history. One of these issues concern the originality of the story, which means that when a story is being passed down from generation to generation, variations may be added to the original story to make it more easier to express. This depreciation of the originality of the concepts/events that have cured in history may ultimately lead to false interpretations of the story. Therefore, even though it would be more well known through words, by having it in text would preserve the accuracy of history as it happened. Thus I would not really like to learn history the way the Griots did, and would instead prefer history in text.

How I Would Express the World's History

In my opinion, a timeline is the best way to consider the progress of history up until why we have covered in the duration of this course. I feel that a timeline is the best way to express the course of history because timelines are very good in showing sequence. In addition to it's proper structural structure, a timeline can also hold as much information as it wants. Each and every significant even can be simply be branched off the main timeline. Color coding on a timeline would also further support the accuracy of a structural depiction of history. This is why a timeline would seve as the ideal shape, which I would use to consider the progress of history. I also have an alternative solution, for considering the progress of history. Instead of a timeline, I would also find it useful to have a tree like diagram that begins with the start of human civilization, and then branch off into divisions based on how humans separated and established themselves in different parts of the world. Each division of branches would continue until it ends up ultimately to the establishment of every civilization/country that exists today. This method will not only depict history in a sequential order, but it will also illustrate in high detail, what events lead to other events. It would almost be like a family pedigree of one person, except it will be historical events and the progression/devision/diversity of human beings as a whole.

First Semester Essay Progress Reflection

Based on the essay progress chart I have filled out, it would appear that I need to improve in several areas of writing a compare and contrast, as well as a change over time essay. To be more precise, for the compare and contrast essays I have written in the first semester, I seem to have failed completely in analyzing the information and establishing a proper amount of evidence. I also seem to have only partly understood how to form a proper thesis. I believe these issues could be resolved if the comprehension of the historical material was better executed before writing the essay, and also I believe the issue could be resolved by better analyzing the information written down as evidence. As for the change over time essays I have written in the first semester, it would appear that I have performed poorly in fulfilling the requirements of analysis, global context, sufficient evidence, and thesis. For issues relating to thesis, analysis, and evidence, I believe the same solution I have concluded for the compare and contrast essays will suffice. As for global evidence, it could be improved by better relating the historical material in a global perspective, which would require the understanding of the information before essay attempts. Then finally, I believe that only when these issues are resolved, I will be able to approach the expanded core section of the essay.


Link to Essay Progress Chart:
https://docs.google.com/a/bps121.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ai_lGQhWTiY1dEVzTFhyY2ZRYXF4ZHlCbWsxa0pQelE&usp=drive_web#gid=0

Mongol Trial Progress 1/9/14

Today, the prosecution side of the upcoming trial ran a practice trial. We began with the opening statement and then questioned the prosecution witnesses. This exercise helped all the witnesses develop a stronger understanding of how they should be answering the questions on the day of the actual trial. It also assisted in identifying errors in backstories for witnesses and errors or typos in the opening statement. I participated in this activity as the peasant witness, Li Wei. Overall this mock trial helped bring the group together for a good collaborative review for the upcoming Mongo trial.

Mongol Trial Progress 1/8/14

Today, I reviewed and finalized by backstory for my witness as the peasant known as Li Wei. This was done in preparation for tomorrows practice trial that will prepare me and my group for the upcoming Mongol trial.

Mongol Trial Progress 1/7/14

Today I researched one of the defense witnesses, Yelu Chucai. I have shared the information obtained from my research, with my group via google drive. It is meant to assist the cross examiners for the prosecution team, form their questions for the defense witnesses in the upcoming trial.

Mongol Trial Progress 1/6/14

Today, I discussed my role and developed a complete character for my role as a pesant witness in the upcoming trial with Yash, who is the groups lawyer that is in charge of direct examination of the witnesses. This details of this pesant witness has been shared with the group via google doc, by Yash.

Mongol Trial Progress 1/5/14

Today I made notes for the Xi-Xia, Jin and Song dynasties. I hope to use these notes in discussing and structuring the background details for by peasant witness, tomorrow.

Mongol Trial Progress 1/4/14

Today I watched "Storm From the East: Tartar Crusaders" and "Mongol Hordes: The Last Khan Of Khans" for more information on the Mongols for the upcoming trial.

Mongol Trial Progress 1/2/14

Today, I researched the effects that took place in China due to the Mongol invasions. I read about their conquests of the Xi Xia Dynasty, Jin Dynasty, Yunnan Dynasty, and the Song Dynasty. This will help me develop my role as a pesant by giving me an understanding of which type of background would support me the most as a witness to the production side of the trial.