Midterm Details

Midterm Assignment Details

  • Availability and Due Dates:

    • Midterm questions available: November 7 (Friday)

    • Midterm due: November 11 (Tuesday)

  • Format of Midterm:

    • Consists of five essay questions.

    • Students must choose three out of the five questions to answer.

    • Instructions:

    • Do NOT write a single essay addressing all three questions.

    • Each question answered separately.

  • Example of Structure:

    • If answering questions 1, 3, and 5, structure as follows:

    1. Question 1: Type essay response, leave space.

    2. Question 3: Type essay response, leave space.

    3. Question 5: Type essay response.

  • Essay Definition:

    • An essay is defined as "the attempt to work out an idea on paper."

    • Focus on addressing the question rather than polishing structure (no complete concept or formal introduction/closing required).

Grading Criteria

  • Comprehensiveness:

    • Graded on how thoroughly each question is answered.

  • Comparative Analysis:

    • Evaluate how thought-provoking the responses are in a comparative context.

    • Eliminate unnecessary content that does not directly address the question.

Suggested Approach for Completion

  • Five Days Strategy:

    • Allocate one day to answer each question (total three questions) for three days.

    • Use the remaining two days for revision to ensure clarity in expression.

  • Avoid Last-Minute Pressure:

    • Do not wait until the last minute to start on the midterm.

    • This approach helps in producing a quality response without overloading.

Journal Entry & Comparative Reviews

  • Due Date: Same day as midterm (November 11).

  • Content Requirement:

    • Four required components:

    1. Thesis

    2. Analysis

    3. Contemporary analysis

    4. Comparative material.

  • Word Count: Not a priority; focus on comprehensive answers.

Guidelines for Writing

  • Avoid Distraction:

    • Include only relevant material that supports answers to questions.

  • Citations:

    • Use quotes from sources when necessary, ensuring proper citation practices are followed.

Study Guide Considerations

  • Midterm Questions:

    • Questions on the study guide will not match the midterm exactly but will share structural similarities.

    • Use as preparation material and explore together for collective understanding.

Example Question Structure

  • Two Part Example:

    • Name an African individual and their significant contributions prior to European contact.

    • Why is this information essential to the academic discourse on history?

    • To earn full points, each component must be answered comprehensively.

  • Multiple Parts to Each Question: Always break down questions into parts to ensure thorough responses.

Key Themes and Ideas

  • Historical Context:

    • Understanding that Egypt is seen as a founding civilization must ground the historical discourse.

  • Interpretive Questions:

    • Certain sections of the midterm may rely on personal interpretation, not solely texts.

  • Development of New Ideas:

    • Dialogues between historical texts and contemporary issues can yield new understandings; scholars should focus on this.

Specific Questions and Their Breakdown

  • Example of Detailed Breakdown:

    • What is the desire of the ancient text Patalotep? (1 point)

    • Means to ensure Patalotep's desire manifests? (2 points)

    • Favorite wisdom teaching and everyday application? (3 points)

    • Can Patalotep's teachings be applied today and why? (4 points)

Metaphorical Considerations

  • Open Book Metaphor:

    • Represents shared trauma and the formation of new identities from historical phenomena like the Transatlantic slave trade.

  • Language Dynamics:

    • The impact of the territorialization of African languages and the resulting creolization.

Final Thoughts on Preparation

  • Ownership of Learning:

    • Responsibility lies with students to prepare adequately, utilizing resources, peers, and discussions to ensure readiness for the exam.

  • No Wrong Answers: Encourage exploration of ideas and concepts; focus on creative, thoughtful responses that reflect individual understanding.