The term paper is based exclusively on Sundiata: Epic of Old Mali (see “Paper Components” below for more details)
• No source other than Sundiata: Epic of Old Mali is permitted to write your paper.
• Obedience to this instruction is an obligation you must meet in order for your paper to be graded.
Objectives
• The main purpose of this paper is to know how well you can pull some theme(s) about African history in this case the medieval empire of Mali based on oral tradition as your source.
• Further, the paper will enable you to develop skill on how to approach and analyze oral tradition.
• Finally, I also want you to enjoy writing your paper. Sundiata is really fun to read and write about.
Suggested Topics and approaches
Select one [1] out of the three [3] questions below and write your paper. Your specific questions and approaches will all depend on the topic that most interests you, and on the evidence you select. Your paper should not simply supply answers to these questions; they are intended to Start Your Thinking about Sundiata, griots and their importance. Choose a question, or cluster of questions, and then ask some questions of your own about the text. Use the accumulated questions to GUIDE you in formulating a Thesis and Locating evidence to support it.
1. Discuss the function of griots in Mali. In your opinion, is the griot Djeli Mamoudou Kouyate a historian or a storyteller? How reliable do you think are the griots? What can we learn from them about Mali? How do we approach and analyze them? Are written sources more reliable than oral sources?
2. What are the characteristics that define Sundiata as a hero? What qualities are considered heroic and good kingship in Malian society? In your opinion, was Sundiata a destined hero, or a self-made hero?
3. The above questions are just suggestion. Do you have an original thesis or idea which you’d like to pursue? There are plenty of questions that are not touched on here! Please e-mail me your topic if you have one before you commit yourself into writing your paper.
I am available for questions via email. If you have any question, please let me know.