Assignment Instructions:
Step 1: Take 1-2 minutes and write down everything you know about Africa. What you may have seen, heard, or have knowledge of regarding this continent. You can just jot these notes down to yourself. You may end up writing lots of descriptive words or sentences, it does not matter. The goal is for you to be honest with yourself and the knowledge (or lack thereof) that you may have regarding Africa.
Step 2: Please watch the below “TED TALK” (19 min.) by author Chimamanda Adichie.
It is titled “The Danger of A Single Story.” As you watch this talk I want you to replace (in your mind) the word “story” with the word “concept.” Thus, every time she says the word story think of the word concept in your head instead.
Step 3: After viewing this film you are to write a 3-4 page reaction paper. I would like you to discuss what you thought of her speech and also to share what you originally wrote before viewing this video. Please also discuss some of the following questions in your reaction paper:
- What did you learn?
- How did you grow?
- How did your initial answers, and thoughts regarding Africa compare to what she had to say?
- How can you better relate the meaning of concepts to your life and why is it so important to have several understandings of what a concept could or should be, rather than just one, narrow-minded view