East African Life: The History and Culture of Life in East Africa - FLEX Format
Kirsten Bowman JD
Popular
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(727)
Come explore the animals and plants of the Great Rift Valley - visit different tribal villages to learn their customs and traditions, explore the exotic spice Island of Zanzibar - together in our virtual classroom.
Class experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Each week of this 8 week course learners will explore a different aspect of life in the East African region. The first week begins with an exploration of the geography of East Africa, both the physical and political geography will be explored, helping learners understand the immense diversity of the physical geography, which encompasses the Rift Valley and the cradle of humankind as well as gaining an understanding of current country borders and how the regions colonial past and...
8 lessons//8 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1The Geography of East AfricaBoth the physical and political geography of East Africa will be explored, helping learners understand the immense diversity of the physical geography, which encompasses the Rift Valley and the cradle of humankind as well as gaining an understanding of current country borders and how the regions colonial past and independence movements helped to create modern borders that cut through ancient tribal grounds.Week 2Lesson 2Safari to KenyaWe will travel to the Massai Mara in Kenya to understand the flora, fauna and animal life there, focusing on the Great Migration. We will also visit a special elephant orphanage to learn about the efforts to save orphaned elephantsWeek 3Lesson 3Safari to TanzaniaWe will travel to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to see tree climbing lions and learn of the efforts to save the rhino populations.Week 4Lesson 4Safari to Rwanda and UgandaMeet those on the front lines of poaching prevention and visit the gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda and learn how much we have in common with these amazing animals. The plant life of East Africa will also be explored, from the dusty flatlands where acacia trees grow and termite mounds abound to the tropical systems that flourish on the hillsides of Mt. Kilimanjaro, learners will understand how the bio-diversity of the area affects the animals and humans who live there.Week 5Lesson 5The Meru of TanzaniaThe Meru people of Tanzania will show us how they farm and build community on the slopes of Mt Meru and will give us a lesson in coffee production, one of the two main staples of East African exports.Week 6Lesson 6The Maasai of KenyaThe Maasai of Kenya will introduce us to their bomas, way of life, honey farming skills and dancing ceremonies.Week 7Lesson 7The Swahili CoastA trip through the spice planations with explanations of the various spices which are grown, how they are harvested and what they are best used for will be explored.Week 8Lesson 8The Swahili Coast part IIWe will learn the origins of the Swahili language, the history of the spice islands of Zanibar, including the fascinating and devestating history of arabic slave trading along the East African coastline.
This course cuts across disciplines, looking at geography, culture, biology and history as learners fully engage in the richness of East Africa. Learners can hope to gain a greater insight into East Africa generally, historically and scientifically. Critical thinking skills will be engaged as learners work to understand how the various pieces of life in East Africa fit together in a cause and effect cycle.
I have a deep love of East Africa having lived in various parts of the region for over a decade. My children were born in Tanzania and we continue to spend a portion of each year in East Africa. Thus, I can provide real contact and connection with the region, allowing learners to really engage in a meaningful way in the countries and cultures that make up East Africa.
Homework Offered
There will be projects and research assignments given to aid and support the knowledge which learners will be getting from the lectures and readings. Homework deadlines will be given and learners will be asked to provide peer feedback on projects.2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
If requested, grades and assessments are available. All assignments must be completed in order to receive grade or assessment.Grades Offered
If requested, grades and assessments are available. All assignments must be completed in order to receive grade or assessment.
Popular
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(727)
I am a human rights lawyer by profession and a university professor and mom by passion. I have my JD with a specialization in international law and completed my PhD in international law in 2023. I have travelled the world working for the UN as a...
Self-Paced Class
$10
weekly or $80 for all content8 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks of teacher feedback
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 21 learners
Ages: 8-13
