 A Clash of Cultures
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Research Process
Directions to Students
Scenario
The traditions and prejudices of a culture shape the people living within that culture. South Africa is a country which has experienced conflict as a result of the clash between its two cultures.
Your assigned novel, Waiting for the Rain, is set in South Africa and reflects the cultural conflict which can develop as a result of these traditions and prejudices. The author uses accurate details about two South African cultures and the apartheid situation to portray conflict in a fictional story.
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Task and Product
Imagine your group has recently visited South Africa and spent some time researching and studying its culture. You have been asked to present a skit which conveys how the traditions and prejudices of that culture have influenced the actions and decisions of its people. Your skit must be historically and culturally accurate to realistically portray the situation.
Your research on South Africa and apartheid for your skit will need to include some of the following:
- the geography of South Africa
- the history of its people including significant events
- the politics and political leaders
- the traditions and culture of the people
- life under apartheid for both cultures
- writings inspired by apartheid including some primary sources.
Your group will need to research this topic, then prepare a 3-5 minute skit to be presented to your classmates.
Assessments
You will be graded on your daily work on the research process as well as on your final product.
Question
Essential Question:
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Examples of questions
- What is apartheid?
- How did apartheid evolve?
- What conflicts occurred as a result of apartheid?
- Who has been most affected by it? Why?
- What has brought about changing apartheid policies in South Africa? How?
Gather and Sort
Gather information from a variety of sources. |
Remember to cite your references. Check the MLA guidelines and examples for citing resources; however, your school may use a different format.
To avoid risking plagiarism, properly paraphrase and quote in your writing.
Organize
Analyze your research notes to determine if you have answered the essential question.
Synthesize your findings.
- What new insights have emerged about your topics?
- Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience?
Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task.
- Have you gathered sufficient details about your topic?
- Are your details organized in the right categories or sub-topics to make sense for your audience?
Create your skit.
Conclusion
Present your skit to your class.
During the presentation of skits, use this chart to record the most relevant and important information.
Reflection
How have the skits both demonstrated and extended our knowledge of apartheid? Scoring Tool for Brief Constructed Response