The Africans

Nature of a continent
By Ali Mazrui

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  1. part 1
  2. part 2
  3. part 3
  4. part 4
  5. part 5

What follows are discussion guide questions. Your particular assignment is given directly to you by your professor.

The Africans

Nature of a continent
By Ali Mazrui

  1. Why does Mazrui say that "geography is the mother of history?" What points does he use in this segment to prove his point?
  2. What are the elements making up Africa's "triple heritage" and how are the aspects interrelated according to Mazrui?
  3. Why does Mazrui assert that Africa is the birthplace of Human culture (please include any evidence and cite your source properly)?
  4. According to Mazrui, Mecca and Islam are part of Africa. Outline his argument.
  5. What two forces determined the 'currently accepted' northeastern border of Africa at the Red Sea as opposed to the Arabian Gulf?