Colonialism & Independence Symposium

This month, you will work in a group on a country selected from the list to analyze nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the movements that helped colonies become independent. You will share what you learn with your classmates in an academic "symposium" (a large meeting about a specific subject) about colonialism and independence. The Symposium will take place on May 29th.

The countries you may choose from are:

• South Africa
• Argentina
• Dominican Republic
• Vietnam
• India

Each group will have to research the following questions about its chosen country and provide answers in your presentation at the Symposium:
1. How & when was country colonized? By whom? Why?

2. How was the country governed as a colony? Direct/indirect rule? Did the colonizers have indigenous collaborators? What was the impact of colonialism on the indigenous cultures and the environment of the colony? How did the native people resist colonial rule?

3. How and when did the country become independent? Was it a violent uprising, a peaceful process, or a combination? Who were the main figures in the independence movement?

4. How has the country fared since independence? Who have been the main leaders in the post-colonial era? What organizations or political parties have been influential? How do the leading economic indicators regarding health, education, the economy, sanitation, and political rights compare to other countries? What are the main successes and challenges in the country today? What are the lasting legacies of colonialism?

Helpful websites for current statistics: http://who.int, http://un.org

Global Symposium in 9 Steps

Steps Due Dates


Step 1: Picking & Choosing May 6th & 7th

Form a group of 3 or 4 classmates. Choose a country to investigate from the list of possible topics. Decide who will lead which sections of the team's presentation. Divide the primary and secondary sources each of you will read in class and at home.

Step 2: Become informed May 6th & 7th

Read the primary and secondary sources in class and at home. Look for information about your presentation topic and information that will be useful for presentations. Mark up your sources. Take notes. Ask questions.

Step 3 Compile notes and annotated bibliography May 16th

After Ms.Grady has approved your sources, write the first draft of your answers to the questions in your section and your annotated bibliography.

Step 4 Revise notes and complete annotated bibliography May 23rd

Review the feedback from Ms.Grady. Revise the rough draft of notes. Type your notes. Revise the annotated bibliography. Turn in notes and annotated bibliography.

Step 5 What is the story? May 19th

Figure out a way to tell your country's story that will be interesting to your audience. Do not kill us with boredom. Choose interesting images, graphs, short audio/video clips that will enhance your presentation (without becoming your presentation). Prepare your powerpoint if you plan to use one. Email notes to Ms.Grady

Step 6 Meet with Ms.Grady May 23rd

Discuss your ideas for your presentation. Let me know if you are stuck or are having issues within the group. Let me know about A/V equipment you will need.

Step 7 Practice May 23rd

Practice the presentation. Give your team members constructive criticism about how their sections can improve and praise what is good. Practice enunciation, projection and eye contact. Ask yourselves: Does this story make sense? Is it interesting? Have we answered questions thoroughly? Do we have evidence to back up what we are saying?

Step 8 Present! May 27th

Step 9 Reflection May 30th

Reflect on your work and your classmates. Write about the bumps along the way and how you and the group handled them. What did you learn from the group and the presentation about colonialism and independence that surprised you? What do you want to know more about? What could your team have done differently/better? Fill out the group and self assessment rubrics and give them to Ms. Grady.