AP World History 2013 – 2014 / Higginbotham / Summer Assignments
The AP World History summer assignments will expose you to important themes in World History, and the
diverse content that is essential to the class. You are required to read 3 books for this class, one of them you will read for
Honors English (A Little History of the World by Gombrich), and the other two are for this class. Things Fall Apart
(Achebe) is a classic of modern African literature. The other is An Edible History of Humanity (Standage), which uses
food as a way to analyze human history.
Read (and enjoy!) the books then, follow the directions on this paper to complete the rest of the summer
assignments. The books can be found in either the school library, the public library, or at a local bookstore. Inexpensive
used copies can be found online. Do not hesitate to use a dictionary to better understand confusing words, or the internet
to better understand the historical settings for these novels. Depending on the edition of the novels there may be
important information as part of an introduction or epilogue – don’t forget to read that too!
Summer assignments #1 and #2 must be turned in by July 12, 2013. You may submit your Summer Assignments
in one of the following ways: deliver it to the school, or mail it to the school. If your work has not been received by July
12, you will be dropped from the course. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Assignments #3, and #4, are minimal work and reading, but will get you prepared for the 1st week of school.
Assignments #3, and #4 will be turned in the first day of school, August 15th.
If you have any questions over the summer, I would prefer you email me first at jhigginb@dps.k12.oh.us, or as a
last resort - you can call me at 623-4575. I look forward to having you in class this fall. Good luck with the summer
work.
Part 1 – Due July 12
1.
Read the book, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, then complete the book review and analysis using
the guides below. – 100 points (Due July 12)
Include a title page with your name and the book’s title. The answers to the book review prompts should be
typed in 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced. Completed review, historical background, and analysis
prompts should be about 4-5 pages.
Respond to the following prompts.
Book Review
 Describe the setting for the book
 Briefly describe the main characters and their relevance to the story
 Summarize the plot
Historical Background
 Explain this work of fiction’s connection to history (You are encouraged to research this part – Present
Day Nigeria / European colonization in Nigeria / Culture and Ethnicity in Nigeria
Analysis
 Explain the themes that are used in the book
 Explain what you believe is the author’s perspective and reason for writing this story
 What are the elements of traditional African culture that are being challenged by European influences?
 What is the effect of Christianity on the lives of the main characters of the novel?
 Explain how Okonkwo’s choices are being shaped by the changes that are happening within his culture.
 Assess blame for the tragedies that occur in this story.
 Explain what the author wants the reader to understand about the colonial history of Africa.
 Evaluate the author’s opinions about European involvement in Africa
2.
Read the book, An Edible History of Humanity by Tom Standage, then complete the book review using
the guide below. – 100 points (Due July 12)
Use the following guide to write your book review. Your review should be typed in 12pt Times New Roman
font, double-spaced, 3 to 4 pages in length, and include a title page (not included in the pg. count) with your
name and book title.
 What is the author’s main argument or thesis about their topic
 Describe how the author organizes and presents the information in their work
 Summarize the information that is essential to understanding the topic and the author’s perspective
 Explain the relevance of the book’s topic to World History
 Evaluate the book by explaining how well the author conveyed information in the text (What was done
well? / What could have been done better?)
Part II – Due August 15th and 16th
3. Respond to the following prompts about the Gombrich book, “A Little History of the World.”
Please type your responses. Answers to these prompts are due on the first day of school. (Aug.15)
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How does he organize World History?
What is his perspective on World History?
Does he give the reader a broad view of global cultures, and their significance?
What does he leave out about World History?
What does the title imply about the book?
Does he have a positive or negative view of World History?
How does Gombrich represent the history of Africa?
4. Read the following articles online at the National Geographic website, and view additional
photographic and video elements that accompany them. Answer the questions that go with each
article. Please type your responses. (Aug.15)
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“The Greatest Journey,” http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2006/03/human-journey/shreeve-text
o How can archaeologists/historians use biologists’ work with genetics to help them better
understand Mankind’s distant pre-historical past?
o Explain the paths of human migration throughout the world that archaeologists and biologists
have identified.
o Explain the traditional view of migration into the Americas, and how it is now being challenged.
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“The Birth of Religion,” http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/06/gobekli-tepe/mann-text
o Explain the thoughts on the origins of Gobekli Tepe?
o What is the traditional view of prehistory as defined by the idea of the Neolithic Revolution?
o How does Gobekli Tepe’s existence, and the time of its creation challenge the traditional view of
the Neolithic Revolution?
o What does the Gobekli Tepe site tell us about prehistoric religious beliefs?