We have spent the past few weeks exploring the 4 Spheres, geo-literacy skills, and the 5 Themes of Geography. We took a closer look at the concept of Absolute and Relative location by playing around and refining our mapping skills. We learned a bit about the history of cartography - including the idea that oral maps and Indigenous cartography served as the first maps here in Canada. We also studied written maps that started in caves of early humans, up to the sophisticated Google Maps of today.
We are now looking at the idea of Place. The unique characteristics of a place ~ the story if you will of the nature of both humans and the land upon which they live and interact. To truly understand a place, you need to understand both the physical/natural characteristics and what the spheres are like, as well as the human aspects and the culture of a place. Elements like food, population, language, religion, values and beliefs. Your description should include a diversity of perspectives on a place. For example, if you were studying a place like Dubai, you might explore the beautiful architecture, the tourism industry, the wealth that comes from oil money. But, a true description of the place would also include perspectives of people that aren't wealthy there, that may not be part of the 'elite', that may be migrant workers that have been brought in to do the very difficult labour of building the beautiful buildings that we admire.
HISTORY OF PLACE:
A thorough description of place also includes mention of the history of the place. We don't need to record everything - but its interesting to ask ourselves:
- Who are the first peoples that lived in this place?
- How did/do people move to this place and within this place?
- Are there any key historical events (colonization, war, border conflicts, environmental events, natural disasters, etc.) that have shaped what daily life is like for people in this place?
EXPLORING CANADA'S HISTORY & THAT OF BLACK CANADIANS:
We are going to take a closer look at the history of race, of racism, of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and the history of Black people in Canada. This is not something that is frequently discussed in school, and its important for us to understand more about it, so that we can understand the events in the news, Black Lives Matter protests, and why people were so triggered after the death of George Floyd this past Spring.
GROUP A - GEO PM - TASK FOR TODAY: Watch the documentary
THIS SHOULD BE COMPLETE BEFORE THURSDAY'S IN PERSON CLASS
TASK 1 - Watch the documentary - The Skin We're In - it profiles news journalist Desmond Cole, from Toronto, about his experiences as a Black Man trying to understand systemic racism in Canada.
The documentary is 45 minutes long. As you watch, answer the following questions. Bring your answers to class tomorrow.
1. Describe some of the daily challenges that Desmond Cole believes that Black people face in Canada. Record examples of specific scenes in the movie.
2. Describe how Mike Brown's friends in Ferguson, Missouri felt, after losing their friend was shot and killed by police.
3. Think about the history of place - what do you think it would feel like to live as a Black person today, in a city like Ferguson where Black people that were enslaved were brought and put in jail before they were sold at an auction.
4. Describe Nova Scotia's connection to slavery and Black History. Talk about Birchtown, etc.
5. What were some of challenges Black people face in Canada today, and in the past?
6. Describe a scene from the movie that was powerful for you as a viewer. How did it make you feel?
BRING YOUR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO CLASS TOMORROW AND BE READY TO DISCUSS YOUR ANSWERS.
TASK 2 - Skim through this article on the history of Race. It's quite long -- read up to the section on "Crash Course: Slavery" ---- this we will discuss in class. Record 5 important points from the article about the history of race. Its up to you if you want to read on and finish the article.
OPTIONAL -
Comments
Post a Comment