SHS2 Social Studies · Semester 1 Week 12: European Encounter, Colonialism and Neo-Colonialism

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.4.1.LI.2 - Explain the concept of the “Scramble for and Partition of Africa” and its impact on the African continent

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define the “Scramble for and Partition of Africa” in their own words, identifying the period (roughly 1881 to 1914) and the key European powers involved.
Explain at least three major events and economic, political, and strategic factors that led to the Berlin Conference of 1884-85.
Describe the decisions taken at the Berlin Conference and analyse how the conference formalised the partition of Africa without African representation.
Evaluate the impact of the partition on the African continent, using specific Ghanaian and West African examples, and distinguish between immediate and long-term consequences.
Critically assess the limitations of Eurocentric narratives of the “Scramble” by highlighting at least two African perspectives that are often omitted from traditional accounts.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Nationalism and Nationhood (Strand 4)
Sub-strand: European Encounter, Colonialism and Neo-Colonialism (4.1)
Content standard: 2.4.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate understanding of European encounter and colonialism in Africa, recognising the limitations and biases inherent in traditional Eurocentric narratives 2.4.1.LO.1 Evaluate the historical narratives surrounding European exploration and colonialism, highlighting the perspectives of the African people
Indicator: 2.4.1.LI.2 - Explain the concept of the "Scramble for and Partition of Africa" and its impact on the African continent
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 12 (Week 12 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Source document note: The official curriculum document has a fault in this entry, so the curriculum text above is transcribed exactly as printed:

content standard text - p.63: the content standard code is printed 2.4.1CS.1 without the required dot before CS; normalised to 2.4.1.CS.1 for import, the intended code being unambiguous
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 63

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Technology-enhanced learning:
- With the aid of internet or library sources, learners discuss the major events leading up to the Berlin Conference of 1884-85
- With the aid of maps and documentaries, learners identify European countries that took part in the Berlin Conference of 1884-85
Collaborative learning:
- In small groups, learners debate the reasons for the scramble and partition of Africa
- Using primary sources, learners analyse how the scramble and partition of Africa eventually led to colonisation of some African states
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- World map/globe
- Stationery
- Internet access
- Library sources
- Standard textbooks
- Computer/laptop
- Cartoons on Berlin Conference
- Audio devices
- Documentaries/pictures on Berlin
- Conference
Assessment (2.4.1.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.