Islam in Africa & Sundiata

For Monday's class, please read G&R, chapter 7 and Sundiata. (Note: we are postponing chapter 6 until next week.)

Questions to consider while reading Sundiata are

• What is the role and status of a griot?
• What if any significant role do women play in the story of Sundiata?
• Where and when do the events of the story take place?
• What roles do religion and magic play in the story?
• How connected or aware of a larger world is the storyteller?
• What is the family structure of the king of Mali?
• How does one kingdom interact with another? 
• What are external and internal threats to peace?
• Overview of social structure can be found in note 37.
• Can you outline the basic story?