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What is the driving question this module will explore?

How can I demonstrate my learning and understanding of Batswana culture and society through storytelling?

Module Summary

Students will immerse themselves in local cultural beliefs, the economy, and the political system that shapes modern Botswana while learning the art of traditional oral storytelling. They will apply the techniques learned from storytelling to construct their own stories based on their journey through Botswana’s way of life.

During the first 2 weeks of the module, students will rotate between three different themes: Culture, Economy, and Politics. Their learning experience will include hands-on sessions, field trips, and guest speakers, in addition to storytelling workshops.

During the weXplore week, students will have an immersive experience where they will live in a remote camp in the Okavango Delta. Students will develop a range of research and data collection skills, such as identification techniques, transects, tracking, and using camera traps to monitor animals at water points. Alongside these conservation studies, students will also be working with local storytellers to learn about the importance of oral storytelling.

Summative Assessment

At the end of our time in Botswana, each student will write and perform an oral story based on a chosen area of study (culture, politics, economy, science, or a chosen initiative based on their learning). They will also write a critical introduction to their story explaining their oral story techniques and the reasons for the topic and focus chosen. Student performances will be recorded.

Learning Targets

  • 1a.1 Identifying the main idea and relevant background information, and distinguishing fact from opinion.
  • 1b.1 Describing, narrating, or explaining observations of human events or situations.
  • 1b.3 Constructing support for a position, argument, plan, or idea.
  • 1c.1 Transmitting an intended message to audiences effectively (including written, verbal, and nonverbal behavior, language, and strategies/delivery techniques).
  • 1c.2 Identifying how diverse audiences may interpret different meanings from the same information, and evaluating the consequent impact on communication and collaboration in an interdependent world.
  • 1c.3 Adjusting the communication based on verbal and nonverbal feedback from an audience.
  • 2b.2 Demonstrating a consideration of audience, historical context, and artistic intention as a way to convey meaning.
  • 2b.3 Demonstrating the application of artistic critique and feedback from self and relevant sources.
  • S8-Challenging Assumptions Challenging assumptions is the willingness to make mistakes, advocate unconventional or unpopular positions, or tackle extremely challenging problems without obvious solutions, such that one’s personal growth, integrity, or accomplishments are enhanced.
  • S7-Creativity Creativity is the act of bringing something into existence that is genuinely new, original, and of value either personally (of significance only to the individual or organization) or culturally (adds significantly to a domain of culture as recognized by experts).
  • S10-CriticalThinking Critical thinking includes the cognitive processes of analysis, comparison, inference/interpretation, evaluation, and synthesis applied to a range of academic domains and problem-solving contexts.
  • S11-Effective Communication Communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose.
  • S3-Multicultural Literacy Multicultural Literacy is the ability to understand and appreciate the similarities and differences in the customs, values, and beliefs of one’s own culture and the cultures of others.
  • S9-Teaming and Collaboration Teaming and collaboration means cooperative interaction between two or more individuals working together to solve problems, create novel products, or learn and master content.
  • 6a.1 Demonstrating an understanding of how demographics may influence beliefs and actions.
  • 6a.2 Demonstrating how new ideas can affect change.
  • 6b.1 Understanding the cultural characteristics of a place and their impact on society
  • 6b.2 Understanding how populations in transition influence place and world events
  • 6b.3 Articulating how access to resources influences development.
  • 6c.1 Understanding social concepts and their development over time.
  • 6c.2 Demonstrating an understanding of contemporary concepts and institutions of the modern world.
  • 6c.3 Understanding present-day repercussions of historical events.
  • 6d.1 Understanding the history and principles of philosophy.
  • 6d.2 Developing an understanding of ethics and its application in everyday life.
  • 6d.3 Understanding and exploring different schools `of philosophical thought.
  • 7c.2 Engaging in public speaking activities.
  • 7c.4 Assessing and evaluating the impact of leaders on a current issue, event, or a community they serve.