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2021-22 - H. Eng. 12 - Purple Hibiscus Cultural Context : Background Research

Directions

Jigsaw Activity for Background Knowledge 

Directions: Using the library guide and resources, you will read about and take notes on one of the topics listed below. 

The last 20 minutes of class, you will share what you learned with your jigsaw group. Each person will take notes, using the back of this document to complete the activity and ultimately learn about all four topics.  

Citation Note: For today’s activity, please add MLA citations to a Google Doc, shared with you in your teacher's Schoology course; we will return to this doc during your next library visit (in December) to add the citations to your Noodletools project. 

  • Historical events relevant to the novel; specifically learn about British colonization, the events leading to Nigeria's independence in the 1960s, and post-colonial rule in the 1980s
  • Economic and Political factors, impacting the author’s characters and setting; consider the political figures during this time period and factors impacting income inequality in the country
  • Religious information, significant to the characters and narrative; learn about the basic beliefs of Catholicism and the connections to Nigerian society in the 1980s
  • Cultural aspects relevant to the novel; focus on the role of women, including educational and social rights 

At the end of the day, please submit the exit ticket (see your teacher's Schoology course for the link).

Sources of Information

Begin with an Overview

Resource Type: General Overview Articles

When to use them? If you are browsing for a topic OR don't know much about a topic, it's a good idea to begin your research by reading some general, overview reference articles. These sources will enable you to learn subject specific vocabulary, develop a context for the concepts, and assemble a paradigm for your understanding. 

How to approach this type of source: Use the databases linked below to read multiple general overview articles about your areas of inquiry. Search for articles using keywords (databases are not Google - you must be succinct in your search terminology). 

Passwords: Open the database passwords by visiting THIS resource. 

Culture Grams: We will all begin our research using the Culture Grams database.  

 

Additional Databases for Background Research 

 

Websites for Ready Reference

Explore the following links for quick and concise overviews: 

Browse Books & eBooks

Resource Types: Books & eBooks 

When to use them? Robinson purchases books and subscriptions to eBooks relating to a variety of scientific topics. These sources are valuable for research variety and depth relating to your interests. 

How to approach this type of source: Search the Robinson Library Catalog for library books on your topic. For an advanced search, login to Destiny using your FCPS credentials. Search for books and eBooks using keywords. 

Passwords for eBooks in Databases: Open the database passwords by visiting THIS resource.