Purpose of the assignment: to learn about an important incident in Nigerian women's history from the sources assigned; to evaluate the sources as sources of history; to assess the use of fiction, and to compare it to other sources in learning about history.

I. The assignment

Write a 5-7 page paper using I Saw the Sky Catch Fire and the assigned readings on the Nigerian Women's War (Sep. 25th on the schedule), evaluating the novel as a source for history on this event in Nigerian history, and comparing it to the other sources, which are primarily secondary sources written by academics. The following questions are to guide you (but not limit you). Other questions of your own may occur.

II. The novel.

Authorial intention.

• Why do you think the author (a man) wrote this novel?
• Does he have a "message" he is trying to impart, and if so, what is it? Is he trying to convince the reader of something, and if so, what is it?

The book as a historical document.
 
• How does the book enlighten the reader about the history which the author represents?
• What are the issues he addresses? (see our discussion for some help in thinking about this.) What is the historical theme here?
• Is the book able to provide the reader with historical information or is it suspect because it is fictionalized?


Fiction as a source of history.
 

• Evaluate this genre as a source of history: is it effective? What are its strengths, weaknesses?


Quality and structure of the writing.
 

• Is the book engaging and well written? Is it clear and well organized? How well does the author approach his subject? Is the writing effective?


II. The articles and the novel.

• Which is more effective, in your opinion, in conveying historical information? Why? Which is more "accurate"?
• Analyze some of the differences between these two sources.


III. Style and Format

1. Important:

As you think about all of these questions, above, make sure that you articulate a THEME, and do not write a descriptive paper.

2. Audience and style:

Write this paper for an educated, well informed reader (i.e., me) who knows a fair amount about the subject. Do not write it for a general audience. You do not need to explain broad historical themes, for example. Please avoid colloquialism and slang. This is a formal writing assignment but write in your own voice, and avoid trying to write in a style that is unnaturally complicated. Write clearly. Express your opinion. Use "I" if you so desire. And please: avoid the passive voice!

3. Format

See paper guidelines.

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