Title: Exploring Griots and Hip Hop: Storytelling Traditions in West Africa and Urban America

Class Duration: 35 minutes

Objective: To understand the historical significance of storytelling traditions in West Africa and their influence on contemporary hip hop culture.

Icebreaker Question: “Have you ever heard of the West African tradition of griot storytellers? How do you think their storytelling compares to the storytelling in hip hop music today?”

Class Outline:

I. Introduction (5 minutes) A. Greet the students and introduce the topic of the day. B. Present the icebreaker question and allow students to share their thoughts briefly.

II. West African Griots (10 minutes) A. Show a short video clip (5 minutes) that introduces the concept of griots and their role in West African society. B. Discuss the key characteristics of griots, such as their oral tradition, historical preservation, and social importance. C. Highlight the griots’ storytelling techniques, including rhythmic patterns, call-and-response, and improvisation.

III. Hip Hop and Storytelling (10 minutes) A. Introduce the concept of hip hop as a modern form of storytelling. B. Show a video clip (5 minutes) that explores the history and evolution of hip hop, emphasizing its roots in African oral traditions. C. Discuss the similarities and differences between griots and hip hop artists in terms of storytelling techniques, themes, and social commentary.

IV. Relationship between Griots and Hip Hop (5 minutes) A. Facilitate a class discussion on the connections between griots and hip hop artists. B. Encourage students to identify common elements, such as storytelling, cultural preservation, and community engagement. C. Discuss how hip hop has become a platform for marginalized voices, similar to the griots’ role in West African societies.

V. Conclusion (5 minutes) A. Summarize the main points discussed during the class. B. Encourage students to reflect on the significance of storytelling traditions in shaping cultural identities. C. Conclude by inviting students to explore more about griots and hip hop on their own.

Note: The duration of video clips may vary depending on the availability of resources and the specific videos chosen. It is recommended to select engaging and age-appropriate videos that align with the class objectives.