The Hollywood blockbuster film Black Panther was a major cultural phenomenon since its release in 2018. While the film has been heralded as a major contribution to the study of Afrofuturism, it
also touches on major historical themes within the fields of African and African Diasporic History. This includes (but is not limited to) ancient African civilizations, kingship and kinship, African architecture and fashion, warrior women, the role of women in African cultures and governance, colonialism, independence, inter-African state relations, the importance of African minerals and other natural resources to the global economy, foreign intervention in Africa, the international arms trade and Africa, civil wars, terrorism and counter-terrorism, violence against women in contemporary Africa, African technologies, repatriation and reparations, the relationship between Africans and other people of African descent such as African Americans, and the responses and reactions of Africans, African Americans, and other blacks to the film itself.
Using Black Panther as a reference point, you are required to write an argumentative research paper centered on one of the major themes reflected in the film. These themes can be one of those outlined above, or you can come up with your own theme. Within one of these themes, you should find a specific topic or issue that you would like to develop as a research paper, articulating your point of view on the topic, supported by real historical evidence. The paper should be between 8 – 12 pages in length, double-spaced, twelve-point font, with one-inch margins all around, with at least 5 different historical sources (such as books, book chapters, journal articles, newspaper articles, etc.). Given that the research paper is worth 30% of your final
grade, I suggest that you give yourself ample time to watch or re-watch the film, and then think about the topic on which you want to write your paper. To be clear, this is a history research paper inspired by the film. It is not a film review paper
these are the guidelines given by the instructor please note that I would like this paper to focus on the economic aspects of the film and modern times highlighting Congo and the resources found throughout Africa for technology around the world. I have attached a sample paper provided by my professor.
