· 1-2 Discussion: Research and Problem Solving

Discussion Topic

In our society, it’s crucial that we develop the ability to understand context and problem-solve, whether it’s for civic or professional reasons. This is true for leaders at all levels, from those in charge of diverse industries to politicians and lobbyists. The research process is one fundamental practice that ensures individuals can develop, express, and justify solutions.

In your initial post, briefly introduce yourself to your peers. Then, briefly describe a problem that you or a group of people you belong to are currently experiencing. Explain the main characteristics of the problem, the obstacles you face in getting it solved, and your goal. Then, address the following:

· How would you solve the problem?

· What research and resources will you need to solve it?

· How would you justify your solution?

In response to at least two of your peers, address the following:

· What ideas or resources can you share to help your peers craft their solutions?

· What are some obstacles to your peers’ potential solutions?

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.

Name:__________________________________________________

1) Read and highlight the important information in the following text

The Story of Sundiata: ‘The Lion King’

A long time ago, King Maghan ruled the kingdom of Mali. He was loved by his people and had many wives. One day, a hunter came from far away to visit the king. The hunter asked him to marry a woman called Sogolon. King Magham demanded, "why should I marry a woman I do not know just because a stranger has told me to?" The hunter told him that Sogolon would bear him a son who will become the greatest king ever to rule the kingdom. Like most Malians, the king believed in fate and destiny, and the king listened to the advice of the hunter. Even though Sogolon was very ugly, the king married her and she gave birth to a son. He was named Sundiata. But as the boy grew older they realised that he couldn’t use his legs.

King Maghan became very sick when Sundiata was still a young boy. Knowing his days were numbered, the king called Sundiata to his bedside, telling his son, “when I go, you will be king. You are destined for greatness, my boy!” But after king Maghan died, the king’s first wife ‘Sassouma’ believed that her son, Dankaran should be king. Sassouma spread tales about Sundiata around the kingdom so people wouldn’t accept him. The gossip worked and Dankaran became king instead. Sundiata was forced to flee with his mother.

Living far away in a foreign land, Sogolon became very unhappy. She said to her son, "Sundiata, you must know that I love you dearly, but I am worried about your future.  You are a strong boy and have a great heart, but your legs have allowed Sassouma to take control.  We cannot let Dankaran be king - it is against your father’s wishes!"  Sundiata felt sad but he had great courage and determination. Using two iron rods from a blacksmith, Sundiata used all his strength to pull himself up. Gradually, his legs started to grow, and within minutes he was standing on his own two feet. He told the gathering crowd, “now I’m ready to be king!

The young Sundiata grew into a man and became famous for his strength and charm. He had many admirers. In the meantime, Sassouma and Dankaran had lost control of the kingdom to a wicked wizard called Sumanguru. An old friend called Balle Fasseke told Sundiata how Sumanguru had magical powers over the people of Mali, and how he even displayed the skins and skulls of his enemies as treasures in his chamber.

Sundiata was determined to go back and free his people of the terrible wizard. Balle Fasseke gave him a special arrow that would make Sumanguru lose his evil magic if scratched by the arrow. Trusting his friend, Sundiata set off to fight Sumanguru, joined by hundreds of his friends and supporters. There was a long and fierce battle but Sundiata’s determination and patience paid off. Sumanguru was wounded by the arrow and lost all his power. The wizard fled, never to be seen again. Sundiata was finally crowned king, and his adoring people called him, “the lion king of Mali” because of his strength and courage. Sundiata’s reign was a long and happy one, and he became the greatest king ever to rule the kingdom of Mali.

Summary of Disney’s The Lion King:

A young lion prince is born in Africa to Queen Sarabi and King Mufasa, thus making his uncle Scar the second in line to the throne. Scar plots with the hyenas to kill King Mufasa and Prince Simba, thus making himself King. The King is killed and Simba is led to believe by Scar that it was his fault, and so flees the kingdom in shame. After years of exile he is persuaded by the Baboon Rafiki to return home to overthrow Scar and claim the kingdom as his own thus completing the "Circle of Life".

2) List the Disney characters that correspond to the real life people

REAL LIFE PEOPLE DISNEY’S LION KING CHARACTERS

Sundiata – son of Maghan, son of Sogolon, Lion King _________________________

King Maghan – original king of Mali, father of Sundiata _________________________

Sogolon – mother of Sundiata, wife of Maghan _________________________

Sassouma – Maghan’s first wife, mother of Dankaran _________________________

Dankaran – son of Maghan, son of Sassouma _________________________

Sumanguru – wicked man who gained control of Mali _________________________

Balle Fasseke – Griot who befriended Sundiata _________________________

3) List 3 things that happened in the legend of the real-life Sundiata that are featured in The Lion King

1 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

3 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

4) Write a paragraph explaining why you think that Disney’s The Lion King could be the story of Sundiata & the Mali Empire. Include evidence from the stories to support your answer.