Short answer: course theme (no source)

African cultural traditions across the diaspora

Units 1, 2 and 4
3 points
About 13 minutes

With no source to read, you answer three or four short parts about a big theme that runs through several units, giving specific examples and explaining causes, comparisons, changes or significance. On the exam: Section II, short-answer question 3 of 3 (required); the three short-answer questions share a suggested 40 minutes and are 18% of the score. In 2025 and 2026 this question had 3 parts (A–C).

The question

There is no source for this question. Answer parts A, B and C in a few complete sentences each, using specific historical evidence; you don't need a thesis.

Suggested time: 13 minutes

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Part (A)

1 point

Describe one religious or spiritual practice found in West or Central African societies before 1600.

Your answer to part (A)

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Part (B)

1 point

Describe one way enslaved Africans and their descendants in the Americas preserved or adapted an African cultural practice.

Your answer to part (B)

0 / 2,500 characters

Part (C)

1 point

Explain how ONE form of music created by African Americans between 1900 and 2000 drew on musical elements that originated in Africa.

Your answer to part (C)

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