CULTURAL APPRECIATION DAY PROJECTS
Often times we get bogged down in the news. In other words causes of conflict, misery, struggle, etc. and in so doing we forget to appreciate the wonderfully enjoyable traditions of different countries throughout the world. This project is to help us learn about unique customs and traditions from countries around the world that are worth celebrating, or at least appreciating. You will do ONE PROJECT for ONE of the 3 regions (not all 3)
Your job is to create an interactive, engaging PowerPoint based presentation that clearly explains to your classmates the “who, what, when, where, why and how” of your chosen presentation topic (see back side for more in-depth description). Depending on your topic, your presentation could be anywhere from October to February.
IMPORTANT POINTS:
1) At LEAST 1 day before it’s due, you must either:
a. Share using Google Drive
b. E-mail as an attachment to
2) IF YOU USE A MAC: Do NOT send me a Keynote presentation. Keynote only works on Macs. If you use have to use Keynote because your computer doesn’t have PowerPoint or won’t let you save the Keynote as a PPT file, you must “save as” a PDF file before you send it, though you may lose some animations, etc.
TOPIC CHOICES (all 40 pts.)
Latin America / Africa / AsiaFood / · Argentine Asadores (BBQ)
· Tex/Mex food
· Caribbean Country (pick 1)
· Native Andes region food
· Central Amer. Country (pick) / · South African
· West African (Nigeria?)
· East African (Ethiopia?)
· Congolese Food / · Chinese Food
· Japanese Food
· Indian Food
· Thai Food
· Arabian Food
· Turkish Food
Music / · Mexican (Mariachi)
· Native Andean
· Caribbean Steel Drumming / · West drumming/dance
· South music/dance
· Central music/dance
· East Music/dance / · Chinese Music
· Arabian Music
· Israeli Music
· J-pop/K-pop
Art (all types) / · Mexican Murals
· Brazilian Samba/Dance
· Andes / · Central Wood carving
· East Body Art/Jewelry
· South Art / · Chinese Art
· Japanese Art
· Indian Art
· Arabian Art
Clothing / · Andes / · South
· West
· Central / · Indian Clothing
· Chinese Clothing
· Japanese Clothing
Special Topics / · Carnavale (Brazil)
· Capoeira (Brazil) / · Nollywood
· Kwanzaa? / · Bollywood (Indian) Cinema
· Kung Fu (China)
· Kick Boxing (Thailand)
· Karate (Japan)
· Chinese New Year
FOCUS QUESTIONS FOR DIFFERENT PROJECT GROUPINGS
· Food presentations – must bring in food sample for full credit. Analyze how geography influences what is eaten, and the influence of cultural convergence also. Share how the income of average families influences what they usually eat, how much, when, etc. Describe important aspects of food’s place in customs and traditions, such as common meals, festival foods, etc.
· Music presentations – example of traditional music AND convergent music (western influence combined with traditional influence). Explain the geographical resources available to early musicians that influenced instrument creation, how music has evolved via cultural convergence, and how music today represents both traditional and western themes, arrangements, etc.
· Art presentations – because no physical example is required (of course you CAN bring one), more weight is placed on your PPT pictures, diagrams and charts. Explain clearly what major themes arise across the art of the region (e.g. animals, landscapes, people struggling, etc.) and how those themes represent important aspects of the country’s culture.
· Clothing presentations - because no physical example is required (of course you CAN bring one), more weight is placed on your PPT pictures, diagrams and charts. Explain WHY they dress the way they do there (incorporate natural resources, climate, values, etc.).
· Unique presentations (Chinese New Year, Capoeira, Carnavale, Kwanzaa, Karate, Kung Fu, etc.) – must explain how the tradition is important to the culture of the country in general, and explain its cultural background as well (WHY do they do it that way there?). Videos are vital.
PowerPoint requirements (5-7 min. presentation)
o Clear and descriptive title (example: Traditional clothing of East Africa)
o Every slide should have Visual and written explanations of your piece of culture. Try to never put more than 40 words on a slide, and use as large a font as you can.
o 1 slide with a Map of your region including:
§ Relative Location (countries surrounding it)
§ Geographical influences on culture (Mountains, Rivers, Valleys, Lakes, Resources, etc.)
o Clearly demonstrate for each physical & visual example WHY they do that there?
§ What is it (name, genre, etc.)?
§ What cultural significance/value does it hold for the people of that country?
§ What are the geographical & cultural reasons for choosing those ingredients/materials?
§ How/why is it an example of something unique to that country?
§ How/why is the element of culture you chose converging with Western cultures now?
§ Personal reaction; what was the most interesting/meaningful thing(s) you learned?
RUBRIC
SCORE / DESCRIPTION/EXPLANATION6 / - Props & pictures clearly demonstrate an authentic cultural example of the region in a colorful and engaging manner which assists in audience learning and interest in the topic.
- Specific, detailed, relevant examples!
- Written explanation of images in PowerPoint clearly and completely teaches audience all 4 content pieces
- PowerPoint design and display shows meticulous thought, care, effort and attention to detail.
5 / - Props depict a cultural example of the region assigned, though choice of prop lacked thoroughness. OR
- Written explanation clearly teaches all 4 content pieces for the topic, though 1 is superficial OR
- Display shows thought, though care and effort are superficial.
4 / - Props depict a cultural example of the region assigned, though choice of prop lacked thoroughness.
- Written explanation attempts to teach all 4 content pieces for the topic, though 2 are superficial or 1 is lacking completely
- Display shows thought, though care and effort are superficial.
3 / - Props are poorly chosen or show lack of care.
- Written explanation is lacking 2 content pieces, or overall superficial.
- Display is quickly constructed or shows lack of care/preparation.
2 / - Props & display clearly show lack of attention to the topic
- Written explanation shows lack of attention to the topic, content is lacking