World Literature  Semester Portfolio Project Guidelines                                                                                        
Ms. Bowles

        

The purpose of this project is to give you an opportunity to learn in depth  about another country.  You will research and gather information about your chosen country’s geography, culture, history, people, and literature.  You will have the majority of the semester to work on and complete this project. The final product will be a portfolio that includes a research paper, literary summaries, a map, documentation from a pen pal, copies of  the required power point presentation with music, and any other information you wish to include.  Following is a detailed outline of the project instructions and requirements:

 

  1. Research a min. of  three countries (excluding USA, and the United Kingdom). Write a brief description illustrating some basic points about the country along with citing a minimum of two sources used for the research.  Complete a choice card for your top two country choices.  I will do my best to grant you your wish!  (Only one student per country)
  2. Conduct extensive research on your assigned country. Write a 4-5 page (Honors level), 3-4 page (Standard level) research paper.  Follow MLA requirements. The research paper should focus on the people/geography/literature/culture/customs/art of the country. This paper will provide the necessary information needed  for your power point presentation.
  3. create/copy a map of the country.  Label.  Include other maps/information that explains the country’s geographical position in the continent, world, and in relationship to NC.
  4. Collect a minimum of 5 news articles (articles should be at least 4 paragraphs).  Copy, download, or  cut out each article and mount it on an 8 ½ x 11 paper.  Type a summary of the article. (Same page or separate page) Feel free to add your own commentary/opinions and/or reactions to the article.
  5. Correspond with a pen pal(s) from the assigned country.  Include a minimum of 10 exchanges(your letter/email and their letter/email is ONE exchange).  Practice safe emailing as discussed in class.  Discuss assignment with your parent to obtain permission to exchange the safe emails.
  6. Locate and read literature from your country.(Not about your country but by an author from your assigned country).  Choose any of the following combinations:
    • Poetry-10 poems (these do not need to be from the same poet), and 8- short stories/folk tales 

                    OR

    • One novel

             Write a summary for each piece of literature.  Include source information for 

             each read and a short bio about the author. Write a paragraph explaining the 

             connection the literature has to the country (use essential questions to help make 

             the connections)

  1. Collect a minimum of 5 art pieces (paintings, sculptures, weavings, etc.).  Copy or download onto a separate sheet of paper for each piece of art.
  2. Listen to a minimum of three pieces of music (songs, instrumental).  List the necessary information (artist’s name, title of music, year published/composed, etc.) Describe  the music and make a connection to the country (use essential questions to help make the connections)
  3. Create and present a power point presentation on all aspects researched for your country.  Include at least one music piece and two art pieces in the presentation. Tell the class about your exchanges with your pen pal(s).  What did you learn of interest from them? Were you more alike? or different? Explain.You are the expert on your country. Be sure to be thorough .
  4. Compile ALL information in a 3 ring binder using sheet protectors-present the binder along with your power point presentation.

 

Pen Pal site:  http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/menu_pres.html