Download German 1/3 Project on German Culture Fall `05

German 1
Herr Piper
Fall 2010
HSMSE
„Die Stadt“ Projekt
This project will acquaint students with various aspects of German-speaking cities, including: the arts
and sciences; fine arts; history; sports; geography, significant individuals, customs/holidays/folk-lore,
popular culture/entertainment and food. The project consists of THREE components: written, visual
and oral. All work will be done IN ENGLISH.
Components:
WRITTEN: Students will write a one-and-a-half to two page, typed, double-spaced (12 point font) essay
of no more than 500 words that identifies and provides specific factual information about
the chosen city:
• population;
• geographic location within the country;
• major industries, areas of employment. (What drives the local economy?)
• famous citizens (living or dead) and any landmarks, physical features, or festivals
that are central to the city’s “identity.”
Once you have provided these factual pieces of information, you may focus on any aspect
of the city that most interests you. You are encouraged to follow your own interests in
developing the rest of your essay. While doing so, you may want to consider working the
following aspects into your essay:
• its historical and cultural significance.
• suggest reasons why we (as non-Germans) should be interested in this city,
or have somehow been influenced by it.
• state YOUR personal interest in this city.
(Why did you choose it in the first place?)
All essays should be informative, insightful, and INTERESTING.
The written component will be worth 50% of your grade.
VISUAL: Students will provide a visual representation of their chosen city. It should clearly identify the
central theme of their research. This may consist of an original work of art (drawing/
painting/ poster or collage), a photograph, print or reproduction, an object (edible or
otherwise), or any other format that provides an interesting, concise and visually stimulating
overview of their topic. The final product should be suitable in both size and content for
public display.
The visual component will be worth 25% of your grade.
ORAL: Students will deliver a FIVE MINUTE oral presentation to the class that reflects their research,
interests, and insights on their subjects. Oral reports should be organized, concise and
engaging. While the oral presentation is a verbal extension of your written work, DO NOT read
directly from your written report, though you may refer to it while speaking. Speak clearly,
audibly, authoritatively and with enthusiasm. Be sure to time yourselves while practicing your
oral presentations beforehand. You will be held to a strict 5 minute time limit.
The oral component will be worth 25% of your grade.
DUE DATE: Projects (written and visual components) will be due on the following days:
GERMAN 1 A-Day:
GERMAN 1 B-Day:
Due Tuesday, Oct. 11.
Due Wednesday, Oct. 12.
Oral reports will be spread out over two or three class periods
beginning on the day projects are due. Students will be assigned time
slots at random the week before.
A late project will lose 10 points for every class-time it remains overdue.
General info:
• All essays must include a list of sources used in your research.
Author, Title, Publication or Website is sufficient.
• You should use at least two sources in your research.
Avoid quoting directly from your sources, unless duly noted and credited.
• If you choose to incorporate a food item into your report, you may supplement
your visual component by bringing in a sample of your selected specialty. While we cannot
enjoy your edible component during class time, we will set a “party hour” for a day after
school when all food projects can be shared with interested and/or hungry classmates.
Things to avoid:
• Do NOT include “useless” or uninteresting information in your written or oral reports, such
as a city’s latitude and longitude or on what type of geological formation your city is located.
Nothing says “Wikipedia” louder than these types of dry, geological fact (unless it is central
to your research).
• Do NOT just read your written report for the oral component. Reading and speaking are
two different ways of communicating. Don’t sound like a book when you speak. Assume
you’re having a well-informed conversation with someone. Ask yourself, “Am I being
interesting?”
• DoNOT simply download a bunch of pictures of your city and just hand them in. DO SOMETHING with them! Arrange them in a eye-catching, attractive way that does justice to your
city and your research.